Age is Just a Number: Get Rid of Stereotypes and Embrace Life’s Full Potential
A young lady said something to me this past week and it stayed with me. She said that I “don’t act like an 81-year-old”. We had been laughing a lot while engaging in conversation about many experiences of our past. I never thought about what I was supposed to ACT like. I have moved a lot slower and more painfully this past year with the onset of some medical issues and I seemed old to myself in that case.
I came home and started to reflect on her comment
There’s a phrase whispered like a mantra throughout our lives: “Age is just a number.” But how often do we genuinely internalize its meaning? We watch time march on, counting birthdays like milestones on a dusty road, often associating them with limitations and decline. We start to feel our bodies seemingly wear down.
But what if age, that seemingly linear progression, is instead a mosaic? A vibrant collage of experiences, wisdom, and potential, far richer and more dynamic than a single number can represent.
In truth, the statistics paint a compelling picture. Forget the image of the forgetful grandparent struggling with technology. Consider Johannes Mallow, the 48-year-old world memory champion, or the countless older adults mastering new languages with impressive fluency. Studies even show our brains retain their remarkable plasticity, the ability to adapt and form new connections, throughout our lifespan. I reflected on how sharp my colleagues were in our Wednesday afternoon Poker Club in my former neighborhood. We never focused on age and its problems but rather joked and laughed a lot. Even though it was a nickel, dime quarter game our card playing skills were pretty awesome ~~smile. By the way, the average age was 84.
Our physical ability, too, can defy expectations. Marathon legends like Fauja Singh, who tackled the London Marathon at 100, are testaments to the human spirit’s enduring strength. And Ernestine Shepherd, who became the world’s oldest competitive bodybuilder at 86, proves that physical peak performance can blossom even in life’s later chapters.
The world of innovation and achievement follows suit. While we often glorify youthful entrepreneurship, the average age of successful startup founders sits closer to 40 than 25. Experience, it seems, trumps youthful energy when building high-impact companies. And let’s not forget the late Bloomers, individuals who find their creative voice or professional calling later in life. Helen Frankenthaler, who redefined abstract expressionism at 50, is a powerful example.
Even happiness, that elusive butterfly, seems to take flight with age. A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that people over 85 reported higher levels of life satisfaction than their younger counterparts. Perhaps wisdom’s gentle hand helps us understand what truly matters and appreciate the richness of each passing moment.
But these statistics are merely stepping stones to embracing the “Age is Just a Number” philosophy. It’s about dismantling the ageist narratives that infiltrate our society, from hiring practices based on arbitrary dates to the limiting expectations we place on ourselves and others.
It’s about recognizing that a 25-year-old can be a seasoned artist, a 60-year-old can still be an agile athlete, and an 80-year-old a tech-savvy entrepreneur. It’s about understanding that potential knows no age, and limitations are often self-imposed.
So, how do we genuinely internalize this transformative message? It starts with a shift in perspective. Let’s view age as a spectrum, not a rigid ladder. Let’s celebrate the wisdom gained with each passing year while nurturing the curiosity and spirit of adventure within us all. Let’s champion lifelong learning, embrace new challenges, and redefine what it means to “age gracefully.”
Most importantly, let’s replace the tired figure of decline with the vibrant narrative of continuous growth, boundless potential, and a life that explodes in color and possibility, regardless of the number on the calendar.
Because, my friends, age is just a number. It’s time we started living like it. And I am relishing my 8th Decade of Creating, Sharing, and generally being Happy
Very good Chuck. I know a few old, retired sailors who need to read this.
Thanks for your comments, Fredric
Please share it with your friends.
I don’t know. I’m 80 years old, but it’s not just about the number. I’ve come to realize my limitations although I’m probably in better shape than many my age. I used to race bicycles, not the ones with motors, but old fashioned ten speeds and I competed with guys much younger than I. Now, it’s work to just ride around the subdivision. So, in my mind, I’m still that buff twenty five year old, but in an eighty year old body. I do, however, refuse to fall into the group of old folks and I can still relate to people much younger.
At least you are still riding! I was disappointed when I started Physical Therapy that I could NOT do what I used to be able to do. My therapist wisely showed me that I am OK and at least doing something, and getting better as time went on.
Will never be at past levels BUT I am ‘Being’ active ~~smile
WOW, This just came across my Facebook wall and it was so on topic for this POST
Just a number yes and no.
I was introduced to Taekwondo by my granddaughter twelve years ago and I had just turned sixty-seven.
Thirteen years later I’m a 3rd dan black belt and the lead instructor of our class.
I’ve earned awards for Black Belt of the Year, for breaking and forms and sparring at tournaments, and to say I’m humble about them is an understatement.
Since I was a kid playing Little League ⚾️, HS and ♂️ track, receiving awards has always been a little awkward to me.
I appreciate them and the people who feel I deserve them.
But doing my best – and I always see that I could have done a little better – is all I ever see besides the flaws and areas I can improve.
Be all that as it may, at seventy-nine I also see my limitations. For example, when it comes to all the physical things we do, I do “better” than most people my age. For that I’m thankful.
So in that sense age is just a number, but in comparison with a sharp eighteen or twenty-two or thirty-five year old, age is a reality.
I’m not too old to stop reaching for the next rung on the ladder and I still beat younger students in kicking contests – whose kick is the quickest to make contact.
Yet time is a teacher. After having a stent inserted in a major heart artery 90% blocked two years ago, three months later my doctor gave me the green light to spar in a tournament.
I was matched with a much younger – maybe twenty+ years, more muscular and bigger man who in the first round nailed me with the most forceful side kick to the center of my chest I’ve ever experienced.
It knocked me to the mat the force causing me to skid five feet out of bounds.
I was shook. I immediately thought of my heart. AND as we continued though “I need to throw in the towel,” then the round ended.
I sat down, took deep breaths and didn’t know what I should do. Then rest time was over and went back out.
He struck me once more in the chest maybe half strength as the first blow, I tagged him a couple times but mostly played defense.
My goal, my strategy, was to be defensive and make it through the fight.
When the fight ended he was the victor and I had not quit.
Age is just a number? Yes and no. And at my age in Taekwondo some people are inspired by me.
I know my limitations and my weaknesses, and as the lead instructor now I can pass on what I’ve learned to my students who are mostly kids.
Words to me from my Master Instructor: Mr Mitch, can’t an old man do better than that?
His words to a young student: You let an old man beat you?
What a fabulous story to share, Mike,
I admire your fortitude. Your Dad was spot on when he guided you to “do your Best”
But I feel we all need to share our positive and negative life experiences to off help to this coming along on this wonderful Journey of LIFE
Thanks again
If 40 is the new 20… Then 80 is the new 40?
Well my Mindset is still young…
But the old machinery is getting a bit worn!
I will stress to you and your generation to take good care of the BODY.
Just think, it was $247,000 just to repair the arteries in one of my legs so that I could walk less painfully.
Great Example of living. Bob Dylan sings, “he not busy being born is busy dyeing”. But we must be mindful of the realities of our limits, that’s humility. And that’s a trait of effective leaders…
https://worksofwords.live/2024/05/31/respect-and-humility-key-traits-of-effective-leadership/
Thanks Chuck and we can agree on that.
BTW change stint to stent
Edit is taken care of.
I have a few “stints” also ~~smile
Thanks Chuck, I remember Beatty White was interviewed during her 100th year. (She died I believe at 102). She spoke of the wisdom and effectiveness that comes with years and maturity saying “I got more done this year than in the previous 10.”
Thanks for comment, Mark and Yes! Betty White’s outlook on LIGFE was fantastic.
Another aspect of helping us on this journey is being surrounded by like minded friends and to be open to developing new relationships along the way.
I Thank you and Kathryn for that rent opportunity for friendship,