Beyond “Aging Gracefully”

We are fortunate in Illinois; there are 13 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) focusing on Seniors. There are also 35 local agencies throughout the state & 163 home care agencies to meet the needs of older adults. These support agencies are populated by the educated and dedicated to the needs of Seniors.

My experience with these resources has been positive. My only complaint is that few of these dedicated people are over sixty-five. As a retired technologist, I am interested in outreach program offerings in my area. I turned seventy-nine recently. Though my body is a challenge, I remain curious. A topic I encounter, too often, in research is Aging Gracefully.

Grace is a multifaceted word with several meanings. None of them regard the aging process. I have never seen an article titled Aging Gracefully as a Teen, a 20, 30, 45 or 50 year old. It implies grace is needed to surpass a birthday. It also implies Seniors do not progress with grace without guidance.

Though we are old, we are individuals with unique requirements and living situations. Yes, our physicality is a challenge, but are minds still seek conversation, engagement, laughter. We are lucky the Senior Resource Center in Freeport offers programs of gathering. Check out their calendar.