“Aging as Art” – Is it Schadenfreude or just existential sleight-of-hand?

drparkRecharge Biomedical

Scary-mirrorThis judged photography contest celebrated photography of older people who were “aging gracefully.” It made me realize just how I have crossed to “beyond the looking glass” because I am looking back and I don’t recognize what I see on YOUR side of the mirror. The idea of aging as art just strikes me as a horrible case of schadenfreude, or the enjoyment of suffering. Again, that is because I truly believe aging is a choice and can be prevented and reversed.