Age is but a number. A number that classifies, organizes and can even define someone. It provides opportunities to learn new things and determines when the path to adulthood begins. The linear notion created by constantly increasing numbers is a very narrow view of age. It is assumed that as someone ages, they change both mentally and physically. This, however, is far from the truth. Age is more than numbers; it's what's inside. When you ignore the numbers and examine the qualities attributed to each life stage, you can observe a pattern of repetition. Instead of aging, it can be seen as a regression to adolescence. The two outliers of life, childhood and old age, are much more similar than any numerical value could ever project. A routine; it provides life with structure. For many, it is a necessity to maintain order and keep life free of chaos. These structures differ from person to person and are directly influenced by each individual's needs. As we get older, these needs change and so does the routine they follow. At some stages of life the routine may begin to repeat itself. The routines that dictate the daily lives of both newborns and older adults are similar. From dawn to dusk they share similarities not found in any other stage of life. Both require a level of attention that is not needed in other stages of life. Often both need help getting out of bed, and also require assistance during the night. Very often, infants and the elderly will also need support when bathing, walking, eating, dressing and many other parallel activities. For newborns, parents or guardians are often there to help. In the elderly this could come from the family, for example from one's grown children... middle of paper ......experience to get to know oneself. The raw simplicity and purity of life that dwells in newborns and the elderly gets to the core. Life is a circle; it ends the same way it began. The structure of daily life is parallel for both older adults and children, and they often require a similar level of care. Even their ups and downs are treated with an extreme level of care and sensitivity. People take responsibility to protect and guard those they cannot. Both newborns and older adults can teach lessons about who we are and the world we live in. They teach qualities of wisdom and adolescence, as well as respect for life. This circle of life, this inevitable path, allows people to know who they were, are and will become. It can also teach one of the most valuable lessons of all; take care of your children so one day they will take care of you.