It’s really interesting to think about turning 50. There is a sense that a 50th birthday is a really important milestone, but on the other hand it is just another ordinary event. I guess the question becomes: what does it mean to me that I will be 50 years old in about 8 weeks? What have I learned so far about how to deal with my age gracefully? Will I approach this birthday that throws me into the next decade with hope and vitality, or with discouragement and fear?
I think about this stuff all the time. Actually, these ideas have been a bit of an obsession for about as long as I can remember. I have been on a quest to stay young – I’ve tried lots of things that offer the promise of youth. (Some of them work, some don’t.) I have spent $’s on the anti-aging docs that try to keep the aches, pains, wrinkles, and general decline from sneaking up on me. My exercise and nutrition routine are part of the plan to fight off the effects of accumulated years, and I am probably as strong now as I ever have been. And my hair – I’ve been waging a war on the gray with hair color for more years than I care to admit.
But there is nothing that any of us can do to stop the clock. We can, however, do things that can help improve our ability to be in the world and to live with vigor. Over the next few weeks I’m going to be talking about some of the best things we can do for ourselves as we age, in order to live happy, healthy, and productive lives. I think it’s possible.
There is nothing that I can do to keep my birthday from rolling around this summer. And I think that a certain amount of acceptance is key in navigating this life event called aging. But understanding how lifestyle choices impact the way we age is really important. I’m still trying to learn all I can about the topic, from other people, and also from thinking about my own experience. I know that everyone has birthdays, and that we are all moving in the same direction. But for some reason this birthday seems different, and I think that paying attention to my thoughts and feelings about it might be important. You are welcome to come along for the ride.
Until next time,
Cheers
Tags: 50th birthday, Aging and fitness, anti-aging, birthdays, mid-life
