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January 9, 2009

Senior Scene: Looking Back: I know the secret to a long life

I had a very interesting morning the other day. Anticipating a doctors’ appointment is not one of my favorite pastimes, but a must is a must.

I was waiting for my turn and a very elderly man was waiting for his wife (it seems he didn’t need a turn) and as we all know there is a lot of waiting because our doctors are certainly very busy people. I call this man “very” elderly because even though I am considered “elderly,” he was much my senior _ to the tune of being in his mid-90s and, I must add, looking good.

He smiled. I smiled.

He nodded. I nodded.

“Beautiful day out” he added to the nod. I agreed and we continued our informal chatting.

After all the obituaries I read looking for folks I once knew (another ‘elderly’ pastime) I was curious as to what this pleasant oldster attributed his longevity to, and so I politely asked.

You would guess that there would be an answer like: Good health attributed to good diet, no smoking, walking or other good maintenance programs and calling for enough quality sleep, more exercising and just keeping busy perhaps with an interesting hobby or travel.

One thought escaped me, though, and it had to do with _ you’ll see.

He paused and thought. Looking at me most sincerely he answered with one word: “Spirituality.”

He pressed his lips firmly together and nodded his head affirmatively, making that a most indelible statement, “Yes, most assuredly ... spiritually.” Just imagine living another 20 years. Could I ward off human eventuality by having enough spirituality?

There is a Proverb expressing how “a calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism.” It all fits together.

There was so much I wanted to ask that wise elderly man. No one, especially not a complete stranger, ever expressed themself like that -- not to me, at least. It really was thought-provoking. "Waiting time" ran out as his wife returned and I was ushered into the examining room. What I learned was that the gentleman was an avid churchgoer and took his Bible-based religion very seriously. It must have paid off because he was still enjoying life. (That's a lot better than being written up on Page 5 of this newspaper or being preoccupied by human mortality.) All this was a "think piece." It's true that the foregoing healthful suggestions are beneficial, but is peace of mind along with self-worth more important? Is believing what the Bible teaches important and what the prophesied future will be? Good questions. He was over 90 and still going. I'm over 76 and still going and happily we both have a common denominator: spirituality. There are so many choices in a lifetime. Equally too there are so many forms of worship on the face of this earth. Now what? Where would the longevity of "spirituality" come from, or how is it attainable? Going back to my childhood, I remember going to various churches, some with my parents and some with my peers. There were conflicting ideas and questions that went unanswered, so I continued life thinking that all was status quo. But then there was a knock on my door. It was as if my prayers had been answered. I have studied, researched, read, inquired and to be completely honest, I am still actively doing just that. The Bible has proven to be the best source for reliable, accurate information. Life is a learning process and a closed mind is as good as a closed umbrella on a rainy day. Better yet is what some folks say: Two minds are better than one. Elaine Kniskern is a resident of Schenevus and a grandmother of five.

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