Open Thread Update: Aging Myths and Misconceptions
Last time we talked about misconceptions and myths about aging, and you readers really delivered the goods! There was story after story about you and your late in life achievements…
…like going back to school to get advanced degrees like Eugenia D…
…got accepted into a top 10 school for my Masters degree. There was so much to learn, and I loved every minute of it! Now I am thinking about possibly going for a Phd. Never too old in my opinion!
…or moving across the country, like Margaret F….
My affirmation is “I will find peace and happiness and keep moving .” 77 is a number not a death sentence!! I’m letting go and explore SC and surrounding states
…or writing books like Sue P!
At 73, I’m about to publish my fourth book.
YOUR TURN
Every comment is a gem, full of inspiration — and Aging with Attitude! There are so many inspiring stories we’ll probably be taking an in-depth look at your achievements, so stay tuned… and keep those comments about your myth-busting coming! What started this all? Read the original column, below:
Aging Myths and Misconceptions
One Sunday afternoon I was chatting with a bartender at my favorite watering hole. The substance of it was ‘the point of no return” – the point in life when time is no longer the unlimited commodity it was when we were young.
My fella took it to mean the point at which a personality is not going to change – if a person is a selfish prick at 50, they aren’t going to become St. Francis at 55 or 60.
I took it to mean the point at which it’s too late to get fundamental life infrastructure in place – if you don’t have a house by 50 or 60, it ain’t gonna happen; ditto retirement.
50 or 60 was too late to do things like go back to school or get a second career
Myths about Aging
But the bartender – a guy about 30 – said 50 or 60 was too late to do things like go back to school or get a second career. I quickly disabused him of that notion. After all, Senior Citizens Day is coming (August 21).
Now, he’s a nice guy and I don’ think he was ageist – at least not intentionally.
But that got me thinking about the myths and misconceptions younger people (or even our younger selves) had about getting older.
YOUR TURN
What misconceptions and myths about aging have you held, encountered or had to correct? Let us know in the comments!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog “Don’t Get Me Started” puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City. Send Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.
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Comments
Just turning 74, I can’t wait to be 75!!! I’m so excited! My husband and I keep busy volunteering at Buckley Space Force Base and Wings Over the Rockies as Mr & Mrs Santa Claus. I play pickleball 3 times a week while he walks the dog around the lake. Since Senior Planet has come to Colorado, we have attended classes and now I volunteer at the front desk welcoming people to the facility. We also keep busy with family and neighbors. We don’t know how we had time to work – retirement is fun!
I retired at 59, BA at 62, married for the 3rd time at 65 and was an active volunteer. Then Covid came. I became a couch potato My husband passed. And I have done nothing but sit in the recliner. I am even bored with TV. I am not depressed but I don’t cook for myself, have moved to a new place and haven’t been interested very much in trying to make new friends, or going to church or exercising. At the age of 81, just waiting to escape the government fussing and violence go to heaven
In my experience, a person can continue learning and experiencing as long as they wish.
I went back to school at age 54 and earned my bachelors degree. I then had the opportunity to work at a college, as well as be self-employed. After 5 years I applied to grad school and got accepted into a top 10 school for my Masters degree. There was so much to learn, and I loved every minute of it!
Now I am thinking about possibly going for a Phd. Never too old in my opinion!
At 73, I’m about to publish my fourth book. I’m also co-creating an online membership community geared to the boomer generation. Rather than rocking chair retired, I’ve decided to re-tire myself – not sure if I want Monster truck tires but a nice new tread for sure! I’ve learned to pace myself so I can include all the fun I have along with meaningful work. As George Bernard Shaw (I think it was) once said, “I want to be thoroughly used up when I die.”
Hi Sue, I’m 82 and would love to continue working on a collection of love emails between my husband of 1 1/2 years, and our courtship. It’s a truly beautiful love affair in our senior years. You have a headstart on me but this is my dream . I just need the dicipline and stick to it tiveness. Do you have any words of encouragement for me? Thank you.
Sweet blessings,
Frances Pennacchia
Great article — I wish you could discuss practical options for those living on Social Security. I would love to get a MAT but the total is $30,000. I feel the desire but the pressure of spending that amount is real. I get the FAFSA, pay for the transcript and then freeze. I would love to take something at the community college and get a job beyond $15.00!