Thoughts on aging

The author of the book of Ecclesiastes is very honest. He makes the observations and lays them out for our consideration. Sometimes we don't like to think about what he has to say, but that will not make those realities go away.
In the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes the Preacher is at his best. He describes, in somewhat poetic form, what it is like to grow old - and the description is not too exciting. He describes the loss of sight and hearing, the inability to sleep, the loss of teeth, the difficulty of getting out and about, the increased fears, the decreased desires... He says in the first verse of the chapter that these are evil days about which we will say, "I have no pleasure in them."
In light of these coming realities is there any way to prepare for them? Is there any way to makes these days more joyful? We may not be able to do much to mitigate the deterioration of our bodies, but is there something we can do to soften the harshness of these days?
Maybe the answer is found in the first verse. The preacher says that we should "remember also our Creator in the days of our youth.". There may be more wisdom in this than we think. Consider this: if you live for the things you can see and hear, if you live for the places you are able to go (travel), if you live for the comforts of this life, and for the fulfillment of desires.... when these are taken away they can have major impact on your attitude. When everything you lived for is slipping away, life will take a negative bent. But if you have lived for your Lord; if He has been your soul's desire.... you will find the impact of the loss of other things much diminished. In fact, you may find, at these times when the Lord is weaning you away from earthly things, that your desire for the Lord and His presence increases. The end of your days, despite the physcial difficulties, can be sweeter than you could have ever imagined.
Paul's words in 2 Cor 4:16 are appropriate here. "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." Young person...remember your Creator in the days of your youth. Don't live your life seeking after earthly things. Instead seek the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength and mind. Not only will that prepare you for your days of old age, but this will fill your daily living will the greatest of abundance. Older saint - gain perspective of the realities which are most certainly coming or already in processs. Let God's merciful process of aging, wean you away from your earthly affections, and in place grow your affection for the Lord and the eternal inheritance you have in Him.