The Blessing of Age

And of course, only truth could be more bizarre than fiction. Humans have tried everything imaginable to eliminate the effects of time. In the 19th century, many men had goat's testicles implanted in their abdomens in order to restore the virility of their youth. Today, heads sit frozen in cryogenic chambers, awaiting transplant onto new, youthful bodies in the future. Yet, the dream of everlasting youth has remained elusive. The moral of these stories is always the same: Age happens. In fact, it could be said that age is happening more than ever. Worldwide, people are living longer and birth rates are declining. Furthermore, members of the baby boom generation are now entering their golden years. If census projections hold true, one in every five people will be over the age of 65 by the year 2030. This fact is bound to have tremendous social impact as our youth-centered culture is forced to face the inevitability of age. In spite of current demographic trends, our culture still remains rigidly youth-centered. Essentially materialistic in nature, our media seems to worship aesthetic perfection in the human body, creating standards of beauty that even young people cannot attain. As our body declines with age, our self-acceptance may decline as well. Can Dahn practice help us adapt to and accept the aging process? Can a practice that starts with strengthening of the physical body really benefit older people? Dr. Jesse Jones, Director of the Center for Successful Aging at California State University, Fullerton, says Dahn practice is "fabulous for the older adult." A Lifetime Member of the Brea Dahn Center herself, Dr. Jones has dedicated her life to the study of aging. She regularly leads older adults through meditative as well as physical exercise, and has found that the body, mind, and spirit must all be considered in order to promote successful aging. "Dahnhakis great," she says, "because it promotes the opening of blockages, circulation of energy, and quieting of the mind. Dahn exercise gives practitioners permission to get off the merry-go-round of life and listen to their true self." As with any physical exercise, she warns seniors to adapt the exercise to fit their current condition, especially in regard to spinal health and blood pressure, but older adults should have little problem following the regular classes. She insists, "Our bodies are amazingly resilient. Physical decline is ultimately inevitable, but we can reduce and sometimes reverse the decline through proper exercise."