Entropy is Inevitable

Two decades ago, I took a mandatory biophysical chemistry course. Two things remain ingrained: 1) classmates are not happy when they sit down on toothpaste that has been squeezed onto their seats by Kim and Sam 10 minutes prior to class start (it WAS April Fool's day!) and 2) entropy.

Entropy is disorder or chaos. Entropy of the universe will always increase over time according to the second law of thermodynamics (thanks about.com). Entropy is why we must constantly tidy our homes and kids' faces, repair our roads, and tend our gardens.

I love order and I generally feel that entropy is my inevitable enemy. However, it is freeing when I consider my own concept of entropy applied to ageing. I envision all of the ordered processes within my body naturally approaching a state of disorder with eventual death and equilibrium.

Ageing is a continuous process that can not be halted (despite what cosmetic surgeons tell us). Muscle and bone mass is lost. The body shrinks. Skin thins and loses its elasticity. Organs decline in function.

Entropy will always win. All to be done is to laugh and graciously accept defeat.