Wellness

[R. Palan Ph.D.]

I read a wonderful piece by A R Samson in the Town & Country, a
Philippines magazine. The article on Social Graces: Vintage Years
emphasised the simple truth that age serves as a kind of social
boundary, much like milestones on the way to a destination.

• Twelve when airlines charge you full fare
• Sixteen to get a driver’s license
• Eighteen when you can vote
• Twenty one for males and twenty three for females when you can marry
without parental consent
• Thirty when you are no longer a whiz kid
• Forty when life is supposed to begin but passes by un-remarked
• Forty five when you are certified middle age no matter how you dress
• Sixties when you are eligible for senior citizen status and
discounts

Wellness and happiness comes from accepting yourself, whatever age
you are. The ultimate test of wellness is equanimity and avoiding the
stress of trying to become what you cannot be. It’s fine to be greedy
but more important is the acceptance of the gift of life.