Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent

"Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age." These profound words by Jeanne Moreau reflect a truth that is both emotional and deeply connected to the essence of life itself. In this quote, Moreau speaks to the power of love to transcend the limitations that age imposes upon the body and soul. While age inevitably comes for us all, it is love—in all its forms—that offers a shield against the weariness of time. Moreau suggests that love does not make us immune to the passage of years, but it has the ability to fill our lives with joy, purpose, and connection, softening the harsh realities of aging and making us feel alive even as the years pile on.

In youth, love is often experienced as a spark, something new, exciting, and full of passion. It feels boundless, and in the bliss of youthful love, time seems to slow. But as the years move on and we enter the stages of maturity, the energy of youth fades, and the physical body begins to show the marks of time. Wrinkles appear, muscles lose their tone, and our health may falter. Love, however, remains a force that keeps us connected to the world, to ourselves, and to others. It is in the warmth of love that we find the strength to carry on, the courage to face the challenges that come with age, and the joy that makes us feel youthful despite the passing of time. In this way, love does not shield us from the inevitable, but it does distract and comfort us, allowing us to age not in loneliness or despair, but with a heart full of connection and meaning.

Take, for instance, the example of Pablo Neruda, the great poet whose love for his partner, Matilde Urrutia, sustained him through his later years. Neruda, even in the face of declining health, continued to write with fervor, his love for Matilde imbuing his poetry with a vibrancy that transcended age. Their love was a nourishment for him, a force that protected him from the bitterness that often accompanies the physical decline of old age. Neruda’s poems, written during the twilight of his life, are filled with the passion and intensity of youth, proving that while the body may be frail, the heart remains powerful when it is fueled by love. His life and work exemplify Moreau’s words—that love is a force that transcends age, keeping the spirit young even when the body grows old.

Consider also the legendary Frida Kahlo, whose physical suffering due to chronic pain and injuries never dulled her love for life and her art. Kahlo’s love for her work, her country, and her passionate relationship with Diego Rivera was a source of resilience that allowed her to continue creating art of profound beauty even as her body deteriorated. Though she faced numerous surgeries and physical disabilities, her love for life and her creative spirit protected her from the ravages of time. In a sense, Kahlo's ability to pour her emotions and her love into her art gave her a power that age and illness could not extinguish. Her life reminds us that love—in any form—has the capacity to protect the soul from the effects of time, offering strength even when the body feels weak.

In Moreau’s words, there lies a deeper message: love is not only a source of joy but also a defense against aging. When we are surrounded by those we love, we find purpose, vitality, and connection. Love fills the gaps left by time, bringing energy and enthusiasm even when the body grows weary. Whether it is the love of a partner, children, friends, or a cause, it offers meaning and purpose that make the aging process feel less like a loss and more like an ongoing journey. As we grow older, we may begin to lose the youthful energy of our earlier years, but love gives us the strength to continue, to remain engaged with life, and to grow in ways that transcend age.

The lesson in Moreau’s words is one of embracing love as the shield that guards us against the bitterness of aging. Rather than fearing the passage of time, we should focus on the relationships we cultivate and the love we give and receive. In love, we find the strength to face the challenges of aging with a heart full of hope and gratitude. As we age, we must continue to nourish our relationships, for they are the wellspring of energy, creativity, and joy. In doing so, we not only protect ourselves from the aches of time but also enrich our lives with a depth and meaning that makes the journey through the years a fulfilling one.

Let us, then, take Moreau’s wisdom to heart and live our lives with a deep commitment to love. Let us embrace those around us, give of ourselves, and allow love to be the force that keeps us young in spirit. As we age, let us not fear the changes that time brings but welcome the opportunity to continue to love and grow with the years. It is through love that we will find the true immortality—a life well-lived, full of connection, purpose, and joy, regardless of how many years we may have. Through love, we protect our souls from the ravages of time, and in return, we find the grace to face the changes of aging with peace and beauty.