Staff Writer - Katrin Callender
Earlier today a girlfriend turned to me and asked, “Are we old?”I have to admit, I was as shocked as I was amused by the question. We had been sitting on a bench at Movie Town chatting and observing the passers-by. Among these were teenagers whose clothes we anything but age appropriate as they paraded past us. We reminisced about the days gone by when we had done the same.
I sighed and commented upon the irony that as teens, we work so hard to look and be treated as adults, and then spent our adult lives mourning youth. She acknowledged that there were benefits to being adults, and said that we as humans are selective as we look back. She argued that as adults we were not governed by our parents’ rules, noting that we were no longer told that we couldn’t do the things we wanted if we hadn’t completed our home-work and other chores. Honestly, do we really celebrate this fact more than a bit, since we are governed by rules set out by numerous other parties.
Everyone can be called ‘old’ by someone. There is a sort of running gag that my parents have where they say ‘we are all born old, no one says a newborn is one day young ‘. That notion is quite accurate. We must make every attempt to get the most out of our lives –and just plain enjoy life- at any age. In harmony with my parents’ joke is the fact that we never see or hear babies lording their youth over other babies. Children may ask about our age but this stems from their curiosity and fascination with all facets of life. Most of their questions come from a genuine desire to learn about the vast and complex world around us.
Who says the American First Lady is old...?
So why is it that we begin to fret about our age, in some cases as teenagers and certainly, as adults? Do we live with a psychological point system wherein we lose a point for each wrinkle we acquire or every calendar year that passes? When anxious about aging we can find solace in the fact that we are growing in knowledge which presents an opportunity to grow in wisdom. They are not necessarily the same. We may learn many things but choose not to apply them or apply them in unsuitable circumstances. When we are confident in our decision making, and make these decisions with clear, unbiased minds we begin to enjoy true wisdom. Furthermore, many people have their lives cut short due to health problems or violence. Truly, living to be called old is quite a blessing in such a world.
To the women in their thirties, forties, fifties and beyond who want to rock halter tops or miniskirts or maxi dresses, I say: you are probably counted among the generation that wore these in the first place! A single change in detail or marketing shouldn’t exclude you. If you know it looks great, wear it proudly! To my girlfriend, I say: maybe, but what is ‘old’ anyway? Our time on Earth- however long it lasts- affords us the chance to contribute in any way we see fit, leaving an impressive footprint. For about six months now, I’ve been growing into quite a feisty being – one who recognizes a life spent trying to ensure that I positively impact all that I touch-and I encourage everyone who worries about aging to join me in yelling my favourite response to the question ‘how old are you?’ I look at the person asking, smile mischievously, and respond ‘I am timeless!’
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