Does the Process of Aging have to include Doctor Visits?

Changing Goals in Youth and the Process of Aging
    The goal of youth is to learn to live in society. The goal as we age is to learn to debunk the rules we learned that may no longer serve us. Everyone has “unresolved issues” and things that are incomplete in the developmental cycle. If we haven’t faced those issues, the aging process itself will offer some experiences that give us the opportunity for finally transcending them. Of course, aging itself is a developmental opportunity and it is our spiritual task as we age to come to grips with the changes in our minds and bodies.

Going to the Doctors
    This past month I’ve had the opportunity to have conversations with several of my friends and clients who are over 50 and in the “process of aging.” None of us would say we are old; we are simply in that process!  One of the commonalities that I’ve noticed, now that many of us are no longer going to work each day is that we are all spending more time at the doctor’s office – or at multiple doctors’ offices or alternative practitioners. Some are going to oncologists, some cardiologists, gastroenterologists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. But, the “complaint” is all the same. “It’s no fun getting old.”

Spiritual Lessons
    Because I’ve been writing about the process of aging and the spiritual lessons that it teaches, I couldn’t help but reflect on what lesson these visits are attempting to teach us.  Perhaps it has something to do with self-care? I wonder how many of us who find ourselves in this position really took the proper care of ourselves before this time. Perhaps we were too busy caring for others. Or, we were so busy working and making our mark in the world, that our self-care took a back seat. God helps those who help themselves. Love your neighbor as yourself. Hmm. Could these appointments be a call to greater self-love.

    Yesterday I met a 95-year young woman and asked her the secret to her exuberance and energy even at this age.  “That’s easy, she said. I love myself.”  It’s a point worth pondering.

    I’m certain that as I reflect more on this, I’ll find an even greater understanding of the spiritual principle behind “going to the doctors as we age.” Perhaps you have an insight you can share. Click below on the comment section and let me hear your thoughts on this. We can all grow together.