Is age truly just a numerical label? As we accumulate years, it’s impossible not to notice how society’s definition of what it means to be ‘young’ or ‘old’ affects us. The number of years we’ve orbited the sun does more than just increase; it also alters our own perceptions and the perceptions of those around us about age-related expectations. But how valid are these age-related judgments?
As I approach my 70th decade and am writing and talking more about age and aging, I am constantly confronted with societal attitudes towards aging. The adage “age is just a number” is frequently tossed around, yet paradoxically, society at large seems to dismiss this concept in practice. The lack of celebration for the wisdom, milestones and achievements of older adults stands in stark contrast to the fanfare associated with youth. This discrepancy creates needless hurdles that impede the success and contributions of an entire age group.
The truth is, aging should be a cause for celebration, not a source of dread. There’s an inherent beauty in the accumulation of years, a tapestry of wisdom and experience that can only be woven over time. Instead of evading the topic of age, we must confront it head-on, acknowledging that age, in the grand scheme, holds no weight in assessing an individual’s potential or abilities.
Consider the untapped opportunities that lie within the older generation. If we can strip away our entrenched biases and altered expectations, we can unlock a reservoir of potential. Let’s be be bold and audacious! Let’s embrace the myriad possibilities that do not fade with time. Age is a mere chronology; it should never be a barrier to aspirations or accomplishments.
To sculpt a society that celebrates every stage of life, not just those deemed to be in their ‘prime’ we must be willing to carve out space for each of us to live the truth of ‘age is just a number’. If we are to celebrate the spectrum of age in all its glory, then we must encourage everyone to dare boldly, irrespective of the year on their birth certificate. Let’s inspire change where age is not a limiting factor but another facet of our shared human experience. Let’s all, Dare Boldly, no matter our age, in a world where age does not define us.
Dare Boldly 
I am reminded of a cartoon I saw many years ago. Picture a dock on a lake at sunset. Grandpa is sitting in an Adirondack chair pondering the stillness of the evening as his 20-something grandson is sitting on the dock swinging his legs to/fro in the water as his thumbs are working away on his phone.
Grandpa, says the grandson, don’t you wish you were born later so you could use all this technology that is making life so much better for us.
Grandpa responds quietly – who do you think was behind all this “technology” that you are using today?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Sounds more like truth than a cartoon! 🙂 So true. I love that perspective!
thanks Iwona. — you ‘tell’ a good story btw!
LikeLike
I’ll be 66 in a couple of weeks, and this is a wonderful post
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Beth! I’m Dec 9 (70) When’s your birthday? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
November 18, and my daughter is December 9.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful article about ‘us’ aging people … yesterday I was informed of another hurdle the scramble over … “diabetes” at 72 …
“This Fence” … a poem I wrote 20 years ago …
I am quickly nearing this fence.
An obstacle of a lifetime I see.
And from my side of this fence,
The hurdle is too high for me.
And on the other side of this fence,
There seems nowhere to land or flee.
I have arrived at this fence,
Above the pickets, just grey sky.
And on my side of this fence,
The grass is brown and dry.
On the other side of this fence,
The grass is green, but still I cry.
How am I to clear this fence,
There seems nowhere to go or get by.
This fence, all built of stones,
Breaks my spirit, and all my bones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry to read about the diabetes Ivor! Life is definitely an adventure!
And, amazing what your younger self saw and knew and how beautifully it continues to inform the present with your heartful words.
Lovely. Thank you for sharing. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Louise … my dad was a diabetic and my early 70’s I thought I was going to dodge the bullet, but alas it was not to be… 😊🌏😍
LikeLike