Flourishing in the Second Half

The WordPress daily prompt today posed a question that requires some thought. What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life? As I get older, the idea becomes more appealing. I am 55 years old and have just completed my nursing degree, becoming a registered nurse. In many ways, I feel as though life is just beginning, both personally and professionally.

It has taken plenty of bumps in the road to get here. Two marriages that ended, many lessons, a few scars, and a lot of healing. I have lines and a bit of extra padding, but I am more confident than I have ever been. I finally feel as though I have found my feet. I think I might need another 55 years just to enjoy being this version of myself that I worked so hard to become. I have purpose now, and I want to live a life filled with people, meaning, and new experiences. If I want to try something, I would rather give it a go than collect regrets.

There is another side to the question, though. Will I remain healthy in mind and body, or will I decline and simply exist with a list of medications doing the work? I have worked in aged care hospitals. There can be a lot of loneliness there, and bodies do not always cooperate with long lives. It is not always the romantic version of old age we like to picture.

Then there is my neighbour Owen, who is 92. He still lives in his own home, tends a beautiful garden, keeps everything in order, and always has visitors. He has great conversation, a cheeky sparkle in his eye, and is fitter than some people my age. I am sure he has aches and pains, but inside, he still feels young and still very much alive. That is the version of long life I would love. If I reach 92, have lived fully, loved well, and can happily potter around my home with children and hopefully grandchildren visiting, I think I will feel content.

Our generation will probably have more people reaching their nineties than ever before. Medicine will keep many of us alive. The real question is whether we will remain well in our bodies and minds. That feels like the heart of the discussion for me.

For now, I think I would simply like more time. More years to grow into this next season. I have enjoyed my life so far, bumps and all. Every mistake and every joy has shaped me. Now I feel as though I am flourishing and living with purpose, and that brings a different level of richness and delight. It would be lovely to have a long life so I can keep living in this place for as long as possible.

I am not chasing a longer life for its length, but for the chance to keep living deeply in the years I am given.