Does the word “age” bother you?
Recently I was having a conversation with someone and used the phrase, “at this age…” He immediately interrupted me to say that I’m not old and he hates when people use age is a factor in what they can or can’t do.
I explained that I wasn’t saying ‘age’ as in ‘old,’ I was just making a comparison in what I think about the subject now as opposed to earlier in my life.
He obviously doesn’t know me well, as I don’t let age define me. I got my motorcycle license at age 59 and took swim lessons for the first time at age 64–right after I learned to kayak.
I have a few friends who also bristle at the word age. One substitutes the word, “vintage.” Another says at this “wisdom.” Sometimes I say, “at this stage,” in order not to offend the ones who object to “age.” I heard somewhere that we should call ourselves ‘Queenagers.’ I like that!
I’m not old. I am aging. I started the day I was born. And so did you.
Children love to answer the, “how old are you?” question. They are proud of every year. As am I. Age is how many years you’ve been alive. Old is an attitude.
Of course I don’t want to look old. Or act old. I actively work to take care of my body to stay youthful. To look younger, keep my balance and posture and to stay strong and flexible.
What about you? Does the word “age” bother you? How do you like to refer to this stage of your life? Tell me in the comments!
People often talk of “having balance” or “getting balance” or ‘being more balanced.” As if it’s a thing to get or something to achieve. Balance is a verb—an action word. It’s something you do. Some weeks you may balance well; others not so much.
Enjoy Life and Do Good! 