If you live with MS, you already know that logic has its limits. Legs misbehave, words take scenic detours, and everyday life becomes an obstacle course laced with surreal plot twists. So why not fight absurdity with absurdity?
Growing old with MS may come with its challenges, but it’s a reminder that multiple sclerosis is not a death sentence — it’s a call to adapt, endure, and keep writing your story in unexpected ways.
The Beauty of Nonsense Verse (For the Poetically Challenged MSer)
Nonsense verse is the literary equivalent of shouting “I object!” to reality — and being met with a custard pie instead of an answer. It doesn’t care for rhyme schemes or strict logic. It’s playful, unruly, and perfectly suited to those of us whose brains sometimes march to a different drum… or a kazoo. It’s the price of growing old.
You don’t have to be a poet. You don’t even have to finish your thoughts (brain fog will see to that). But if you’ve ever chuckled at the fact your walking stick has a better social life than you, or forgotten why you went upstairs but made a new friend on the way down — then you already have the soul of a nonsense poet.
So grab your tea, suspend your disbelief, and allow yourself a moment of mirth. Because growing old — and growing old with MS — isn’t for wimps. But it’s prime territory for nonsense.
Introduction to Ageing Nonsensically
They say growing old is a privilege — and it is — but no one warns you about the sneaky socks, rebellious joints, or vanishing spectacles. The truth is, ageing takes courage, humour, and a solid sense of the absurd. So in honour of that daily battle between dignity and dribble, here’s a nonsense verse to celebrate the bravest of us all: the elderly oddballs still wobbling forward with flair.
On Serious Aging
Serious ageing is not simply about counting the candles on a cake — it is about ageing gracefully in the face of inevitable change. As the passage of time carves lines into our faces and shapes our priorities, we find ourselves navigating new emotional and physical landscapes. Life in later years often brings a quieter rhythm, where meaning is drawn not from speed or ambition, but from presence, connection, and reflection.
To many, advancing in age invites a reckoning — a chance to rewrite what it means to grow older, not as a decline, but as a season rich in wisdom, humour, and the luxury of perspective. Serious ageing, then, is not a burden to endure, but a depth to explore.
Growing Old Isn’t for Wimps
A dandelion danced on my balding pate,
While my knees held a grudge against gravity’s weight.
My spectacles marched off to start a new band,
Leaving me squinting at spoons in my hand.
My socks have opinions and rarely agree,
One hides in the toaster, the other in tea.
I once ran a mile just to fetch a fresh scone—
Now I nap halfway through putting shoes on.
My hearing aids argue in stereo tones,
They gossip with teaspoons and whisper to phones.
Still, I giggle and grumble, then shuffle with pride—
For life’s a wild wobble, not just a smooth ride.Reflection
Growing old isn’t about slowing down — it’s about adapting with style. Yes, the body creaks, the gadgets beep, and we occasionally forget why we opened the fridge, but there’s bravery in facing each day with a grin. As absurd as the journey may be, there’s beauty in the blur, wisdom in the wrinkles, and resilience in the rituals. In the end, growing old isn’t for wimps… it’s for warriors in comfy slippers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is growing old called?
Growing old is often referred to as ageing (or aging in American English). It’s the natural, lifelong process of physical, emotional, and cognitive change that occurs as we advance in years. While some see ageing purely as decline, it can also be a time of wisdom, reflection, and renewed purpose.
What are the five stages of old age?
There is no single universal model, but gerontologists often describe old age in stages to help understand the varying needs and experiences that come with advancing years. A commonly referenced framework includes:
Independence (60s–70s): Active lifestyle, retirement, personal pursuits.
Interdependence: Some support needed for tasks, but generally self-reliant.
Dependency: Increased reliance on others for daily activities.
Crisis management: Frequent medical care or major health interventions.
End of life: Terminal care or palliative support.
These are not strict categories — people age differently depending on health, lifestyle, and circumstance.
What does growing old mean?
Growing old means more than just adding candles to the cake. It’s a complex and deeply personal journey through changing roles, shifting priorities, and adapting to physical and mental transformations. For some, it means retirement and rest; for others, it’s a time to rediscover creativity, purpose, or connection.
Philosophically, it often invites reflection — on the past, the meaning of time, and the legacy one leaves behind.
How do you deal with growing older?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some widely embraced approaches:
Stay curious: Keep learning, exploring, or creating.
Maintain connections: Relationships are lifelines at every stage of life.
Care for your body and mind: Gentle routines, movement, and mental stimulation can make a difference.
Accept and adapt: Flexibility, humour, and grace go a long way in navigating change.
Share your story: Older age is rich with wisdom — don’t be afraid to pass it on.
Ultimately, growing older isn’t something to fear — it’s a part of being fully, deeply human.
Conclusion: A Wobbly Crown Worn Boldly
Growing old isn’t something you conquer — it’s something you wobble through with a mixture of dignity, defiance, and deep sighs. Add MS to the mix, and the journey becomes even more eccentric, unpredictable, and strangely poetic. But therein lies the power of nonsense: it reframes struggle with silliness, transforms fatigue into farce, and makes room for laughter where there might otherwise be only lament.
You don’t have to rhyme. You don’t need a literary degree. All you need is the willingness to chuckle at the chaos — to crown yourself with a colander, march into the day with mismatched socks, and declare, “Still here. Still kicking. Even if it’s sideways.”
Because in the end, growing old isn’t just for the brave. It’s for the bonkers, the battered, the brilliant — and every beautifully broken soul still dancing (or shuffling) to their own off-beat tune.
Pertinent links for growing old gracefully:
Aging well is an acquired skill that take a lifetime to learn. The key is not to stop. Give up on the rat race – sure. But, stop working – never. I still go to the office every day. Admittedly my commute is short. My office is two steps from my back door. I no longer drive and that is good. For the planet at least.
We started this exciting, nonsensical journey from landing page for this section.
