Growing Old Together

After watching a movie on television the other night, my wife and I lifted ourselves off the couch together. We both did so slowly as we had to work our way through the aches and pains that come with age and with sitting in one spot for an extended period of time. As we finally made it to our feet, I laughed and said, "This is what it must mean to get old together." It also got me to thinking about whether there has ever been a young couple that at some point in their budding relationship has not expressed the sentiment about wanting to grow old together? I think not. My wife and I certainly did and here we are decades later.


Of course, for two people to, in fact, grow old together means they must do all they can to take at least reasonably good care of themselves and stay alive. This is one responsibility each as individuals has in order to fulfill their commitment to the other. Another responsibility each carries with them pertains to communication. Some what I will call veteran couples continue to do it very well and even develop their own special short-hand way of interacting. Others, however, do not. Much like their physical health, they tend to not try as hard a they once did to remain as fully engaged with their partner as they once did. This can and does lesson or weaken the relationship.


One big way older folks remain physically healthy is through exercise. Maintaining open lines of communication is another form of exercise that contributes to one's well being, both as an individual and as part of a couple. Life being what it is has a way of slowing us down. Being an active communicator with one's partner is an important way to slow down our inevitable slowing-down process. Taking an active interest in ones's partner's moods, perspectives, interests and activities helps make growing old together a great deal more pleasant and fun. Besides, who wants to grow old feeling isolated or grumpy much of the time?