The other day someone mentioned something about getting older \u2014 that\u2019s the term that I usually use. But some people say that \u201cgrowing\u201d older is the proper term, not \u201cgetting\u201d older. So which is it? And does it really matter? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like most subjects I tackle in this blog, it really does\u2019t matter \u2014 if you get old or grow old, you\u2019re still \u201cold.\u201d Well, of course, this all got me to thinking\u2026..<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the conversation I was referring to, I think \u201cget\u201d is the same as \u201cgrow.\u201d But \u2014 \u201cgrow older\u201d doesn\u2019t mean the same thing as \u201cgrow old.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From what I can tell, \u201cold\u201d today means an age greater than 60. I think 50 used to be considered \u201cold,\u201d but not today. Anyhow, everyone grows old \u2014 that means everyone eventually becomes 60. But \u201cgrow older\u201d just means that someone is older than he was before. Everyone \u201cgrows older\u201d every year, but they have not necessarily \u201cgrown old.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the fact is that it doesn\u2019t matter if you are 20 or 80, every day we are all getting older \u2014 at least chronologically. But age is also a factor of our mindsets and attitudes as well as the years. Sometimes I wonder why many people let their age determine their actions, behavior \u2014 and goals. Thinking back I don\u2019t think I ever wanted to be judged by my age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So \u2014 what\u2019s the difference between growing old and getting old? I\u2019ve always believed that everyone is going to get old<\/em> but they don\u2019t have to grow old<\/em>. I think I once heard it explained in a way that made a lot of sense to me: I\u2019ve been told fairly often that I\u2019m immature. I never took it as an insult\u2026 or a compliment. Immaturity, or youth, isn\u2019t an age group \u2014 it\u2019s a mindset. Of course being immature doesn\u2019t mean we should behave like a child. We all grow old, but some of us grow up. I know a few people in their 50s, 60s and 70s (and older) that are still whiny brats \u2014 they grow old, but never grow up. Some even get worse as they grow older. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Growing old happens no matter what \u2014 you can\u2019t not<\/em> get older. But growing up requires work, mindfulness and persistence. To grow up we have to learn from our mistakes, remain open to change and accept, and adjust to, the realities of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When we were kids, we yearned for the time we would be grown up. Well, it’s that time for most of us. We all (me included) need to act our age and behave like an adult. Heaven knows, right now the world needs more adults\u2026. The other day someone mentioned something about getting older \u2014 that\u2019s the term that I usually use. But some people say that \u201cgrowing\u201d older is the proper term, not \u201cgetting\u201d older. So which is it? And does it really matter? … Continue reading
Getting old<\/em> \u2014 the years pass one by one and the older you get the faster they seem to pass.
Growing old<\/em> \u2014 leaving behind the exhilaration, passion, optimism, adventure, excitement and zeal that you once lived in your earlier years.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 30 \u2014<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"