Age is just a number

 I know we have all heard the phrase "40 is the new 30 and 50 is the new 40".  I have always said "Yeah right.  40 is 40 and 50 is 50!"  Well, I have to say I may be having a change of heart.  I have begun looking around me and noticing that there are people of an older age..."gasp" doing some pretty incredible things.

I always thought that 50 sounded ancient, I still kind of do  Unfortunately, I have to admit I am somewhat past the ancient age of 50.  I have to say though, I don't really feel like what I thought over 50 would be.  Although at 30 how do you know what over 50 is supposed to feel like.  You can only conjure up visions of a hump backed, white haired, crotchety old woman that smells like perfumed powder.  I am here to say, I was sadly mistaken.


I had the privilege of golfing with a beautiful, sharp, vivacious, 80 year old woman that kicked my butt in putting expertise.  She walks 18 holes of golf and golfs twice a week.  I so enjoyed golfing with her, it made me stop and look around at a lot of the women I golf with.  The ages range from 40s - 80s.  These women are intelligent, witty, attractive and funny people.  They come from all walks of life. They have immensely interesting stories to tell and none of them match the stereotypical "old woman".

A beautiful swing at 80 years young, if I do say so myself!

After golfing for the last 15 years, I have come to the conclusion that golf is ageless!  It is one of the few sports that my nephew at 11, my son at 26, myself at uhhh 50 something and my Dad at 75 can all enjoy together.  It places us outside among the sun, beautiful green grass and blue sky for 4-5 hours.  I can't think of any other activity that can claim that, except for maybe yard work.  I don't see the four of us sharing that activity joyfully together.  I'll say it again Golf knows no age!

I do have to admit that some things that used to be a lot easier, are a bit harder.  Ok, some things are almost down right impossible.  I have started a pretty intense workout program that kicks my butt every time I go.  As all these wonderful, fit bodies blaze by me when we run, I have questioned whether I ever show any improvement.  My CrossFit trainer assures me I have, (hmmm I think that might be her job though).  I have had to tell my narcissistic ego to bud out.  Yes, 20 years ago I could jump onto a small step.  Now, I look like an accident waiting to happen when I attempt the jump.  Believe me, it is not pretty.  Yet, 20 years ago I did not have a grand daughter to hold and I couldn't hit an occasional golf ball 200 yards.  So, I have to find the positive in there somewhere.  Is it an accomplishment that we still care and try?  I think it is and I think I will continue to pat myself on the back each day I show up for another beating. 

20 years ago this would have looked so much cuter.

So are we to believe that "40 is the new 30 and 50 is the new 40"?  I don't know.  I am still not crazy about that saying.  I think so much of aging is in our mind.  Yes, I will agree there are more aches and pains attributed to aging, along with the random hairs growing in bizarre places.  I do think though our thoughts and how we approach our increasing age is the real key.  It is easy to say you can't do something because you are too old, but if it is something you feel is worth doing I think you can find a way to do it.  Or at least make the attempt.   So until I ride off into the sunset I think I will go by these wonderful words.  "Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese." - George Burns