Who is This "Old" Person People Talk About?

In today's society, the term "old" often carries connotations of decline, frailty, and irrelevance. We associate it with limitations, both physical and mental, and sometimes even view it as a barrier to living a fulfilling life. But what if we challenged this traditional definition of old age? What if being "old" was not about the number of years lived, but rather about the richness of experience, the depth of wisdom, and the vitality of spirit?

Let's start by examining the conventional understanding of "old."

According to Merriam-Webster, "old" is defined as

• Having lived for many years
• Having existed or been in use for a long time
• Belonging to, used by, or known by someone in the past
• Showing the characteristics of age, especially having gray or white hair or wrinkled skin

Goodness!..this sounds like used, abused, picked over and tossed aside...LOL...just kidding.

This definition focuses solely on chronological age and outward appearance, neglecting the myriad ways in which individuals continue to grow, learn, and contribute throughout their lives.

Take a look at yourself. Seriously. Get up, stand in front of the mirror and take note of what you see. Do you FEEL like that definition? Does the person looking back at you match that definition?

In biblical times, people were known to live significantly longer than they do today. Methuselah, for example, is said to have lived to the ripe old age of 969 years. While these extraordinary lifespans may seem incomprehensible to us now, they serve as a reminder that age is not necessarily synonymous with decline. In fact, many biblical figures remained active and engaged well into their later years, continuing to play important roles in their communities and in the unfolding of history.

In today's world, advancements in healthcare, nutrition, and lifestyle have led to significant increases in life expectancy compared to previous generations. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the global average life expectancy at birth in 2020 was approximately 72.6 years. However, this figure varies significantly by region and gender.

In many developed countries, women tend to outlive men, with statistics showing that women generally have a longer life expectancy than men. For example, in the United States, the average life expectancy for women is around 81 years, compared to around 76 years for men. This gender gap in life expectancy can be attributed to various factors, including biological differences, lifestyle choices, and healthcare utilization.

Biologically, women tend to have lower rates of chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke compared to men, which can contribute to their longer life expectancy. Additionally, women are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors such as regular medical check-ups, healthier eating habits, and lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption. Despite these differences, both men and women today are living longer, healthier lives than ever before.

So, if age is not determined solely by the number of years lived, what does it truly mean to be "old"?

Perhaps being "old" is about embracing the fullness of life, regardless of age. It's about nurturing a spirit of curiosity, resilience, and gratitude for the journey that has brought us to where we are today. It's about cherishing the wisdom that comes with experience and using it to guide and inspire others. And it's about recognizing that our worth and vitality are not diminished by the passing of time, but rather enriched by it.

Age is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s different for everyone depending on lifestyle and choices. What we know for sure, you are only as “old” as you feel, or even better, you are whatever age you feel. As the new face of empty nesters, we may not fit into the definition of “old”.

Have you seen some of the women who have grown children? Some look like they can be their children’s siblings. They look young and are living a vibrant life, traveling, running marathons, completing triathlons and hoping back into the dating scene to find love.

As we reflect on the changing landscape of aging and longevity, it's essential to recognize that age is just a number, not a destination and not the end of your life story. We are the new face of empty nesters and “old” is not a part of our story. The richness of life is infinite.

With love and empowerment,

Your fellow empty nester...♥️