AGING: A HOLISTIC VIEW: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

Even though aging begins right from conception; it usually refers to the changes; after the age of forty to fifty years.

By the word �aging� we generally think of; dysfunction, disability, dependence and helplessness. Aging seems to indicate only cumulative wear and tear; due to micro insults and time dependent programmed loss of structure and function. It seems to imply physical, psychological, intellectual and social incapacitation, thereby choking the charm, routing the romance, decaying dreams, annihilating aspirations and ending new beginnings. It seems to signal us to wind up everything and get ready to quit this world - the world; that we so much long to live in.

But is this entirely true?

It is true that there is reduction in the functioning of all the systems in the body listed below.
Matrix:
Blood:
Gastrointestinal tract (GIT):
The immune system:
Reproductive system:
Central nervous system and special senses:
Endocrine system:
Cardiovascular system:
Respiratory System:

Muscles:
Excretory system:

There is also; mental weakness, insecurity, reduction in income, and spiritual vigor is reduced (though this cannot be well defined). The courage, alertness, enthusiasm and other physical and mental faculties which are extremely important to undertake spiritual pursuit i.e. growth of consciousness; and are considerably diminished in old age.

However having said all this; the impression, which we get from the foregoing, is quite inadequate and therefore wrong, dangerously pessimistic and depressing.

The aging, as made out to be by merely observing certain physical or psychological changes; without realizing that there is a vast difference between our aging and aging of animals; creates fear about aging. As a result; instead of helping ourselves and others; we expedite the process of aging and its ill effects! We can refer to these conditions; with new terms viz. gerontophobia, and genrontoneurosis.

Let us realize that; while aging, a person accumulates not merely micro insults and injuries but simultaneously accumulates a variety of pleasant experiences (e.g. romance) and fulfillment, satisfaction, and contentment due to achievements in life! Even in the lesser fortunate ones; aging is associated with the happiness of having procreated, reared, pampered, and played with the children and grand children and the satisfaction living and not dying prematurely!

Further it has to be realized that while aging we gradually learn the inevitable nature of aging and death; and hence gradually learns to accept them uncomplainingly and gracefully.
Age is respected in Indian culture. Thus age brings (though this is not a universal truth) extra care, respect, services and comforts in preference to the younger lot.

Holistically speaking; let us clearly and definitely understand and appreciate without any ambiguity that aging is not merely becoming old, but actually growing and maturing! Aging is actually; the culmination of our passage (through the body) full of wonderful learning and blossoming experiences.

This becomes evident if we practice NAMASMARAN!