Researcher mistakes young journalist for old man

A researcher studying aging encountered an old fellow sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch of a decrepit cottage.

“What has been your key to long life?” the researcher asked.

“Well, I’ve always worked as a journalist, dealing with ill-tempered editors, covering crooked politicians, and working 16-hour days for little pay,” the old fellow said.

“So, how old are you?” the researcher asked.

“If I make it to my next birthday, I’ll be 26,” he said.

The World Health Organization has been sharing some eye-opening information on aging. That information shows people are living much longer. By 2030, one in six people will be 60 or older and a good many of those will be at least 80.

That means the world population is going to grow much wiser. You see, the Bible talks a great deal about the wisdom and knowledge of our seniors and tells us they should be honored.

I think it’s important for younger people to realize that older people have much to offer their families, their communities, their workplaces and their churches. Never discount people because of their age. The years have taught them much, including the need to have a close walk with the Lord.

The Bible tells us that while older people’s bodies age, their spirits remain vibrant. As one man put it, “the soul never wrinkles.”

“Though our outward man perishes, yet the inward man is renewed day by day,” the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:16.

I don’t know about the rest of you old folks, but I still feel quite young inside. In fact, sometimes my inside convinces me I can still do some things my outside isn’t so sure about.

I still climb mountains, though not as fast as I once did. I still run long distances, though not as easily as I once could. I can still climb trees, though it hurts more when I fall out.

No doubt, the time will come when we’ll all take up the rocking chair. But let’s not rush it.

And, by all means, let’s make sure if a researcher sees our wrinkles and walks up on our front porch that we’re a good bit older than that 26-year-old journalist.

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Reach Roger Alford at 502-514-6857 or rogeralford1@gmail.com.