Almighty God you know that I am growing older.
Keep me from becoming too talkative, from repeating all my jokes and anecdotes, and particularly keep me from falling into the tiresome habit of expressing an opinion on every subject.
Release me from craving to straighten out everyone’s affairs.
Keep my mind free from recital of endless details.
Give me wings to get to the point.
Give me the grace, dear GOD, to listen to others as they describe their aches and pains.
Help me endure the boredom with patience and keep my lips sealed, for my own aches and pains are increasing in number and intensity, and the pleasure of discussing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally, I might be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet.
I do not wish to be a saint (Saints are so hard to live with), but a sour old person is the work of the devil.
Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not pushy; independent, yet able to accept with graciousness favours that others wish to bestow on me.
Free me of the notion that simply because I have lived a long time, I am wiser than those who have not lived so long. I am older, but not necessarily wiser!
If I do not approve of some of the changes that have taken place in recent years, give me the wisdom to keep my mouth shut.
GOD knows that when the end comes, I would like to have a friend or two left.
Credit: This has been circulating via e-mail without attribution. We got it by e-mail.
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I find this condescending and offensive. It paints a stereotypical picture of aging people that have nothing of value to contribute because they’re “OLD”. This sadly is typical in our culture in the US, unlike many other cultures around the world that honor their elders and recognize that indeed the years they have been on the planet can provide worthy knowledge and experience that can be helpful and even enlightening to younger generations…if they are respectful, open and willing to listen and learn.
Excuse me!!! I think some one should change the title to “Pushing 90 or beyond”!!!!
I’m almost 60!!! I have friends who are 60 and we do not fit into this image at all.
I’m surprised to see some thing like this on a yoga blog!! Has the author seen 60 yr old yoginis???
I’m just sayin’
I totally agree with the two previous comments. This does not belong on a site such as this one. The mark of a civilized culture has always been to show respect to its elders; this article not only does just the opposite it is also completely unrealistic and does not fit the characteristics of any older person I know. It is neither insightful nor inspiring!
This is not condescending at all. It is true. The people who disagree are part of the problem. I don’t think it is just me who has experienced this. Yes, show respect for elders even when they don’t deserve it. Teach them what they were unable to teach their children.