Updated: July 31, 2023
Originally Published: June 5, 2015
When I was a teen, I had a serious case of the heebie-jeebies around older folks. To my young mind, anyone over 47 was practically ancient! They had peculiar smells, spoke in strange ways, and just seemed a bit off-kilter. But as I age, my perspective on what constitutes “old” has thankfully evolved.
In my twenties, I thought 55 was the cutoff for ancient status. By my early thirties, I was convinced that 60 was the new old—until my mom hit that milestone, and suddenly it seemed much more approachable. Right before I turned 40, I figured 70 was definitely old. Then I started playing tennis with a sprightly 75-year-old who could serve like a pro! Just a few years ago, I thought 80 was the ultimate old age, but then I began teaching computer skills to seniors at a local community college. One of my students was 89 and still eager to learn! I realized that the people I once thought of as elderly are actually pretty incredible.
Engaging with these vibrant individuals in their 60s, 70s, and 80s has taught me valuable lessons about aging and what it means for me in the future. Here’s the gist: getting older is going to make me—and you—much better. Here’s how:
1. The Learning Never Stops
You’ll always be a student. One time, a WWII veteran asked me how to tweet and wanted to know how to create a hashtag. I also met an 80-something who was diving into research about ancient Troy just for kicks! Their thirst for knowledge proves that curiosity doesn’t fade with age. Thank goodness for that!
2. Good Times Outweigh the Bad
Their memories are nothing short of astonishing. They recount everything from the Paul McCartney concert of ’74 to the dress they wore to prom in 1954, and even the car they drove to get there. They have an impressive collection of life’s big milestones—the births, graduations, and marriages. Even during tough times, they remember the good, and that’s what really counts.
3. No More Filters
As you age, the concern about what others think tends to evaporate. You can express every opinion and thought without hesitation. Why hold back? The days of self-censorship are long gone. I can’t wait to embrace this freedom!
4. Survivors of Life’s Trials
These incredible individuals have faced life’s ups and downs for decades longer than many of us. They’ve raised families, dealt with loss, and yet they still rise each morning with resilience and optimism. If they can navigate life’s challenges, so can we!
5. Enduring Love
Imagine couples who have been married for 30, 40, or even 50 years, still holding hands and giggling at each other’s jokes. Their love story continues to flourish through the decades, with new chapters unfolding even in their golden years. I’m definitely looking forward to that kind of love!
Society often pushes the narrative that aging is something to fear, leading us to fight against it and cling to youth. But I’m not afraid of getting older; I’m more concerned about a world that undervalues the wisdom of its older population. By the time I reach whatever “old” means, I hope to advocate for our worth because I’m not about to stop speaking my mind anytime soon. And judging by my current trajectory, that filter is only going to get thinner. Amen!
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In summary, aging is not something to fear but rather an opportunity for growth, wisdom, and love. Embrace it!