Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Should Age Be An Obstacle?

In the second half-century of my life, I learned a valuable lesson -- that age is merely an attitude. Or at least should be. My hard-earned advice is don't let growing old stop you from doing anything you want.

When I was in my twenties, I desperately tried to appear older. I even grew a moustache which was truly the worst decision of my life. <photos burned> My goal was to be seen and taken serious as an adult. A real lawyer, not a tyro. The facade didn't fool anyone and I squandered parts of my youth.

In my forties, I agonized about growing old. I focused on all the things that were fading away. I felt distant from young people who didn't remember Vietnam and Richard Nixon. My attitude toward age was impeding my life and pushing joy away.

Then, fortunately, I had an epiphany when I hit fifty. I realized I could go one way or another. Cling to conventional ideas about "old age" or reject them. I chose the latter. Now, I simply disregard age. It isn't an issue.

I now have friends of every age. Many of my closest are in their twenties and thirties. I relate to them as equals, not as a condescending old man. I listen to their concerns and hopes; I support where I can; and I'm curious about their experiences.

Removing age as an obstacle has opened doors for me to a happier life.

What's your attitude toward aging?







19 comments:

  1. Just a few weeks back I had the opportunity to spend time with people in their 20's and it was quite eye opening and it gave me hope in humanity !
    I have to say I learned a lot, just by stepping out of my comfort zone which would have been to sit with people my age (boring sometimes).

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  2. Look at you...you sassy little bit of hotness...I love this! Like you, I think 50 was where the epiphany hit. Did I want to age, no. Was it inevitable, yes. And what I did with that was up to me. So I decided to continue on with my life as I always had, albeit with a bit more wisdom. I also have friends of all ages. One of my favorite people is a mere 24 years old and we interact seamlessly.
    Debbie
    www.fashionfairydust.com

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  3. To paraphrase an often used phrase: [age] happens, deal with it... I don't really have a strategy when it comes to aging, it happens whether I like it not, and there are bigger issues in life. And I plan on becoming a snarky old lady who tells people exactly what I think, and do whatever I want. I get that from my grandmother, she never apologised for or explained anything, and it worked for her just fine.
    Great outfit, perfectly ok. When it comes to dressing, my policy is: if not now, tomorrow might be too late. So, better wear the body conscious dresses while I still have something to show off, and if anyone has a problem with that, well, maybe they have way too much time and not enough real problems...

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  4. Aging...doesn't matter that I don't like the whole idea. I don't have a choice about it. I try not to dwell on it too much and hope that my health continues to be good. Nothing makes one age more than poor health.

    I also have friends of different ages that I adore. We are humans in the end and each of us has something contribute.

    You look like the gal from Gilligan's Island a bit! Mary Anne : )

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  5. A good friend of mine is actually in his fifties, so age doesn't really matter for me either! :-)

    -Kati

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  6. You look adorable ! Love the flirty top and those shorts and I agree age is just a number and a non relevant matter to me. My hubby is eight years older than I am and I am much older than many friends I hang around with, and it means just nothing, I live happily this way :) Kisses my friend

    Fashion and Cookies - fashion & beauty blog

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  7. First of all, gawd, I wish I had your legs! Secondly, I'm soon to be entering my 50th year, so this has been on my mind a fair bit. I feel very much a "f**k it" attitude about it all, but also realize that I'm a little freaked out by the whole aging thing. I've never thought of myself as old, but like Suzanne, I'm trying to ignore it and keep my health.

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    Replies
    1. I went through that stage which lasted a few hard years. I came out at peace with aging. I hope you get there soon.

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  8. I totally agree with you - age should not matter. I have friends in their 60s, my brothers girlfriend is 10 years older than him, and I have younger friends too.- Who cares anyway ;)?
    Sending much love!
    Xx
    Rosa Larissa Klara
    conscious lifestyle of mine

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  9. The older I get, the younger I feel. It's losing that "expectation" that we can or cannot be or do certain things because we are "of age". Pfooey on that!

    Just be who you are and celebrate that!

    I feel like a kid when I ride my scooter or bike or roll in the grass with my dog or lay out in the yard at night and look up at the stars.

    Savor each moment..they won't come again!

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  10. I agree with you there are bigger things to worry about in this world than a number.

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  11. Beautiful thoughts on getting older! It's fun to have friends of different ages :)

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  12. I am also happy to be older, and wiser, it is true. Like you , I have friends of all ages, and that helps em keep perspective. Noe I must say you look ah-mazing in the shorts and I love the top!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/

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  13. My attitude toward aging? I am grateful for every single moment.

    Of course, some of those moments make me more grateful than others :)

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  14. Hmm I guess I would say as long as my health is ok, age is just a number. :) And having friends across all ages keeps life interesting!

    And look at you!! That outfit is fabulous! I NEED those shorts! So cute!

    ~Lindsey

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  15. You have very shapely legs Ally. Those shorts show them off nicely!
    As others have said "health" becomes the crucial issue. Diversity is compellingly human. Embracing it in ALL of its forms is key to living fully I think.

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  16. I seem to enjoy aging (so far). For starters I look better today than I did in my teens and twenties. I am wiser. I am calmer. I am more in control of my emotions. I like that time is teaching me so much. I would not go back to twenties even if someone paid me. :)

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    Replies
    1. I agree. In our twenties, we're clueless and make innumerable mistakes.

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  17. LOVE this outfit on you ... Age is just a number. I find I am enjoying life more the older I get.

    I am an older Mom so continue to learn things from my 21 year old and I LOVE it.

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