As a Gen Xer, it feels like I'm reframing my views on aging every week! For example, recently I've had dates with a couple of Boomers--and not *barely*-Boomers, but guys who, it turned out, were actually in their early 70s (which is *considerably* older than me). But I never would've guessed it; they were as fit, healthy, appealing, and vibrant as men more than a decade younger... still working and still very, very much alive. It was encouraging, to say the least.
Aging--especially today--doesn't look anything like it did when we were kids, shuddering at the thought of becoming our parents, grandparents, or that "weird old guy" down the street.
Either that, or it's just my midlife inner voice kicking in, raging against ageism... but I'm convinced it's the former. ;)
This is a great example Diana, thanks for sharing. This isn't an academic discussion... people are living the experience and it's important for us to take a look at our Boomer predecessors, because many are paving the way for us as far as healthspan goes.
I love that you included, "younger people likely don’t believe it until they’re lucky enough to get there."
Yes, each year now on my birthday, I don't think "I'm getting older"; I think "how great it is that I have the privilege of living this many year."
As they say, it sure beats the alternative.
"Age 50 isn't game over. It's game on!"
As a Gen Xer, it feels like I'm reframing my views on aging every week! For example, recently I've had dates with a couple of Boomers--and not *barely*-Boomers, but guys who, it turned out, were actually in their early 70s (which is *considerably* older than me). But I never would've guessed it; they were as fit, healthy, appealing, and vibrant as men more than a decade younger... still working and still very, very much alive. It was encouraging, to say the least.
Aging--especially today--doesn't look anything like it did when we were kids, shuddering at the thought of becoming our parents, grandparents, or that "weird old guy" down the street.
Either that, or it's just my midlife inner voice kicking in, raging against ageism... but I'm convinced it's the former. ;)
This is a great example Diana, thanks for sharing. This isn't an academic discussion... people are living the experience and it's important for us to take a look at our Boomer predecessors, because many are paving the way for us as far as healthspan goes.