“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you was?” Satchel Paige (1906-1982)
In the Western World stereotypes drive our culture, especially perceptions of aging. During my time in school, I quickly realized what that meant to my younger counterparts and how they viewed me in class. I went over my experiences in the last article, Part 1 in this series. I know that there are some perceptions that we take on in our lives through others’ lenses, but there are subjective things that determine how we move and feel in our world. How we see ourselves and our self-concept is important. Is it more important how we see ourselves or how others see us? What defines what we accept internally from external cues, thoughts, or comments?
Truth be told I felt some kinda way when no one wanted me to be their partner in gym or any other class that I had. I never had that issue on the playground growing up, but by nature I have gotten older. Now I am on the other side of the fence waiting on the sideline saying, “pick me, pick me”, so I will not be the last one left just to walk on to a team. Yes, I was in gym class playing dodgeball, kickball, tag, capture the flag, etc. With children that were half my age and I say children because I had some on their age!! I knew my ability and I found myself wanting to show what I could do, but not kill myself in the process. Even though I felt 25, I was 48. I could look in decent shape all I wanted, but the reality was that I was not 18 or 25 years old, hell, I was not even close to 30 “LOL” “LOL”.
Actual expectations of how aging looks and feels to people of different age groups differ greatly and are shown in this research published in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
The chart shows that the stereotypes are emphasized way more than expected and that older adults have a better quality of life than younger age groups!!! How about that!!?
Those numbers look good. How we see ourselves, aging has a great look in all the major areas of life and it looks balanced and positive. We Baby Boomers and Generation Xers are health-conscious, love being active and social, we embrace group fitness classes, rock climbing, martial arts, ballroom dancing, and going back to school to change passions!!
How do you feel about the phrase “age-defying”? What assumptions do you challenge about aging? Provide some comments below. Come on over to @Whole-body Fitness and Wellness on FB, formally Stephanie Whitten Fitness. I provide mindset and life coaching and consulting through fitness and wellness. Embrace, Endure, Excel, Defy!! Embrace your journey, Endure life’s challenges, Excel daily, Defy the odds!!! Give life your “ALL”! Appreciate, Love, and Live Life!
