#63: Getting Older – What Can I Do About It?

They call old age the “golden years”. A time to rest and enjoy all the things you never had time to enjoy before. The only problem then is that your body is too old to enjoy all the worldly pleasures, and there is an increasing amount of pain and discomfort associated with living in this world. We have the same desires as always but a body that is unable to fulfill those desires. This podcast is from we sat down for a reality check on old age. Because after all, if you know the truth, the picture isn’t that dark and gloomy. Old age is simply a reminder that death is coming closer every day. And if we replace our material desires with spiritual desires, understanding that satisfying our material needs will never really satisfy our hearts, we can transcend old age and truly be forever young. You’ll hear us share an inspiring story about a friend with ALS who found solace and spiritual connection through the practice of mantra meditation, even when unable to speak. We also explore the scripture Srimad-Bhagavatam and the unlikely pairing of a young sage with an older king who sought spiritual understanding before his impending death. We underscore the significance of maintaining a healthy body and mind, as we share personal experiences and stories of individuals who have defied the limitations of old age. Highlights: (4:43) Old age brings physical and mental decline, making it difficult to enjoy life. Senses weaken, digestion suffers, mental facilities decline, and diseases like Alzheimer's appear. The golden years are not so golden. (12:24) When you don’t feel good, you lose motivation and fall into a downward cycle of quitting exercising, not eating properly, and finally developing disease. Some of the vital ingredients for a good quality of life is exercise and good food. (18:37) There are two types of desires: material and spiritual. As we age, we must accept the limitations of our bodies and focus on cultivating spiritual desires for growth. (23:11) How a friend helped her dying relative leave his body (32:23) It is a misconception that older people are always wise: example of the king who learnt the Absolute Truth from a 16-year old sage. (44:14) Regardless of age or situation, even when unable to speak, one can still hear and think. Mantras are our best friend and should never be neglected. Recorded on August 31, 2022 Watch video version, join our email list or contribute to the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail