THERE WAS A TIME (LONG AGO) WHEN I WOULD MOCK THE MEDICAL/ PSEUDO-PSYCHOLOGICAL CONCEPTS OF “CHANGE OF LIFE” AND THE “PROCESS OF AGEING” AS JUST FASHIONABLE EXCUSES FOR POOR ADULT PERFORMANCE OR BEHAVIOUR.
But no more! Having survived the middle-age rollercoaster rides of often unfathomable behaviour during various stages of the much-chronicled change-oflife experiences (impacting on both males and females), the realities of the processes of ageing have well and truly kicked in.
And the one particularly positive aspect of this is that (the older we get), we “oldies” tend to see things – the highs and lows of life, and people in it – much more realistically.
Gone is the brashness of our ten-feet-tall-and-bulletproof days, and our “we-arethe-greatest” assessments of ourselves, our society, our governments – and all manner of other national issues.
And personally, we tend to NOT take ourselves so seriously – and are prepared to concede (most of us, anyway) that we are fallible, we have made mistakes…. and we probably will make a few more yet, before our time is up!
As the processes of ageing increase, however (and more rapidly, it seems) we also place more faith in the principle that we can (increasingly) afford to be more forthright in the views we hold and how we express them. This should not be confused with any disregard for good manners – which should prevail at all times…but you know the line: “If you don’t want the answer – don’t ask the question!”//The reality is, we don’t set out to impress everybody every day, to maintain a job (or a role in society). We don’t need to. Most people in most families (mums, dads and the kids…..and other family members, neighbours and good friends) have travelled the change – of – life road with the muchloved females among us…. and gone through all the torments (and “devils” of this phenomenon) with them – mostly, with great tolerance, understanding, and support.
Sometimes we fail in this, however. (Yes, we are fallible…even devoted husbands and wives, sisters and brothers, and even “mums and dads”). But it is not often recognised (or perhaps known, even) that we mere males go through a related form of this C.O.L. process which can generate some crazy attitude and actions too, at times. I don’t suggest clinically or certifiably crazy, mind you, in respect of either the “girls” or the blokes….. but crazy, nonetheless. I don’t think that needs any further elaboration. Suffice to say, the change-of-life” factor – as a valid medical/ psychological condition – IS REAL…and it affects all of us!
On the issue of the process of ageing, however, there can be no denial or disagreement; unquestionably, it does exist, too….and I personally feel its hot breath, every day. In our advancing old age, the pathway to nirvana and the cementing of relations between males and females in both “camps”…..those experiencing the dreaded change-of-life phase or the processes of ageing ….. Isn’t helped much by the antics of gender-bending female rights activists and the absurdity of “political correctness” nonsense, in recent times.
But even these nonsensical contributions have definite public value (benefits, even) in encouraging betterinformed debate – often very robust and spirited – to keep we oldies more active and “switched on”, longer ……mentally, at least. And physically? That’s another matter.