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Am I ‘Old’?

#1

On the flip side, I was recently hired by a major medical center, and as part of orientation, I sat with a group of 10 or so 20-somethings. I am 58. Without leadership, when others can't decide, I usually step in, comfortable with the risk of failure, and in this case, it worked out well. By the end of the two days, I was thanked for being their leader through the various activities, but I commented, and I think they understood, I am more of a democratic leader, accepting input while directing our efforts. I was also thanked for my kindness, which seemed odd, but they explained that many older people deride them. I was quite surprised but realized later I had decided in my youth not to be one of 'those', cranky older sticks-in-the-mud, those that see the difference in youth as a flaw. I hope never to mistake those changes as bad, only recognizing that it is simply a different time, the same as when I was their age.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/13/well/mind/age-aging-old-young-psychology.html?comments#permid=29729779

#2

One hates the cliche of "You're as old as you feel!", but I certainly don't feel old, the benefit of lifelong fitness and a penchant for learning. Then again, one can't help be aware of the slow arc of age, both good and bad. On the downside, my top-of-the-curve fitness is merely average for a 25-year old. My intellect is still bright, although I rarely have a chance to test my wits, since the youngest person in our social circle is 40, and I only occasionally work with recent college graduates. Recently, many post-college locals have taken to using the pronoun sir when talking to me. On the upside, I am happy, comfortable in life, secure with a partner that loves me. I work as a software developer, fairly current in modern technologies and programming languages, but that sometimes matters little, as when a manager interviewing me says "I didn't expect someone so senior!". By some analyses, my online social profiles resemble someone in their early 30's.

In the end, one has to deal with not just with the changes of age, but often the stereotyping by others. Then again, it can certainly be an interesting point of observation, the relationship between one's abilities and the treatment by others.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/13/well/mind/age-aging-old-young-psychology.html?comments#permid=29730167

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/13/well/mind/age-aging-old-young-psychology.html?comments#permid=29729840


#3

I was reminded of a recent incident where I directed someone not to push the elevator buttons - our condo elevator has both the curse and benefit of closing immediately when a button is pressed - because old people need time to get in. Later, I realized that I am old to those people I admonished. I am 58, and as the article mentions, old is relative.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/13/well/mind/age-aging-old-young-psychology.html?comments#permid=29729975



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