The wise, old owl is a symbol of wisdom probably because he can see what is behind, beside, and before him. That ability to turn his head what seems like 360 degrees is a chiropractor’s’ dream. The owl can be circumspect more than any other creature because of this unique ability. The owl is used in advertising campaigns such as “Give a hoot; don’t pollute” and eyeglasses commercials.
We humans have trouble seeing forward much less beside and behind. As a result, it sometimes becomes a struggle to deal with the past, the present, and/or the future.
As we age, shouldn’t we become smarter, more experienced, more tolerant, more sympathetic and empathetic? As we age, shouldn’t we become more set in our ways, less open to change, less interested in what’s new, relevant, and vibrant?
What do you think?
As I look around, however, I see quite a contrast in the aging process. On a plane recently, I had the pleasure of sitting next to an African-American, senior citizen gentleman who delighted me with his enthusiasm for technology. He wouldn’t even buy a refrigerator unless it “talked” to him. On the other extreme are those who are charter members of the flat earth society who dare not even text much less even tweet.
My parents, especially my father, subscribed to the set in his ways process of aging. Even the change from the black rotary phone to the sleek pushbutton model through him for a loop. Perhaps it was understandable for his generation to be fearful of all the changes that seemed to flood over them. Yet, since 1990, the internet has been available carrying with it so many wonderful technological advantages. Fear and confusion seem to be the primary reasons many baby boomers are reluctant to embrace this progress.
I am intrigued by why such a great difference in those of us who are aging. Maybe now the wise, old owl will stop hooting and begin tweeting, encouraging us to try something new. What do you think, or don’t you give a hoot?
