As our five children grew older, activities that once felt distant from our youthful days became a reality. We could now spontaneously enjoy dinners and happy hours, with our two teenagers in charge—a freedom we hadn’t experienced since we were young adults. Leaving the kids with family also made weekend getaways much more feasible.
Approaching our mid-30s, each outing brought about a mix of excitement and hesitation: “Can you believe we’re finally doing this?” and “Are we too old for this?”
Am I too old to stay out late? Too old to dance freely? Too old to enjoy hip-hop music? Too old to wear a short dress? Too old to have this much fun?
I recalled a night in Las Vegas when I was 34, leaving a club at 4 a.m. My partner, Mark, said, “We need to enjoy this while we can because we won’t be doing this at 40.” I agreed then, thinking that age seemed far off.
Now, as I embrace my late 30s and approach 40, those self-imposed age boundaries are becoming less significant. Recently, Mark and I took a two-day trip to Las Vegas, where we attended a concert at the trendy rooftop pool of the Cosmopolitan Hotel. We arrived early to secure a great spot, and as if on cue, a group of twenty-somethings appeared, all in similar casual attire. For a moment, I felt out of place in my elegant black dress, but I shook off the discomfort and decided to enjoy myself fully. We danced, sang, and even braved the $16.50 beer prices, leaving early for a good night’s sleep.
In my 30s, I’ve started to understand the law of diminishing returns. Last weekend, I traveled with my two lifelong friends, Lily and Sarah. Between the three of us, we have ten children but had never managed more than a one-night getaway together. Celebrating Sarah’s birthday, we flew to Florida and stayed with my mother-in-law in a retirement community on the Gulf.
We’d dubbed it our DGAF (don’t give a f***) weekend, embracing our bodies and choices without shame. But while at an ocean-side tiki bar, we watched octogenarians dance without a care, and our bravado wavered. “These folks could teach us a thing or two about DGAF,” Lily noted.
However, I find myself less focused on the younger crowd these days, instead observing those in their late 40s who seem to truly enjoy themselves, unconcerned about others’ opinions. I can be like that, I think—partly confident, partly hopeful. I don’t have to stop having fun just because I reach a certain age, right?
The lively seniors on the dance floor gave me clarity: Absolutely, right! While some behaviors may seem inappropriate for a 37-year-old, I’ve already moved past them. I can’t pretend to be 20 again, nor do I want to.
Getting older isn’t just about limitations; it’s about new freedoms. I can wear comfortable boots instead of painful high heels, enjoying nights out without worrying about others’ judgment. With more financial stability, I can travel more easily. I can choose to party until closing time or opt for an early bed without feeling guilty.
Ultimately, my only limits are my own body, mindset, and how much I care about others’ opinions concerning my appearance or age. I’ve packed in a lot of fun over the past few years and have no intention of slowing down. I’ve come to realize that there will always be new chances to enjoy life—whether I’m 40, 60, or even 80, dancing in a bikini.
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Summary
As we age, the fear of being “too old” for certain activities can diminish, revealing a newfound freedom to enjoy life on our terms. Embracing the fun, regardless of age, allows for continued enjoyment and adventure, whether it’s a night out or a weekend getaway.