As I go through life’s journey, I often think about how our views on age change. In my early twenties, I felt like time was flying by, making me feel old. Now, at 66, I face different challenges, like dealing with physical issues and knee pain. But, that’s just part of getting older.
Physiotherapy might not work miracles, and cortisone injections might be on the horizon, but for now, I’m determined to try other options and delay a knee replacement.
Aging isn’t just about the body; it’s also about your mindset. I stay young at heart, fuelled by my curiosity for life, a passion for exploration, and a thirst for knowledge.
Music, especially, continues to be a big part of my life. Recently, I’ve been enjoying the world of female musicians, from singer-songwriters to high-energy female-led bands. Even though I’m surrounded by a younger crowd, it doesn’t bother me. In fact I love it.
As I talked to a drummer about my newfound love for these bands, it struck me that growing older does have some perks, like being able to splurge on concert merchandise without second thoughts.
The concept of “old” is complicated. Society might label us as ‘elderly’ or ‘seniors,’ but I prefer to think of us as ‘olders.’ It’s a term that recognizes the diversity of experiences, wisdom, and youthful spirits within our age group.
“70 is the new 50” isn’t a notion I fully embrace. Age isn’t a competition; it’s a journey. At 70, you’re simply 70, and that’s something to be proud of.
Each day offers us the opportunity to live life the way we want, whether it’s trying something adventurous or enjoying a quiet evening with a drink. We make choices that suit who we are today, with the freedom to change our minds tomorrow.
Have you ever wondered when people see someone as ‘old’? According to a 2016 Marist Poll, for two-thirds of people, 65 is still considered middle-aged or even young. Isn’t that refreshing?
In my upcoming book, I explore the world of ‘y-olds’ and ‘young olds,’ a fitting distinction for those up to about 75 or 80. After that, health issues might become a more prominent part of the story, but I’m holding off on that knee replacement until then.
If you’re interested in the changing perceptions of aging, I recommend reading this l article:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/old-age-isnt-what-used-changing-views-ageing-dr-denise-taylor/
Age is just a number, and as we navigate the chapters of our lives, we do so with wisdom, enthusiasm, and an unwavering passion for the beauty of it all.