After last week’s post on starting pointless arguments with friends for amusement purposes only, this week I accidentally stumbled into a more serious discussion. Friends and I were discussing a topic that’s become more prominent over the past few years- age. We’re all over 50 and were talking about things we used to do, still want to do, can’t do anymore, will someday do, etc…
Eventually, that led to the topic of politics, and whether or not Biden is too old to be president. This is curious to me because I generally don’t hear people questioning whether Trump is too old, even though they are close to the same age (81 & 77 respectively).
Anyway, the the main point of contention was whether or not people should be disqualified from doing something strictly because of their age. For example, nobody over 70 can run for president; or-your driver’s license is revoked at age 90.
My friends seem to think that rules like these were reasonable, but to me, they are not. I understand the thinking behind them but I believe it’s unfair not to treat people as individuals. People should be able to work, drive, or do whatever until they prove that they can’t (or can’t prove that they can). If that means requiring tests to prove capability, I’m totally fine with that.
Tom Brady should not have been able to play football past age 40, yet he did- and very well. John Goodenough won the Nobel prize for chemistry at age 97. Wouldn’t it have been a shame to prevent these accomplishments by assuming that age takes it’s toll on everyone at the same pace?
I know Father Time always wins in the end, but we should be allowed to play at our own level for as long as we can.
I’m interested to hear your thoughts on this topic and I appreciate your comments.
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A good question. I personally do not think age as on birth certificate should debar anyone from pursuing their interests, career providing they are able to do so and let’s face it the greatest physical difficulties are overcome daily by incredibly brave people. Also age does not necessarily mean loss of mental capabilities… what older people have is Wisdom gained through long years of experience and the overcoming of difficulties . Happy New Year friend.
Thanks for the good comment – Happy New Year!
One is only too old when they are placed in that pine box.
A pine box does have the final say! 😁 Thanks for reading, and commenting!
I agree with you, there are people who are brilliant and in very good shape regardless of their age and should be able to continue their life without any impediments. But they’re also people who have never been brilliant nor in good shape for their entire life. What to do with them? 😁
Hahaha- yes- excellent point Cristiana! 😁
Very true. I believe that age is just a number. Experience and expertise grow with years. At times, in several growth paths, they are far more useful.
Thanks for commenting!
People used to have to take mandatory retirement, and now companies will keep staff on as long as they’re capable of doing the job. I’m with you, case by case basis!
Good point- Thanks Tamara!
I agree that people are individuals and they age differently. Some lose mental and physical capabilities at a much younger age than others. My best friend’s sister-in-law is experiencing dementia at 60 for example. She owned and led a hugely successful business until this hit her. I don’t think there should be age limits for politicians, business or driving. Maybe tests for mental competence.
I agree- thanks E.A. Sorry to hear about the dementia- that’s difficult.
It’s shocking. She was on the cover of magazines in Seattle, a top business woman for years. And then, life changes.
😞
I agree with you, Todd. Age shouldn’t play a role but quite frankly when it comes to politicians they should have gone through some sort of aptitude test. The kind of test that proves if they have enough sense to rule the nation or international matters by thinking holistically for humanity and nature. Cause many of those running the show today do not deserve to keep their driving licence. Driving licence = running the show licence
I 💯 agree Parisa!
A few years ago my mom turned 80.
That same summer the family had a backyard party. My mother taught us all a lesson about age is just a number and her physical and mental ability.
We played a game of “who can limbo lower now”. My mom can and all the time with her drink balanced on her forehead.
Hope, I inherit her genes.
That’s a great story, Kevin!
Wow- that’s awesome! Thanks for sharing that Kevin 😎
Wow, Todd – what an interesting topic. I agree with you – there shouldn’t be hard age limits. Like Kevin’s mom, mine is pretty darn robust for age 84. Of course that means our population needs to be self-aware enough to know when they can no longer handle certain things. With power comes responsibility, right?
Robust is a great word! I would love to be robustly living my 80’s someday. I agree on the self awareness part. I’m also fine with tests being required at certain ages for certain jobs or activities. Thanks for commenting Wynne!
It’s a tough one because you can’t lump everyone into the same category based on age. But, there are many examples of people who age &, lose some of their capabilities, but refuse to hand over the torch to the next generation. We’ve seen it historically and within our own family. IMHO, that deprives the younger person the opportunity to gain experience, and inject new ideas into the situation. Allowing the next generation to ‘come of age’ by taking on responsibilities is, I think, an important part of maintaining a functional society. How you do that without discriminating against the elderly? No idea.
That’s a really great point Gwen. I was thinking in terms of mental & physical capabilities only, but your right- holding onto positions forever (whether competent or not) does deprive the younger generation of making potentially valuable contributions. Thanks for making the point!
Thanks for sharing your wisdom, and convincing me to give up the age boundary. Certainly I am more active than many friends of my age and younger. I would hate to be told that I could not haul my camper and go camping because of my age. People are individual and should be treated as such. Sometimes I think society, especially the medical establishment, wants to lump people in categories because it’s easier to think that way. We miss much when we do that.
I am a firm believer that you are never too old to accomplish the things you want to do. Case in point, both my dad and I decided to learn piano this year, I am mid forties, he is mid 70s, but that isn’t going to stop either one of us from reaching our dreams! I like to think we are only as old as we feel – and sometimes that is a hard frame of mind to escape, (feeling old), but once you do, the world opens up to you again, IMO.
I like the phrase “the world opens up to you again”. 🙂 It’s great that you’re both studying piano- very cool! Thanks for commenting!
Amen Todd! There is so much ageism in our world. Things should be based on ability, not age. My mum is more active, with it, and vibrant at 91 than many people in their 50s and 60s. As people live longer healthier lives, we need to start challenging our definition of “old”.
Doesn’t the US have a lower age limit for Presidents? I thought I heard that years ago, but I could be wrong.
Thanks Michelle! Great to hear about your mom too- she sounds like a good role model for how to age. 😎
You’re right- the US does have a lower age limit for President- I think it’s 35. I have issues with that too 🙃
Yes! Let’s stamp out ageism in all its forms.
I agree that older people should be able to keep doing what they’re doing if they’re still capable.
In Australia, once you are 80-84 years old you need to complete a medical assessment to prove you are still fit to drive. If you are 85 and over you need to complete a medical assessment and also have a practical driving test if your doctor recommends it. That is for car licenses. I think it is stricter for truck licenses etc.
In sport, another example of someone who defied father time for an absurdly long time is the former professional boxer Bernard Hopkins. In his mid to late forties he was beating undefeated fighters who were about a generation younger. I’m not talking about mediocre fighters, I’m talking about world title contenders and in one case a world champion according to one of the four major sanctioning bodies.
Hopkins probably should have had his last fight when he was 50 at the latest rather than 51. He was more skilful than his final opponent Joe Smith Junior, who was only 27, but he could not cope with Smith’s power and fitness. Hopkins still managed to last to the 8th round and surprise Smith with some combinations that seemed to come from nowhere though.
Wow- what great story about Hopkins! Those Australian driving rules seem totally fair and logical- thanks for your interesting comments!
I tend to feel that age is just a number. As a person with a disability, I rely on the Americans with disabilities act to protect me from people discriminating against me based on what they think a blind person is able to do. For example, I was once almost prevented from visiting an warship that was a museum based on the fact that it had stairs, we had to convince the Director of the orange ship that a blind person could actually climb stairs effectively. So I tend to think that sometimes we make decisions based on preconceived notions that are not accurate. After all, in my case, they were assuming that a person with poor vision could not accomplish a task that only requires good legs. I also believe that we should not discriminate based on what we think a 60-year-old, 70-year-old 80-year-old or whatever age the person is, can do. It should be based on their ability that they demonstrate. I do believe that age is somewhat important when it comes to very young people. For example, someone with only 18 years of life experience isn’t going to have the abilities that are needed to effectively act as a president. I know that when I was 18 years old, I did not have enough life experience or enough understanding of many things to effectively lead, a group of 50 people, much less 50 states. I think that the brain is also developing at that point. I know that some would argue that as the brain ages, a person becomes less able to function and less able to think clearly, and this is true, but it’s not the same for everyone. For example, there are people who have early onset dementia at the age of 40 or 50, and there are also people who are 100 years old and are as clear minded as they were at the age of 60 or 50. Basically, it depends on the persons demonstrated abilities.
Excellent points-I appreciate your first hand experiences and perspective. Inspiring! Thanks Nickie!
I’m with you … treat me like an individual. There are some things where, yes, I’m right in line with the crowd, and then there are others where I may be above or below others, that’s called life. As your Brady example calls out, it can be dangerous to make broad generalizations!!!
Thanks Brian! ….”that’s called life” Yes! 💯
Age should have nothing to do with it. there are cultures where age is revered and wisdom highly regarded. and there have been many stand-out nonagenarians in my lifetime. stay busy everyone!
Great advice – thanks Patrick!
Up here in Toronto (Canada) every driver over 80 must ‘re-validate’ their drivers license annually. There’s a test to make sure you can still handle the responsibility of driving.
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I believe it is discriminatory to make a group (above a certain age) be subjected to additional scrutiny. But my belief in an individuals freedom is tempered by the need to protect society. And even to protect an individual from their own faltering abilities (reflexes / eyesight) because they may not be aware of how they’ve diminished.
I agree- I have no problem with re-validating. Thank you for reading!
Age put restrictions on things. We are age restricted in the UK. At 16 you can join the Army and fight in conflict but you have to be 18 to buy Call of Duty for your games console. We have a age restriction for alcohol of 18 yet places operate a “challenge 25” protocol which means if you look under 25 you have to provide identification. I’m 41, I have a passport but I don’t carry any ID with me day to day. A few weeks ago I got asked for ID buying my mother a bottle of wine. It was purely because I was the number of customer that the cashier had to ask. Ie they asked every 12 customers, etc. I knew the cashier and she was apologetic and embarrassed but she had to ask, I didn’t have any identification and luckily for me the lady behind me knew me and bought the wine for me. But how stupid is that process?!? I’m 41 and I look my age.
But age restrictions are not only on buying goods or actual activities. 16 until you can have sex for example. In the UK we don’t have a clue what sex is growing up other than something we shouldn’t do (at least that’s what it was for me). If we are told that it is what it is but emphasised is put on the possibilities of a child, then it might have a more serious understanding of how things are.
Age though is something that restricts people from doing what they want. For example, “you can’t sky dive, you’re 74!”. Bollocks, you can do what you want.
People are who they are because they’re who they are. Not an age given to them by a social convention but they are who they are, what they are and how they are 😁
Good comments Rochdalestu- thanks for reading!