Our Chronological Age

[ColdFront77]

Do you think our chronological age is important at all, regardless of how we are socially, physically, emotionally, financially, etc.?

[Amanzi]

To be honest, no. I dont think it has much bearing on a person's emotional or financial stability in life. I think our upbringing, life lessons and personality comes more into play with regards to the kind of person we are.

I know a lot of people who are the same age that I am, but we are in different brackets when it comes to finances, emotional maturity and even the way we look at life. I have children, some of them don't.

I also know a lot of "grown up" men who have the same mentality as my 5 year old.

[ColdFront77]

Hmmm. It's not really the bearing I am referring to.

[streetsoldier]

Ah thank it do, by cracky! Sittin' heah day aftuh day, reedin' all th' stuf yoo yung whipper-snappers post...I tel yoo troo, it drahv a man to drink!

[coriolis]

I say yes. Chronological age matters, but you can cheat it a little. Eventually you reach a point where no matter how young you are at heart, that your mortality starts to catch up with you. Not only does it catch you, it tackles you. Until you get to that point, you think that you're immortal and invincible. Best remedy (for both groups, actually): do your best to take it one day at a time, and live your life without regrets.

That may not be the answer to the question you are asking, though. For younger people, chronological age is definitely secondary to the level of maturity.

[Terry]

Nah. Doesn't matter unless you are may be 95 or so. It is a state of mind.

[azskyman]

I've discovered that the chronological clock does serve a bit of a purpose. Some of those around me have taken a look, checked the calendar, and afterwards assigned an interesting value to all I have seen, heard, and been through in life...as though the clock dictates that acceptance.

I was sitting with a very prominent lawyer, perhaps ten years younger than myself, earlier this week. In a matter of less than three minutes, he seemed engulfed in a series of questions to me that only one of age and wisdom might be tested on. A lawyer genuinly interested in anything anyone might say? Seemed a strange vantage point, but I nonetheless left an impression on the man.

Maybe chronology is part of that...even though I am two years away from the big 6-0!

[coriolis]

Nah. Doesn't matter unless you are may be 95 or so. It is a state of mind.

Eh? Sonny? Could you speak up a little?

[Miss Mary]

Well, let me give you a female perspective.....I believe we all should "act our age" or close to it, give or take 5-10 years.

I see women in my age bracket trying to dress and behave as if they're 25, 20+ years younger than they are. That's crazy! They wear the tiny t-shirts, showing off their midriffs. I honestly don't care for this trend, not for my daughters but thankfully they don't like it either, but when someone 45 dresses as if she's 25, it's just inappropriate.

So in this sense, yes I believe people should act their chronological age. Although sometimes it's fun to act younger, just not 24/7!

That said, I've noticed women my age, who behave and dress as if they're ready for the nursing home and they're not even 50 yet!

So I like to think I'm somewhere in the middle - definitely not behaving and dressing as if I'm in my 20s. I've had a 35 year old mindset going for quite a while now, but will have to up that a bit soon (turning 50 in 2005). he he I think I'll move up to the 40 year old mindset when I have to.

Gee, hope that answers the questions....

Mary

[Dee Bee]

AMEN, Miss Mary! The "just-because-they-make-it-in-your-size-doesn't-mean-you-ought-to-wear-it" law is flagrantly abused down here in SoFla!

Congrats on your upcoming milestone b-day. Being 50+ -- "wise woman" status -- is the most liberating stage of womanhood! Since my mom isn't alive to talk with her about it, I never pass up an opportunity to barge in with my opinion to my "sistahs."

[Miss Mary]

Thanks DeeBee - haven't faced up to this milestone yet but I know it's coming...... It's at least 5 months off, so I can still enjoy being 49 (whatever that is, you constantly hear comments such as "you'll be 50 soon", "your AARP card should be coming soon", or "cool, you can get us hotel discounts on vacations soon!", on and on....yes my family is loving this teasing).

I remember turning 39, same thing. You couldn't enjoy being 39, you were reminded on a regular basis that the big 4-0 was looming ahead!

Can't remember if 29 was the same way....LOL That seems like eons ago now.

Mary