Image via Wikipedia
Next month my husband turns 65, an age that used to feel ancient to me. That’s when people officially retire because they’ve reached old age, get their Medicare card to help with health care costs and join the senior citizens’ club. In fact, he became one of the 10,000 people each day who sign up to receive Social Security and Medicare. Wow – think we’re experiencing a national entitlement crisis?
Meanwhile, where did all the years go? He was 38 when we got married and somehow he’s still 38 to me. He pretty much does everything now that he did then. Come to think of it, I still feel 33, maybe 36, but certainly in my mid 30s even though the calendar year insists I’m 57. 57!
My mother always told me this would happen, that I’d feel like the same person inside regardless of the calendar year. Not everything’s the same though. Back during my original 30s I worked constantly, spent a lot of down time shopping and enjoyed participating in the night scene. These days I have very little interest in shopping and my drive to succeed has waned, making space for new interests to develop.
Sometimes I think I enjoy my life more now than back then, I feel more peaceful and comfortable with myself. The thrilling highs come from different things now. And I’m not talking drugs – then or now. I’m talking about events that inspire euphoria.
Today’s baby boomers are yesterday’s hippy generation. We’re still rebellious, forging new paths. We don’t feel old at age 50. We feel adventurous and highly conscious of good health.
Television shows don’t target the over 55 age group, but they’re behind the times. We’re the demographic with the most expendable dollars and the adventurous spirit to try new things and go new places. Travel companies are now recognizing that, so are magazines and beauty products. Pay attention to greenways and notice the 50+ crowd on bicycles, roller blades, running and walking. Advertisers are picking up on the trend and it’s high time. Research finds that we’re exercising twice as much as earlier generations.
I’ve accepted that I’m getting older and the reality doesn’t bother me nearly as much as the anticipation did. It’s still a little freaky that my husband will soon be 65, just like every one of his other age milestones stabbed me…. 50, 60, because he always hits the big number before I do, his age becomes my crisis. So when it’s my turn, it’s no big deal. Sort of like a dry run.
Here’s what we know… somebody turns 50 every 8 seconds. People age 65 and older now exceed 35 million and growing. Last January introduced the first of some 77 million baby boomers surging toward retirement.
America is growing older.
How do you feel about aging?
actthreedotnet 