Becoming Albus Dumbledore: Old #MNBHP

Oh, weaker resistance, slower reflexes, Amycus,” said Dumbledore. “Old age, in short…One day, perhaps, it will happen to you…if you are lucky….”

HBP

In our times, with the rise of the cosmetic and nip-n-tuck industries, where girls and guys on magazine covers are touched-up to youthful perfection, we’ve lost the respect that some cultures have for those who are old—and look it! In some places (Greece, Korea, China, India), achieving the status of “old” is a badge of honor. It shows that one has lived a long life and has, hopefully, grown in wisdom. This wisdom creates an attitude of respect and reverence for the elderly. “Old” people aren’t shoved away in nursing homes and disregarded as behind-the-times. They are sought out for advice, elevated to an honored status in the home, and are a central element of their culture.

If our society is going to change the way “old” people are viewed, we have to start by changing the way we think about our own aging. Rather than despising our birthdays, we should relish them like small children look forward to the status of being a “big kid.”

Bottom line, Dumbledore was old—really old. If we wouldn’t shove him away in a nursing home, or tell him he has to get a nip-and-tuck, or dismiss him as behind-the-times, then we shouldn’t do those things to the elderly in our society—or ourselves one day, if we’re lucky.

CHALLENGE 

Be like Dumbledore—embrace your oldness (no matter your age) because aging in a blessing not a curse.

Next Week: Becoming Dudley Dursley: Softie