From Georgina, Age 70
In Latin America growing old brings very particular satisfactions. As we live our years, we are clearer about who we are and what we’re here for.
Society assumes we have this wealth of practical knowledge and wisdom accumulated because we have lived through so much history…the history of our family, of our country, of the world at large…
So, when you’re older, you are listened to, your counsel is sought, children want to know what it was like when you were their age, people seek your company…you embody the oral history that they are also a part of…
I am fortunate to live in Ecuador where I am embraced and affectionately called “abuelita” (grandma) by many, even though I have no children. I am more accepted at my age (71 in December) in Ecuadorian circles than I am with other expats from the US and Canada. I believe this is because people from North America have been raised to hate the very thought of aging, whereas in Latin America aging is considered a natural part of life to be celebrated.