I was reading an article about the stages of life. There were 12 stages grouped from birth onward. The largest life-stage grouping was from 50 to 80 years. It is true that people live through different stages of life. Each stage is important, beginning with pre-birth when a woman is pregnant.
Who knows who or what an unborn child could become after birth? The beginnings of us all are wonderfully designed by God, our creator. We are somebody, whether the world knows us or not.
We don’t have to become president of the United States, the richest person in the world, or an inventor to become important.
All humans are known by God from their beginnings to their old age.
I took note of my life stage, ages 50-80, as designated by the author. The 50-80 category was termed Benevolence. It sounded quaint and endearing.
The defining attributes and achievements of this life cycle included the following:
“Those in mature adulthood have raised families, established themselves in their work life, and become contributors to the betterment of society through volunteerism, mentorships, and other forms of philanthropy. All of humanity benefits from their benevolence. Moreover, we all can learn from their example to give more of ourselves to others.” The 12 Stages of Life by Thomas Armstrong.
What do you think about this stage of life? Do you agree with his characterizations?
Yes! Thank God! Many of us are no longer in that 9-to-5 grind. We have raised our families and have grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
For those who are 50-65, hang in there!
Your time is coming!
Many of us seniors aren’t resting on our laurels. Instead, we continue to have ambitions and strive to make a difference in our families and society.
The Benevolence age group overlaps and comprises three generations. It includes some of Generation X, those born between 1967 and 1980, along with the Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964.
Baby Boomers and segments of Generation X have attained the promised years of God, as stated in Psalm 90:10: “The days of our years are threescore years and ten,” which is 70 years. The verse also mentions four scores, or 80 years, or even more, are given to some.
Regardless of the life stage, everyone adds value to society and the world, and seniors are no exception. Their lived experiences reveal pathways to viable solutions for many challenges and problems. A nation, state, community, or organization that invites or values lived experience is apt to be more successful. This is not to say that seniors know everything, but rather that they should be valued and counted in—not counted out.
The wisdom of seniors is a resource that can be advantageous to younger people. As parents and grandparents, we are walking and breathing audiobooks for those willing to listen.
I’m sure there are different age groupings and descriptions from prebirth to the oldest person living today. Regardless of the various groupings, the word “senior” conveys more than age. Seniors have accumulated sonority, and their lived experiences make them wise in many aspects of life.
Just as Robert Frost said, “A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom,” so it is with aging and our life cycles.
I hope that you are happy and well.