The Art of Aging and A Few Films

Aging gracefully is a term often used to describe individuals who have accepted the process of ageing without trying to hold back time. Graceful ageing may be different for different individuals. For some, maintaining their age through various procedures and exercises can be a professional requirement, such as those in the entertainment industry. For some, it may be an uplift to their confidence, and for a few, it is a way to stay relevant over time. 

For me, Aging is a process that involves a few steps. This is absolutely my personal perspective. I would like to term it as The Art of Aging.

1. To Accept It: Although a primary step, it is often the most difficult one.  We usually struggle to accept the fact that we are ageing. The saying "Age is just a number" is true, but there are a few things associated with ageing that we cannot unsee. The hormonal and physical changes that we go through can not be ignored. That is the sign of us, aging. Some may delay the process through yoga and other forms of physical exercises, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but that is just "delay", not stopping it completely.

2. To Live with It: This, of course, does not mean that we have to be all soppy and sad about the process of aging, but to embrace it. After we overcome the initial hurdle of acceptance, we should take charge of embracing it, just like a friend. Because we would then need to realise it isn't going anywhere, but rather will be there with you until you walk the earth. 

3. To Begin Loving It: I know it is easier said than done, but starting to love the age we are in is important. Today I am 47. I will proudly declare I am 47, without trying to hide the numbers. For me, this is the biggest acceptance. Because if we love the age we are in, we will love ourselves more. The more we want to fall in love with our age and who we are, the easier it becomes to move towards the next step.

4. To Focus on It: Now comes another important stage, which is knowing what we need to do at this age. The choice is entirely ours. Either I would do the necessary things to be healthy and mindful of my ageing, or I could cry over the lost years, where I could have done many things but couldn't, and I am running out of time now. It is essential to shift our perspective and focus on our achievements rather than dwelling on negative thoughts and worries. The question of being grateful counts here.

5. To Manage and Balance It: It is again something we need to learn and be aware of. A harmonious way of living that suits us best should be adopted. As much as we fall into the trap of Social Media advice to push limits, hustle, and more, we should know that it is not we who are speaking. What might have worked for somebody may not work for me. So, if Japan's Prime Minister advocates "Work, work, work, work and cast aside the idea of work-life balance," that may have suited her and taken her to the place she is in. It is not necessary that it would work for me. I prefer balancing between being a loving mother and a strict father to myself and my age.

6. To Grow with It Gracefully: Now, this also differs from individual to individual. I like to grow at my own pace. I am grateful that I have the privilege of doing so. I take care of my skin, and although I may not be regular, I often go for walks, sometimes multiple times a day. Although a disciplined approach helps in this aspect, I have not been so regular for the past few months. I have my Break-up and Patch-up phases with my age. But I am trying. It is necessary to identify what we need to bring grace to our aging process. It is a completely personal preference.  I love peace and balance. I struggle to find calm in chaos, and I find it most challenging when I have to bring peace to a chaotic atmosphere. Here, we have to adapt to techniques such as meditation and taking breaks. 

For me, this is the Art of Aging, and I am trying my best to follow the ways, but sometimes I fail to maintain the flow. However, I am sure it will help me age well and live hale and hearty in the years to come. Watching films is a way I feel relaxed, and here is a list of movies that deal with the process of aging in a positive light. 

1. Posto: A retired school teacher is bringing up his grandson in the peaceful environment of Shantiniketan, while his son and daughter-in-law are struggling to make ends meet in the city. Clashes between the son and father arise due to differences in values, which leads to a court case for the custody of the grandson, Posto. This movie addresses a sensitive topic: the challenges of aging as a hindrance to raising children properly, and how, with sheer mental strength and determination, one can overcome any hurdles. 

2. Mukherjee Dar Bou: This is one of the lesser-known films, although it is a very strong message to all the aging women, who have forgotten to live, first as a husband's wife and then as a mother of someone, somewhere in between, her own name goes unnoticed and unseen. This is the story of Mukherjee Dar Bou, played with perfection by Anusua Majumder, who finally succeeded in doing something, getting noticed by her own name.

3.  Shukno Lanka: The film is loosely based on a real incident in the Bengali film industry. An aging junior artist who aims to get just one chance to prove his acting talent finally gets his due when a renowned filmmaker chooses him as the lead actor for his ambitious project. The film revolves around that actor's shooting life and personal life throughout the film's making.

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