Which Aging Model Do You Subscribe To?

cartoon by Cecigian

Last evening, David Chernikoff led a workshop on Aging for us. He outlined 4 different models of aging. Which one do you most relate to?

• The socio-medical model in which aging is a collection of symptoms and a litany of diminishments.
• The productive model. This is the use-it-or-lose-it approach for people who want to die in the saddle. An extended middle-age.
• The consumer model says,"I paid my dues. Now it's my turn." These people go on cruises, play golf, spend time at the mall, and retire to the sunny South in communities of like-minded people.
• The transpersonal, spiritual model changes the conversation from aging to sageing, assuming that an elder is still growing and thriving and still interested in the future. The task here is to synthesize their personal wisdom and pay it forward in the form of a legacy or by mentoring.

I think i'll take a spoonful of each of the first three and let my cup runneth over with the last one.