How old is too old?
When do we turn a corner and have to see out the rest of our days content with what we own, have done and have learnt so far?
Does it matter now that 50 is the new 40 and ageism has legal boundaries?
In the US, discussions around President Joe Biden’s age have ramped up as another marathon election phase begins. He is a sharp and energetic 80 and shows little sign of slowing.
When superstar Madonna showed her reinvented 64-year-old face to the world at the recent Grammy Awards, it was unrecognisable for its lack of lines and obvious cosmetic enhancement.
A Chinese automotive services firm’s job posting in Sichuan province this month was clear about what it wanted in a way that would be illegal and unpalatable in Australia.
The vacancy post to fill a human resources position said: “The average age of the team should be less than 30 years old.”
That means even the youngest of the millennials is considered too old.
Generation Z is the new black there.
Social media is often criticised for its obsession with the young and digitally perfect in messaging and imagery, but it is not the only realm to be so youth obsessed. What I find most intriguing is when people put limitations on themselves because they have crossed a certain chronological boundary.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor with your name and suburb at Sunshine Coast News via: news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au
Too many people lament the passing of the years, uttering such sad things as “if I were younger I …” or “if I had my time again I would have …”.
These self-imposed limitations mean so many opportunities are lost and chances for growth missed. It is almost as if they feel their ship has sailed, when they are really still in the throes of getting shipshape.
My mother was awarded her masters degree at age 60. I received my masters at age 40 and my PhD at 45. I learnt to surf at 45, snowboard at 49 and I entered my first triathlon at 50.
I am no superwoman – there are so many like me on the Sunshine Coast – and decided early that age on its own was not going to be a reason not to take on a challenge. Life takes a lifetime to get the hang of, after all.
Dr Jane Stephens is a UniSC journalism lecturer, media commentator and writer. The views expressed are her own.
