I was taken aback the other day at a women’s networking meeting to hear someone object to my use of the term “old” to describe myself and to hear her say she’d never call herself that.
First, the context: I was using it as a self-deprecating term in a humorous anecdote. I try not to take myself too seriously, but people who don’t know me might not get that. Because a whole lotta people take themselves super-seriously.
Life’s too mysterious; don’t take it serious!
But to be serious just for a moment–not only do I feel empowered by being “old” but I know plenty of people whose lives were cut short and would love to still be able to call themselves “old.”
By today’s standards my 66 years are not considered “old”. But I’m no longer at midlife (unless I could live to 130, which is doubtful). Count it any way you like: I’m a senior citizen. And that’s ok with me.
Women, in particular, tend to get much of their self worth from their youthful appearance. Hence, the popularity of botox, fillers, cosmetic surgery. Some women diet themselves to the point of starvation.
I’m not interested in any of that.
Aging is REALLY ok with me, because there are so many benefits to being old, senior, older, and aging. The wisdom that comes with age is unbeatable. So is the self-acceptance. And the joy. I appreciate every moment of being “old” because it IS a privilege denied many.
It’s time to redefine the adjective “old” –to remove the negative connotations and celebrate it! It brings with it all sorts of positives. It’s a victory of sorts.
Many ancient cultures got this and revered their elders. We marginalize them in our own popular society.
So let’s stop this pretense that we aren’t really older — or old — and embrace aging for the gift it is.
One thing we CAN do to retain our youthful good health is healing affirmations. This affirmation deck is suitable for those who are healing or those who are not sick, but who want to set a healthy daily intention. Also available as daily emails. What a great gift!
I know some people find aging no laughing matter! I mentioned once in my book club that when you hit 80 you go into dog years. Big fallout, not taken with the humor I intended.
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No sense of humor!
No botox for me either. Sandra Bullock, what were you thinking? I’m just a “young at heart” oldster.
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This is very true Carol and I couldn’t agree more with you 🙂
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I’m not getting older, just wiser. 🙂
My parents were 42 when they had me. I never thought of them as old even though all of my friends had parents that were closer in age to my oldest sister. So to me, old has always been 10 years older than my parents were. It was a fluid number. Right now my mother is 98, so old is 108.
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I think the fact that I don’t feel my age makes me rebel about the label of my age . I still feel like someone in my twenties with knee pain, maybe I’ll embrace my age next year?
I’ve earned every line, wrinkle and gray hair and I’m proud of every one. Age lines aren’t disfiguring. They’re life. Written in your skin!
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it’s not aging, it’s collecting memories!
This is a genuine Carol and I can’t help but concur with you. I never thought of them as old despite the fact that the majority of my companions had guardians that were nearer in age to my most established sister. So to me, old has dependably been 10 years more established than my folks were.