I hear experts and laymen saying that of course your back hurts when you’re over forty. Or that you have to get transition lenses when you’re fifty. Or that you can’t lose belly fat after thirty-five.
Many people my age are experiencing what I take to be the classic mid-life crisis, both in their lives and regarding health. “I’m X years old – that’s too old to start this, try that or wear those.”
Even my sporty friends decry the breakdown of their bodies now that they’re ancient – you know; over forty.
I’ve discovered how rigidly we apply these rules in almost all areas of life. Sometimes, it’s a good thing – no mini skirts after 35, for example, is a directive that benefits us all.
What about those who simply don’t buy into the “at age X your body is X” schools of thought?
I have to provide full disclosure on this topic. In human years I’m forty-seven, but my Wii Fit age is 29. In mentality and outlook, I’m about thirty-five. My emotional maturity has – thank god – finally kicked in and is closing on seventy-five, although it’s been known to dip as low as seven.
When I look at my “aged” friends with their bad backs, sore knees and aching shoulders, I think maybe it’s not age; maybe it’s the years and years of repetitive strain they put on their knees and backs, with no practice of yoga, tai chi or qigong to alleviate it.
Maybe aging is not so much about what you do or how old you are, but of the care you take of your mental and physical well-being.
Maybe aging is mitigated by new experiences, open minds and an open heart.
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