LaVonne was one of my favorite residents when I worked at a local nursing home. LaVonne was well into her 90s during my time there, and I always enjoyed visiting with her because she radiated love. LaVonne’s mind was fine, but her body was failing her so that she got around using a wheelchair. One day LaVonne discouragingly said to me, “I don’t know why I’m still here. I don’t know why God doesn’t just take me.” She shared that she didn’t like needing to be taken care of by others. At the time I wasn’t sure how to respond to her. I could easily see how frustrating it must be to have a sharp mind, but a failing body. Because I cared about her, I pondered her feelings, and on a different day I said to her that her life could still have purpose. I told her I had noticed that her bible was always open on the desk in her room and that she often spoke about the Lord, and I told her that she could serve as a witness to those working there in the nursing home, especially to the young people. I don’t know whether she found my words helpful or not, but hopefully so. LaVonne lived to be 105. Sometimes we give up on our own lives before God does. I believe at every age God has a purpose for our lives, even if we fail to see it.

Beginning in middle age it’s common to question what purpose one’s life has served, to embark on a quest for meaning and purpose. I’ve come to conclude that meaning comes from having a reason to get out of bed each day, remaining active, whatever active may be, the particulars of which may change over time; meaning comes from remaining an active participant in life. Life is not meant to be spent on the couch.

In pondering this concept, my Great Aunt Betty comes to mind, a dynamic lady with an insatiable zest for life—Aunt Betty lived out the concept of remaining an active participant in life, and I greatly admire that about her.

I initially became acquainted with my Aunt Betty when I was 18, and she was 66. Although a retired teacher, she took on the role of principal/superintendent for a newly formed Christian school in the area and was devoted to getting the school off the ground. I recall one day when she invited me along to visit the school with her and Uncle Raymond and seeing how excited she was about the venture.

Aunt Betty in her later years was also was an avid writer. She established her own publishing company to publish not only her own books, but also to edit and publish others’ as well. She advised me about publishing when I had written my Alex Cat Books series in 1999. I was amazed that someone of her age, especially back during that time, would learn how to use a computer and later the internet as well. Aunt Betty had a thirst for learning, a positive attitude, and an overall happy outlook on life.

Recently in our country there has been a negative emphasis on age, and it has bothered me a lot the ways older people have been discredited and treated like their lives no longer serve a purpose. Ever since childhood I have felt drawn to and a connection with elderly people. I have always viewed them reverently as people whose life experiences garner them much wisdom. I greatly admire those who remain active in their contributions to society. In my own life I ponder as to what purpose my life has served, will it have had any lasting meaning, or rather will I merely be a name on an ancestral tree. Regardless of age, daily we should continue on a quest for purpose for our lives.

Regardless of one’s party affiliation or views about term limits, etc., aside from our current President being 81 years old, we have many members of Congress still serving who are well beyond typical retirement age (at last count there were 19 over age 80). Yet, they still feel a zest for life that leads them to continue to be contributing members of society. I admire them for that.

I was surprised recently to learn that Dr. Anthony Fauci is 83 years old. Some people are quick to retire in their 60s, and yet this man in his 80s continues to have such a zest for life and for continuing to actively contribute to trying to better our healthcare. I admire him for that.

And there are actors and actresses, comedians and singers, and others who are still working, such as Rita Moreno (92), Morgan Freeman (87), Dustin Hoffman (87), Jack Nicholson (87), Jane Fonda (86), Lily Tomlin (84), Martha Stewart (83), Harrison Ford (82), Barbra Streisand (82), Paul McCarthy (82), Robert DeNiro (81), Sam Elliott (80), Chevy Chase (80), Craig T. Nelson (80). And sweetheart actress Betty White was still acting at the age of 97! I have so much admiration for her. Carol Burnett is 91 years old and still performing as well. Such a dynamic lady with a continued zest for life. I greatly admire her as well.

What these people learned that many others haven’t is that life can have purpose at every stage in life. That purpose may change over the years, but if we daily search for a reason to get out of bed, to get off the couch, to approach this thing called Life in an engaging way—seek and you will find that purpose and the answer to the question, “Why am I here?”

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