Something has radically changed in the last 30 years, indeed…

Apr 30

Written By Karin Priou

Milestone birthdays and our perception on aging.

My husband just celebrated his 50th rotation around the sun and it got me thinking…

Is 50 really that old anymore?

A photo of Steve Martin and Diane Keaton portraying 45 year olds (looking very aged.) The caption reads: An unbelievable thing that has changed in 30 years is that in 1995, this was supposed to be what 45 year olds looked like — (And clearly no offense to Steve Martin or Diane Keaton—> they both have aged fabulously.) Image credit: @baddestmamajama/ Twitter

The perception of aging

So when I look at our personal lifestyle as a couple (I am right behind → we are exactly a year and a half apart,) and all the things we do (sans grandma’s pearls…great job, Diane lol) I don’t think so.

Of course we are getting a bit more creaky, and don’t bounce back as easily as we used to. It’s definitely a transition in life we are proud to be experiencing…

From what I have been reading, the perception of 50 is the crux in where the debate lies. It varies widely among individuals and cultures, lifestyle, health and societal roles which reflects diverse attitudes about it.

For us, it’s about life experiences, achievements, life’s hurdles overcome, and feeling comfortable in one’s own skin.

A 50th Birthday Milestone

One of the 50th birthday weekend’s activities was bowling→ As purely recreationalists and occasional bowlers, my husband picked up a ball he has used his whole life.

His first throw was met with a tear in his bicep muscle. Wisdom (of many an injury) sprung me into action obtaining a makeshift ice pack from the bar.

His solution? To bowl with his left arm.

(Which actually, was quite impressive! And I am saying this objectively not just from adoring eyes.)

A photo taken from the angle of the floor at a bowling alley with a bowling shoe and a ball just released with pins in the background. — Bowl Incline is tops! as is Sam Choy’s Ohana Diner… highly recommend.

There are definite physical changes we are both experiencing… After a long weekend (and without any alcohol) I definitely needed a recovery day or two. The social hustle and bustle wears me out more than before, as does the physical for the both of us.

So, our wisdom tells our FOMO to take a seat and we will get back out there the next time. Our tanks expire more quickly, and we have the reason and sense to listen.

Awareness of Wellness

Today, with advances in healthcare and an increased focus and knowledge abound, on wellness and active lifestyles, many people view their 50s as a vibrant period of life. Wisdom and confidence is at its height, and we still possess the vitality to pursue new adventures, careers, and hobbies.

The concept of being "old" has shifted as people live longer, healthier lives, making age thresholds like 50 seem less about entering a period of decline and more about embracing new opportunities and taking advantage of this new wisdom and confidence that comes with age.

40 meant death in the 1900’s

I remember clearly the day when my father turned 40- (not even half a century) and the whole theme was “Over the Hill”...

My mother made a cake with BLACK icing with tombstones and all the balloons were black— plates, napkins and all other birthday fanfare.

40 meant “near death” in the 1980’s apparently. 🙄

Thanks to the powers at be: Societal views on aging are evolving. The idea that life's opportunities shrink after a certain age is being challenged by individuals in their 50s and beyond who achieve significant accomplishments, whether in sports, the arts, business, or other fields.

While 50 may have once been seen as a marker of old age, today it can be considered a midpoint of life where experience and potential coexist, offering a rich ground for personal growth and exploration.

I mean, we just bought a boat, and are planning to wake surf as long as we can throughout our 50’s… 60’s… and we just heard of a couple in our area that are in their 70’s —> Still Wake Surfing!

Can I get a: #goals

Photo of a surfer on a wave from his legs down. Emphasis on the surf board and stance. — Image credit Tannerz Travel

Let’s redefine the concept of aging

The concept of age itself is being redefined. Age is not just a number but a reflection of one's physical health, mental agility, and emotional well-being.

Many individuals in their 50s and beyond are leading lives that are as active and fulfilling as at any other age, challenging stereotypes and showing that being "old" is more a state of mind than a result of chronological aging.

The notion that 50 is old is not only increasingly inaccurate but also fails to capture the richness and diversity of the experiences for those of us, at this stage of life.

Of course we need to adjust, and go to bed earlier, and focus more on our diet, and regular exercise. Taking a break when needed. Garnering an ice pack or two…

To sum it up, I honestly think it is much of the same theme I continue to experience in this life: Most (or all) of it is in your mind. 🌟