Nope, this is not about the Cricket World Cup. Even though a non-follower of the sport like me is unashamedly jubilant at the way Indians are making mincemeat of the other teams. This is about age, and the restrictions that we impose on ourselves for being a certain age.
‘Grow up’, ‘Act your age!’, ‘You are too old for this!’
We have all either made or heard these statements at some point in our lives.
Recently I attended the sixtieth birthday party of a close friend. It was a fancy affair – sit-down dinner, dance floor with live music, beautifully groomed people, great food, and old friends. Now ‘old’ must not be confused with friends who are old (that too!), but rather friends we have known for more than three decades now. Some have matured gracefully like aged whiskey while others like wine with the potential to still cause me some acidity. The revelation that evening for many was the 60-year-old dancing through the night. We don’t want to guess what it did to his back or to that of others who gave him company on the dance floor, but it was a pleasure to watch his youthfully energetic dance.
There were also more ‘age-appropriate’ conversations like ‘What are your plans now?’ What changes in life now?’ For starters, nothing changes for him. He continues to be the workaholic he is, much to the chagrin of his wife, and his back. He continues to take life as it comes. And why not? As someone who loves what she does, I don’t want to retire either, at least soon. The body does complain from time to time (more often than earlier) and lets me know of time passing by. It is necessary to make some changes. There is also a slight urgency to do some of the things I thought I had too much time for, but it is also the time to enjoy the rewards we have earned. It is time to be kinder to self and to others while indulging oneself – in hobbies, travel, meeting friends and family. It is time to don your walking and dancing shoes. It is time to wear all the colours one fancies. To colour your hair purple. Do it while you have hair. Don’t eat everything though – the stomach and knees seem to age more rapidly than the brain.
Sixties is NOT the new fifties or the forties. It is what it is. Make the most of whatever age you are. It is a privilege to be alive and able.
Yes Tanu, at 72, I wear my favourite reds and maroons and any other colour that pleases me and looks nice on me. The adage age is just a number is true in many ways but sometimes your body reminds you that it is an actual number. We travel and will keep doing so till we can Travelling and exploring new places excites us. So do what you enjoy doing and finally its time to think of yourself. 80 is the new 60!!
I quit resonate with your thoughts. At the age of sixteen I sometimes acted as 26.But now being 50+ I want to live life my way. Thanks Tanu for reminding few important facts of life .
I think that the desire to act older than you are recedes as you actually grow older!
You have always been an inspiration Bhabhi!
You’ve addressed the topic so well Tanu. I also feel that as you grow old , your inhibitions go and you free yourself from self imposed restrictions. It indeed is the time to enjoy every moment.
Love your thoughts and observations Tannu. Indeed we need to make the most of every moment in our life. And your reminder has spurred me on to indulge myself more than I usually do. Let’s begin with meeting up with our childhood friends more often
just wear and dress the way you feel on that particular day is my way of thinking.
i am 77 going on 78..i have to remind myself at times that i am ooold but that s it.
You always dress up beautifully and you are never old!