Abstract
Statement : The Seven Stages of Man :
The Seven Stages of Man has close association with the famous speech “Seven Ages of Man” in William Shakespeare’s play ‘As you like it’ . Here the impetus is on the fact that “All the World is a Stage” and this phrase begins a monologue as spoken by Jacques in Act II Scene VII.
So the belief statement mentioned here outlines the belief systems and portrays the life of the elderly. In essence we have to accept the fact that the world is a stage and life is a play that unfolds the different stages of a man’s life from birth till death.
So the aging process is inevitable and life is a process to death but the different ages of man from infancy, childhood, adolescence , manhood, adulthood, aged and finally the second childhood . Shakespeare, W., (2014). This is the last stage of an aged man during his eventful life , when he returns to his second childhood weak and fragile like an infant!
Philosophy of Aging:
Aging, is a beautiful process whereby maturity seeps in and the grace of grey hairs, outshines the gorgeous luster of jet black strands of hair in the youth. Youthfulness and the glow of reaching a stage of being able to manage independently is beautiful, but the wisdom that comes from the bulk of experiences makes aging a graceful process. But the underlying insecurities of reaching old age is natural because it is a sort of second childhood, when man will loose his appeal and firmness and needs a hand of support and affection as he enters a stage of helplessness like infancy. Shakespeare, W., (2014).
Christian World View Impact:
‘The Christian World View’ has a great impact, on personal ideas about aging as a God centered approach to life adds strength and confidence . There are many phrases from a biblical point of view that re-instates the meaning and purpose of life when all seems dark. For example “Even though I walk through the valleys of death your rod and your staff they comfort me still” (Psalms 23:4 New International Version). This is an inclusion of a biblical world view that brings in the idea of an Almighty God who is a source of constant love and knowing that God is in control changes the way we look at threatening events and painful conditions beyond human control. The reassurance and comfort offered by a Creator God helps to hold ground in the face of adversity in an extraordinarily graceful manner wherein the peace of God surpasses human understanding.
Elderly people important to me and personal belief systems about aging:
There are a few elderly people who hold a prominent place in my heart because of many reasons. A few of the reasons that can be outlined is in relation with values and belief systems, discipline and positive outlook. My grandparents are among the few elderly people that I choose to look at with awe and respect for the amount of importance they had always associated with values, discipline and commitment. People with depth and substance who would never tolerate wayward mannerisms create an environment where they can mentor the future generations to be like wise men who build their lives on the Rock of Ages (God Factor) - (Isaiah 26:4 New International Version) and God centered approach . Leading by example when they demonstrate a life that is governed by matchless principles then even until old age and grey hairs (Isaiah 46:4 New International Version) , they rest assured that they are in the palm of a caring and righteous God who will not leave them destitute or forsake them.
Health promotion campaigns among the elderly and Ministry among the Elderly:
In terms of promoting health and well being it will be a good idea to take it up as a ministry in providing pastoral care and help to the elderly. There are many people who need the support of old age homes. Shunned into pits of despair it is heart-breaking to see them forsaken by loved ones for whom they did not leave any stone unturned in out caring beyond for them. In seeing to it that they are able to reach positions which they have been able to attain because of the selfless sacrifices that has gone into raising
their young ones. So health promotion campaigns and awareness of the aging process and useful tips on how to overcome sickness would go a long way in enabling people age gracefully.
Perceived work among the elderly as a health professional:
It would be a good idea to work among the elderly as a health care consultant as it would enable them to be educated with a lot of information related to remaining as fit as a fiddle even when faced with daunting health issues owing to degenerative aging process. It is evident that there are numerous changes that occur for instance biological, psychological, emotional, anatomical and physiological but the right amount of supplements and anti-aging treatment methodologies help in fighting age related illness that weakens the neuro-cognitive, respiratory , cardiovascular, digestive and musculoskeletal systems. Leiter,B.,(2015)
Gains from the Elderly and Contributions to the Elderly:
What I have gained from the elderly is invaluable in terms of the values that I have learnt to uphold in gaining character and strength . Many a times it is very easy to get swayed by alluring factors but to be able to hold ground requires grit and determination.
In terms, of contributing to the elderly I believe there are things that money cannot buy and being able to be support emotionally and financially is important because it is one way of showing gratitude for whatever achievements was being made possible due to the relentless efforts in grooming a strong generation. Leiter,B.,(2015)
Things to do that will affect my personal aging process:
Well, the things that I would have to religiously adhere to in order to control the aging process would be commitment to my own health and well-being. Health and fitness measures and controlled dietary patterns and regular exercises would be a few of the most common measures to be adopted. A few cosmetic tips would be to avoid too much of chemicals and artificial agents for anti-aging treatments and to rely on fresh herbs, bee nectar and pure and pristine products that has withstood the test of time. It would be rational to use produces of Aloe Vera that contains polysaccharides (carbohydrate molecules) which act as moisturizers to hydrate the skin. This is also because it has the property to be easily absorbed into the skin and stimulate fibroblasts in the cells to replicate themselves in order to preserve the youthful glow.
Description of a future at age 50 or 70 and the important factors at a future self:
A projection of a future self at age 50 or 70 is perhaps a difficult proposition because it really depends on what the situation is but from a holistic point of view it would be nice to experience evergreen youth (Psalms 92 : 12 New International Version), with the ability to be firm and independent. The important factors would be to maintain an equilibrium in life and not being affected by the ravages of time and the inherent stress that has a damaging impact . I would love to see myself actively involved in activities that I have always been extremely passionate about and spend time in establishing myself in a manner in which I can mentor others as well and thereby “grow and help grow”!
References:
Shakespeare, W., (2014). The Seven Ages of Man Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-explanation-of-Shakespeares-poem-Seven-Ages-Of-Man
Leiter,B.,(2015).Be Bolder Growin’ Older: Overcoming the temptations of Old Age Retrieved from https://beverlylynnt.wordpress.com/tag/aging-gracefully
Bible - New International Version. (Psalms 23:4 , Isaiah 26:4 , Isaiah 46:4, Psalms 92:12, New International Version)
