What's My Age Again?
Before I start, let me clarify that this blog post is about the subject of age, as opposed to the song by Blink 182. Now that we have that out of the way, today is my birthday. I am 52 years old. It is a source of constant amazement to me, that I have been kicking about this mortal coil for over half a century. When considered in such terms it does give one pause for thought. I also find it interesting that I according to The Office for National Statistics, at present the average life expectancy for men in the UK is 79.2 years. I could therefore be around for at least another 27 years. As I’m in relatively good health at present and both my parents come from hardy stock who have propensity for longevity, maybe I’ll live beyond that statistic. I could make it into my nineties like my Father and Aunt. And let us not forget how medical science is continuously improving which further contributes to greater life expectancy. The UK has an ageing population and at present nearly 12 million people are aged 65 or above.
However, due to my personal philosophy and world view, I do not agree with the concept of “life at any cost”. For me it is all about the quality of one’s life. Therefore, I do not fear aging as long as it goes hand in hand with good health. My worst fear is to be debilitated by illness and robbed of my mobility or faculties. The idea of having to endure decades of diminished life where I am unable to be independent, utterly terrifies me. Which is one of the reasons I had an NHS Health Check earlier in the year. I felt that if I had any potential issues, I’d rather get on top of them now. Thankfully, that was not the case. Sure, like most people it wouldn’t hurt to shed a few pounds, but my heart, lung, liver and kidney function are doing okay. However, although it is often considered a cliché, I have developed some minor ailments in recent year. My joints ache and I find bending down as well as getting up and down off the floor is more of an effort. I also get cramp in my feet and calves, often for no discernible reason. Getting older also brings the indignity of an increase in superfluous body hair. Something I abhor.
Yet conversely, despite age bringing a degree of physical diminishment, I have never felt more robust mentally and emotionally. I have a sense of measured confidence that I sorely wish I’d had when I was in my twenties. I try to keep calm in stressful situations, think before I speak, endeavour to be patient and generally not contribute to the ongoing stupidity that abounds in the world today. I am happy to speak in public, share my thoughts if asked to do so, praise others when it’s due and admonish those who are thoughtless and inconsiderate to others. I can still learn new skills quite quickly and I’m happy with my writing abilities. Being in my fifties, I have shed a lot of concerns and worries that plagued me in my youth. For example, I don’t feel the need to worry about my appearance or the way I dress. Clothes are now chosen on grounds of convenience and practicality, rather than style. I keep my hair short as such a length is low maintenance. Overall, I am comfortable in my own skin and not unduly concerned by other people’s opinion about me or how I lead my life.
I certainly think that when it comes to ageing, men get a much easier ride than women. According to the tabloid press, when a man’s hair goes grey or white, it is “distinguished”. Sadly, such a thing is not deemed favourable for ladies, who are continuously judged by the cult of youth and pressurised to fight against any signs of age. I am also aware that at 52 I am perceived differently by various age groups. My parents finally see me as an “adult” which amuses me no end. To young people in their teens I’m just another parent; neither threatening nor venerable. And some of my peers who are of a comparable age to me, still think that they can conduct themselves exactly as they did two decades ago. I sincerely hope that I don’t do this. As the saying goes “there’s no fool like an old fool”. Overall, I do not think we should be totally defined by our age. Yet it is a mistake to write it off as “simply a number”. For me, the compromise is to maintain a contemporary outlook, move with the times and something about being “young at heart”. But if your body tells you to take a break after a long walk, then it is wise to listen. Also Gin cures a multitude of ailments
