Revisiting the Concept: Old Age as a Second Childhood

Do you agree that old age is comparable to a second childhood? While some might dismiss this idea, others find it resonant with their personal experiences. At 90, I am engaging in substantial renovations to our 260-year-old church, aiming for a budget of ￡300,000 to install air source heat pumps and pursue carbon neutrality. Yet, reflecting on my personal journey, I begin to see old age as more than just a nostalgic return to childhood; it is a stage filled with its own unique joys and challenges.

Adult Responsibilities and Aging

Contrary to the notion that old age is only a second childhood, many of us are no longer living in a world where we are solely focused on childhood experiences. We are often busy with public responsibilities, careers, and family duties. By the time I reached 90, I was preoccupied with major renovations at our church, demonstrating that old age involves a different set of responsibilities and priorities.

Personal Experiences and Comparisons

At the age of 76, I find myself in a stage that somewhat mirrors my childhood, albeit with grown-up perspectives and adult roles. For example, frequent nocturnal urination is a reality for me, though unlike children, I use the bathroom instead of wetting diapers. The day-to-day care and attention I receive from my caregiver and daughter, while comforting, also carry the nostalgia of my childhood, with constant reminders of caution.

Daily Routine and Activities

I enjoy two walks each day: one self-guided and another using a walker. This routine parallels my past, reminding me of the structured yet exploratory activities my childhood entailed. My favorite foods also align with my childhood tastes, such as runny eggs for dinner, which I eat with a spoon, and cereal and milk, much like a baby would. Similarly, my sleep patterns, waking between 2 and 4 am, echo the restlessness of a young child, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life.

Relief from Responsibilities

One of the joys of old age is the relief from adult responsibilities. Just as I enjoyed the freedom of childhood, I now find the time to appreciate nature, study the clouds, or indulge in hobbies that I never had the time to pursue earlier. However, these newfound freedoms are often tinged with the fear of whom to rely on for future care, mirroring the anxieties of childhood when we depend so heavily on our parents.

The Physical State of Aging

The physical state of aging can also evoke childhood memories. As one's body breaks down, control is gradually lost, much like the learning disabilities of childhood. This can be particularly poignant when one must rely on aids, such as diapers or pads, just as a child requires assistance for basic needs. This physical regression can bring back a mix of joy and fear, much like the emotional spectrum experienced during childhood.

Conclusion

While old age may share some similarities with childhood, it is a stage marked by accumulated experience, wisdom, and the assurance that life continues, perhaps in a different form. Whether or not one sees old age as a second childhood, it is undoubtedly a rich and multifaceted period that invites introspection and acceptance.