At 71

Some may posit, that on the occasion of my 71st year, I am becoming ossified.

Really? Let’s examine the evidence: physically, mentally, and psychologically.

Calcify refers to hardening, to becoming inflexible and unable to change.

Ossify refers to becoming inflexible, conventional, and resistant to change.

Physical change?

Yes.

I have been diagnosed with Polymyalgia rheumatic with inflammatory arthritis. For more detail, visit:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25215-polymyalgia-rheumatica

Remedy? Just keep moving.

Brain calcification?

Maybe.

“Scientists are learning how age-related changes in the brain may harm neurons and affect other types of brain cells to contribute to Alzheimer’s damage. These age-related changes include atrophy (shrinking) of certain parts of the brain, inflammation, vascular damage, production of unstable molecules called free radicals, and breakdown of energy production within cells. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without ever developing dementia.”

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-causes-alzheimers-disease#risk

Remedy? Just keep moving.

Psychological calcification?

Maybe, however, I can empathize with Arlene Donovan when she states:

The older I get, the wiser I become about embracing change rather than resisting it. Change is one of the natural flows of life that occurs often, even when we don't want it to. Being open and flexible to change has helped me to rewire my approach by going along or embracing change versus trying to control it. After all, change can be a good thing! Go ahead, change your lenses; you will see it, too.

- Arlene Donovan, Turning Point Coaching LLC

Finally, for a poetic answer, I turn to Lord Byron:

V. …Whate'er he be, 'twas not what he had been:

That brow in furrow'd lines had fix'd at last,

And spake of passions, but of passion past;

The pride, but not the fire, of early days,

Coldness of mien, and carelessness of praise;

A high demeanour, and a glance that took

Their thoughts from others by a single look;

And that sarcastic levity of tongue,

The stinging of a heart the world hath stung,

That darts in seeming playfulness around,

And makes those feel that will not own the wound:

All these seem'd his, and something more beneath

Than glance could well reveal, or accent breathe.

Ambition, glory, love, the common aim

That some can conquer, and that all would claim,

Within his breast appear'd no more to strive,

Yet seem'd as lately they had been alive;

And some deep feeling it were vain to trace

At moments lighten'd o'er his livid face.

From Lara, by George (Lord) Byron

"That brow in furrow'd lines had fix'd at last"

Okay, if I'm an old stiff, then get me a stiff drink, and with a smile, I'll just keep moving.

CPW