Many people react with fear at the mention of \u201cold age.\u201d Getting old not only means growing in years and experiencing physical changes, but it also often brings anxiety about one\u2019s own abilities, dignity, and role in society. As the population ages, incidents and abnormal behaviors involving the elderly have become increasingly frequent, drawing greater public attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking at serious incidents: In 2019, an 87-year-old man in Tokyo's Ikebukuro lost control of his car, killing a mother and daughter, shocking all of Japan. In May 2025, a 78-year-old man in Sanxia, Taiwan, drove into a crowd of students leaving school; including the driver himself, this resulted in 4 deaths and 12 injuries. In July, a 91-year-old female driver in Australia lost control and drove onto a sidewalk, hitting three family members\u2014grandparents and grandchild\u2014killing both grandparents and critically injuring the young child. Looking at minor issues: taking advantage of one's age to bully others, grabbing seats on public transportation, and square dancing at all hours and locations, which not only occupies public space but also creates noise pollution, among other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These incidents challenge people's perceptions of the elderly's role, raise societal safety concerns about older adults, and reflect intergenerational conflicts in an aging society. Many online platforms, when discussing issues related to the elderly, gradually reveal an \"anti-elderly\" mentality, filled with sarcasm and impatience toward older people, adding further negative associations to \"advancing age and twilight years.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Growing old\u2014can we still be OK? This is a question that society as a whole should contemplate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the media frequently features negative news about the elderly, it easily causes society to develop prejudices, equating \"advanced age\" with being a burden, incompetent, overestimating one's abilities, stubborn, unwilling to step aside... These narratives not only hurt countless elders who work hard, live with purpose, and contribute to their families and society, but also gradually erode trust and respect between generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There's no denying that as we age, the physical body gradually declines, but what truly makes us old is our mindset. The root of many problems is not age itself, but whether people can promptly recognize changes and are willing to make adjustments when facing them. For example, maintaining an interest in learning about ever-changing technology rather than stubbornly adhering to one's existing lifestyle in complete ignorance. When changes occur in physical and cognitive abilities, being able to face them honestly and make reasonable adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While aging may reduce the ability to process information, it is cognitive rigidity and difficulty accepting new ideas that truly cause aging. Ecclesiastes 4:13 says: \"Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning.\" If a person can maintain an open mind and preserve a certain level of interest and enthusiasm for the world; if they are willing to try new things and explore new areas, they are more likely to find spiritual fulfillment, naturally maintain a youthful mindset, and further stabilize their physical functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Age should not become a label or an indicator that determines personal value. Elderly seniors can still participate in various activities, learn new things, exert influence after role transitions, and maintain enthusiasm and meaning in life to resist the anxiety of aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n French writer Romain Rolland said: \"There is only one true heroism in this world: to see the world as it is, and to love it.\" When a person is willing to face the reality of aging, actively adjust their mindset, and seek new positioning and meaning for their life, that is a true warrior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned earlier, when facing advancing age, what's most frightening is not physical decline, but lacking \"self-awareness\" of various changes. Beyond keeping one's lifestyle current with the times, when physical and cognitive abilities begin to decline, can one promptly recognize this and make adjustments? Such self-awareness is not pessimistic resignation, but rationally facing physiological changes. Taking responsibility for oneself and others is the core of \"elderly self-awareness\" and an attitude that maintains responsibility and dignity. If seniors can detect problems early and make adjustments, they can greatly reduce accident risks, slow the pace of decline, and spare their families additional burdens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mrs. Chen, who lived alone, had always been capable of self-care. Over the past year, she began forgetting things, often not remembering whether she had taken her medication or taking it twice. During phone calls with her children, she repeatedly mentioned the same things, and even she found it strange. Noticing these changes, her daughter accompanied her to see a doctor for a simple cognitive test, which revealed significant memory decline. She was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.2<\/sup><\/strong>Because of Mrs. Chen's self-awareness, her family was able to respond early and help her adjust her life, such as assisting with installing medication reminder apps and an electronic calendar; having regular weekly companionship for shopping and organizing daily necessities; and encouraging her to participate in senior social activities to slow decline. Mrs. Chen's life became more structured and she experienced less anxiety. Although her memory continued to decline, it did not deteriorate further into dementia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Lin, recently retired, felt he wasn't yet elderly and was accustomed to driving himself to buy groceries and helping transport his grandchildren. Over the past few months, when driving at night, he always felt the oncoming headlights were blinding and couldn't see road signs clearly. Once while turning, he nearly hit the sidewalk and was alerted by a pedestrian. Mr. Lin noticed these problems and proactively visited an ophthalmologist, where he was diagnosed with early-stage cataracts. He therefore accepted the advice to avoid night driving and scheduled surgery. After his vision recovered post-surgery, he resumed driving. This prevented dangerous driving and protected both his own safety and that of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When facing the aging changes of the body, what's most important is not denial but acceptance. Seniors should undergo regular health assessments, especially capability tests related to mobility safety, such as vision, hearing, muscle strength, balance, reaction speed, and so on. If they discover health concerns, they should courageously seek help and choose more suitable lifestyle options. They must also overcome the fear of being obsolete, knowing that retirement doesn't mean disability, and advanced age doesn't mean dullness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proverbs 16:31 says, \u201cGray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.\u201d God\u2019s Word reminds us that even as we grow older, we should continue to walk in the path of righteousness and fulfill our responsibilities, rather than becoming a burden to society. In doing so, our gray hair becomes a symbol of honor\u2014bringing dignity, not ridicule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the face of an aging society, young people are bearing heavier pressures, yet resources, job opportunities, public spaces, and welfare continue to be dominated by the elderly. Adding to this, the media often uses derogatory terms to describe older adults\u2014such as \u201ccrazy old man,\u201d \u201cshameless old woman,\u201d or \u201cstubborn old fool.\u201d As a result, a quiet yet growing sense of age-based resentment, or \u201cageism,\u201d has begun to take root in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, many incidents or inappropriate behaviors among the elderly are not the fault of an entire generation. More often, they stem from a lack of support systems and an inability to adjust to life changes.\nRather than mocking or criticizing older adults, can we try to understand their circumstances and inner struggles? Can we help them adapt to new technologies and keep up with a changing world, instead of judging them through fixed stereotypes? At the same time, the elderly should also adjust their attitudes, seek to understand the younger generation\u2019s perspectives, and work together to build mutual understanding and support across generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take the family as an example:\nEighty-year-old Grandma Li loves talking on the phone with her grandchildren, while her granddaughter, Xiaowen, finds \u201cconstant phone calls annoying\u201d and prefers to communicate through text messages or Instagram stories.\n\nTo maintain their bond, Grandma Li has learned to read LINE messages and check Xiaowen\u2019s Instagram stories to stay updated on her life. In turn, Xiaowen makes an effort to call her grandmother once a week or send a short voice message\u2014helping Grandma Li feel loved and valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take the workplace as an example: Ah-Xun, a Gen Z employee, is used to communicating through LINE, WeChat, or Slack and prefers flexible hours and remote work. His 60-year-old supervisor, Manager Chen, on the other hand, values face-to-face meetings and a regular 9-to-5 schedule.\n\nThrough open dialogue, they come to understand each other\u2019s perspectives, expectations, and work preferences. Ah-Xun realizes that what Manager Chen truly values are responsibility and team cohesion. Therefore, he agrees to provide regular progress updates while maintaining flexible work hours to show accountability.\n\nMeanwhile, Manager Chen understands that Gen Z emphasizes efficiency and work-life balance. He becomes willing to experiment with new methods such as LINE presentations or virtual meetings, respecting younger employees\u2019 work habits. With mutual respect, both sides achieve greater efficiency and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n A mature society should enable people of different generations to appreciate one another and complement each other. \"The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray hair.\" (Proverbs 20:29) Both strength and years come as gifts from God, and each should respect and cherish the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The key to intergenerational understanding lies in \"respecting differences, willingness to communicate, and finding common ground.\" There is no need to force complete agreement with each other; as long as we are willing to think from the other's perspective and acknowledge the wisdom and value in each other's life journey, we can establish good interaction and supportive relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For most people, \"getting old\" is a reality that will eventually be faced. When you're old, can you still do it or not? This is a question everyone needs to ponder. Life comes from the Creator; the meaning and value He gives to life does not and should not be limited by age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2021 Korean drama \"Navillera\" explores passion and pain, regret and reluctance in life through the interactive perspectives of a 70-year-old man and a 23-year-old young person. It poses a question: \"In this one and only life, what would make you feel happy?\" Through its unfolding plot, it reminds people: \"Do you harbor a dream in your heart? It's not too late. While your steps still have strength and your mind is still clear, if there's something you want to do, go realize it without hesitation! Keep striving until the very end.\"<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vkl.umo.mybluehost.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/\u8001\u4e86-2.jpg\")
Photo credit: United Daily News Global Corner (global.udn.com) \/ Associated Press<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAge Should Not Be a Label<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Responsibility and Dignity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Generations are not meant to oppose one another, but to understand and support each other.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Growing Old -- Can We Still Be OK or Not?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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