We live in especially youth-centric times when the “Art of Aging” most often refers to the kind of superficial rejuvenation found at the cosmetics counter or surgeon’s office. Then there’s my mother, Edna Shalala. At a spirited 100-years-old, she discovered long ago that the true fountain of youth resides within. My mother’s longevity can certainly be attributed to eating well, taking care of herself, and exercising. She was a nationally ranked tennis player and remained active in the sport, competing in the senior circuit until she was 85. Even as a nonagenarian she enthusiastically participated in water exercises, yoga, and occasional golf.
But while our genetic makeup, our environment, and our lifestyle all play a role in how our bodies age, aging is also a perspective and an attitude. The true artfulness of growing old lies in how we age on the inside. Affectionately called Mother Shalala by all who know her, my mother has fostered a deep, lifelong sense of community, giving of herself, compassionate, and actively joining with others. She has faced life’s challenges as opportunities to grow, to do better, and to ultimately do good for others. With the urging of my father, she began law school at 38 while also working as a teacher and raising young twins. She started her own law firm with a fellow female law student and ran a successful probate practice for four decades, finally retiring after 50 years—at the age of 91. She still attends as many lectures, plays, concerts, and athletic contests as she can. She cooks world-class Lebanese food, gets cooking tips from the Food Network, reads two newspapers a day, and keeps up with national politics on CNN.
Looking back, she has lived a life full of purpose, passion, and dignity. So if you seek the elusive fountain of youth, learn to cultivate the art of aging from within — mind, body, and soul.
Donna Edna Shalala served as the Secretary of Health & Human Services. She is currently the President of The University of Miami. www.miami.edu
