What does it mean to be ‘older’
In this twenty-first century world?
Is it as simple as wrinkles
And hair styles permanently curled?
-Or, if you’re a chap, trying to slow the fate
of a gradually revealing, well-shined pate..?
A disposition it’s hard to imagine
As successive generations grapple with fashion,
Opportunities to help them earn and grow
Increasingly inclined by what’s on show.
Public image, in the eye of the beholder:
Elders wanting youth
And the youngsters, to be older.
Each in turn taking Image in hand,
The stealing away of solitary strands
From a gentleman’s every precious tress,
While natural and gradual ageing process,
Comes with a silent sense of disunity,
Each one praying, ‘It won’t happen to me.’
As transitions go, a brutal chime
In the determined taking of time,
Gently revealing to those waiting in line
What lies beneath that hair so fine.
But think of the savings-
Not waving but shaving!
No costly equipment required.
And a range of hats to suit all weather,
Now that your ‘do’ is retired.
The fact of the matter, if you don’t mind the truth
Is, there’s far more to life than eternal youth.
There’s history and experience,
With anecdotal evidence;
Capacity to argue,
Right to sit on the fence.
History there from which we might learn
Which of our boats we’d best not burn;
Skills of the mind as much as the hand
-If only the young could begin to understand
That life is for Living.
The best way you can.
www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/about-dementia
https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/dementia-guide/Pages/about-dementia.aspx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04-9Gv0FMLg
Sophalosophy 