“The image of decline in old age is a bit deceptive, because even though your energies are those of early youth – that was the time of moving into the field of making all those big drives – now you are in the field, and this is the time of the opening flower, the real fulfillment, the bringing forth of what you have prepared yourself to bring forth. It is a wonderful moment; it is not a loss, as if you’re throwing off something to go down. Not at all. It is a Blooming.”

-Joseph Campbell, Reflections On The Art of Living.

_____

All I can add to this is “Bravo,” well said and right out of my heart and soul. Our culture treats old age with contempt and ridicule. We aren’t living long enough to earn more money, so it’s better to forget us. But we don’t have to ignore, ridicule, or give up on ourselves. This can be a wonderful moment, the best time. – Me.