Looking back to embrace the future

Finding joy and connection throughout the aging journey

Picture it: you’re six years old, looking up… WAAAAY up. Completely awestruck by the big kids towering over you on the playground, effortlessly leaping and bounding over the jungle gym. But as the summers pass and you sprout from small to big, you might find the difference from big to small doesn’t seem as vast.

Similarly, think back to your milestone birthdays. In our 20’s we were apprehensive about turning thirty: typically, thirty is viewed as a hard deadline for ‘figuring it out’, like our parents did. As it turns out, when we woke up on our thirtieth birthday, there was still plenty of time to spare. And so it goes, as we progress through our decades. Forty may be the new thirty, but let’s not push our luck, you might think. Certainly, turning fifty puts us squarely on the other side of ‘young’, doesn’t it? Now what?

But again, just like the decades before, after the candles are blown out and the cake is cut, nothing changes. At least not in one day. Just like every other ‘stage’ of our lives, crossing the threshold into older adulthood is much more of ebb and flow versus instant teleportation.

It’s just a phase—maybe even three (or more)

Think of it this way: rather than strictly adhering to an antiquated, rigid structure of measurements and milestones, aging is more akin to a nebulous cluster of phases, looking different for everyone, depending on their own personal priorities, desires, and, circumstances.

For example, in early post-retirement, many assume new retirees spend their time travelling or pursuing hobbies—and many do, while simultaneously pursuing opportunities like working part time to keep busy, or lending support to their adult children and grandchildren as a caregiver. Either way, old age still feels like a long way off, especially with a renewed sense of free time and purpose.

That said, no matter where you are in life, the experience of aging isn’t always easy.  Even the best laid plans can go awry, and as we grow older, we have to deal with and accept things can change at a moment’s notice. We have to cope with things that limit our ability to pursue our dreams: illness, injury, and loss become more prevalent, hindering our capacity to remain positive, and in some cases, leading to isolation or withdrawal from society.

So, what can we do? How do we continue to grow when everything around us seems to be fading away?

But it’s not all just for fun: “Social isolation poses a profound threat to the health and wellness of people in general, but seniors are especially vulnerable, and are less likely to reach out for support,” says Alan Chapple, Executive Director at Garrison Green. “Everything changes when opportunities for connection and learning are accessible. Living in a community like United removes the barriers, and suddenly residents start attending workshops and lectures out of curiosity.”

Alan continues, “Being an integral part of a community allows older adults to connect with their peers. As they begin to forge relationships, they encourage and support each other, giving them confidence to try new things. We see the immense benefits of social interaction every day. Even residents who are naturally introverted benefit just from being seen and included.”

Regardless of where you are on your aging journey, the key to finding joy stems from connection: acknowledging that change happens to all of us, having the support and companionship of your peers and loved ones, finding purpose in your day by pursuing hobbies and trying new things can guide you, as you overcome challenges, and offer inspiration to pursue your passions.

Check out United’s monthly program calendars and discover where the next stage of your journey could begin!

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