What you didn't know.

Old age has been portrayed in a variety of ways. Most of the time, we saw the two ends of the spectrum: the part of old age when sickness and diseases take away dignity; and the part when people have extra time to travel, play with the kids, have sex with new partners in Miami, and look better and feel happier than ever.

Old age is on a continuum, just like other stages. We are just as prepared to grow old as we were to be adults, or parents. Some of us had models around, big brothers or sisters, uncles and aunts, people who divulged inner secrets about the life we would encounter.

The fact is we are all afraid of growing old, feeling old and degenerate into invalids. We are even afraid to entertain the idea until...

The first thing I want to tell you is that no matter your age now, you will be old, you will be infirm, you will have fewer resources than you have now, and you cannot avoid that state.

Remember when you wanted to become a singer? Or a teacher, a lawyer, a doctor? You looked for a mentor, a model to guide you through. You studied the people you wanted to be like, and you adopted attitudes and strategies that helped you achieve your goals.

So, come along for the next few posts. Add your suggestions about attitudes and strategies that helped you or someone you know navigate this passage of life.

The more we know about the voyage, the easier it will be.