When I was in my teenage years, the concept of aging terrified me. In my youthful perspective, anyone over 40 was considered “old.” They had peculiar smells, unusual speech patterns, and quirky behaviors. However, as I age, my perception of what constitutes “old” has thankfully evolved.
In my 20s, I saw 55 as ancient. By my early 30s, I viewed 60 in the same light—until my mother turned 60, and suddenly, it lost that connotation. As I approached 40, I thought 70 was the new threshold, until I started playing tennis with a sprightly 75-year-old who could serve fiercely. Not long ago, I believed that 80 was the final frontier of age until I began teaching computer skills to seniors at my local community college. One of my students was 89 years old and was there to learn something new! This experience opened my eyes to some important realizations.
The individuals I once viewed as old, I now see as truly remarkable. Engaging with people in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s has imparted valuable lessons about aging and the kind of person I will become. Here’s the scoop:
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Learning Never Stops
You’ll continue to learn throughout your life. I once had a gentleman who served in World War II express a desire to learn how to tweet and even asked me to create a hashtag for him. An 80-something woman shared her enthusiasm for researching ancient Troy—simply out of curiosity. Their thirst for knowledge proves that the desire to learn doesn’t diminish with age. -
Cherished Memories Outshine the Bad
Their recollections are astonishing. They can vividly recount details from a Paul McCartney concert in 1974, the dress they wore to their 1954 prom, and even the car they drove. Among these are significant milestones—births, graduations, and marriages. Despite life’s challenges, they tend to remember the good times more than the bad. -
Freedom of Expression
With age comes the wonderful freedom of speaking your mind. The older you get, the less you care about others’ opinions. It’s liberating to share every thought and experience without the self-censorship of youth. I can hardly wait for that level of honesty! -
Resilience
They’ve not only survived physically but also mentally. Life has thrown countless challenges their way, yet they rise each day. While I sometimes wonder if I can make it through the teenage years with my kids, they have navigated through college, marriages, and even the loss of loved ones. Their resilience is inspiring. -
Enduring Love
Couples married for decades still exude affection—holding hands, laughing at shared jokes, and reminiscing about their children with glances that speak volumes. Their love story continues to unfold, filled with new chapters and renewed emotions. I’m eagerly looking forward to that.
Society often encourages us to fear aging and to fight against it. However, I’m more concerned about a culture that undervalues its elders. I hope that when I reach the age deemed “old” by the younger generation, I can advocate for our worth, as I have no intention of silencing myself. With every passing year, my filter seems to get thinner!
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In summary, aging is not something to dread. Instead, it brings wisdom, joy in learning, cherished memories, and deeper connections. As we embrace the years ahead, let’s celebrate the richness they add to our lives.