Do you think about aging as a bad thing?
Do you dread getting older? If you are over 30 there is a good chance you do.
I remember vividly when I turned 30…. I was distressed. I had a sense that my youth was over. I felt I had to “grow up” and act may age. Until this point I thought I would be forever young.
I have always been one of those people who wanted to stay young. The Peter Pan idea. But wanting to be a Peter Pan did not stop me from growing older 🙂
Hey there are whole industries on anti aging and slowing down the aging process.
If you have been reading my blog for a while you will probably know my Dad passed away last year and my Mother went into full time care. This added to my dread of the aging process. Seeing people in care is not all that pretty!
A friend tagged my when she shared this video on Facebook earlier this week. A TED talk by Jane Fonda. It is a very refreshing view on aging. At 76 Jane is still very attractive and has a wonderful view point on the last third of our lives.
It is only 11 minutes or so and if you are over 30 I think you will enjoy it – over 50 it I think you will love it. It really is about redefining aging.
What did you think? As I am sure you have gathered I love it. I love the idea of redefining aging.
These are the things that really resonated with me:
- The years of “wisdom and authenticity“
- “To finish the task of finding ourselves” – wow – for me I did start my personal development journey in my 20’s and it is not complete.
- “to redefine ourselves and become whole“
- “your freedom to choose how you respond” – that is a big one no matter how old you are
- “the human spirit continues to evolve“……… and my favorite one
- “the upward ascension of human spirit“
It is funny for me as I feel like I know Jane Fonda. When I married my husband and moved to a small country town there was no gym so I purchased her work out videos and we became workout buddies 🙂
I have loved watching the various phases of her life.
Redefining Aging
I really think this resonated so well with me as I hear people who are baby boomers like me often make statements around things like they are too old to learn new skills – and to that I say …what a load of rubbish!
Just think about it for a minute. In her talk Jane talked about the fact that we are living 34 years longer than our great grandparents did – that, as she put it, is a second adult life!
So we should be redefining aging. We should be also redefining …
- retirement – how old should we be? Our grandparents did not live a whole life time after they stopped working. Why do we think we should? Should we be happy to work longer?
- learning new skills – why do so many people think they are too old to learn?
- changing careers later in life
- expecting the government to take care of us – those days are gone!
If you a baby boomer like me and you do not want to be in the full time workforce but still need to make an income have you considered a home based business? If I can learn how to do this you can too.
So what do you think? Did you like what Jane had to say? How do you think of aging?
I am looking forward to hearing what you have to say. If you enjoyed this post on Redefining Aging and think it may help someone please share it.
Make it a great day.
Sue Price
Skype: sueprice
PS – I have embarked on a whole new career several times over.
Eric says
Hi
Not sure I followed how this redefines ageing – probably looking at a more practical level.
I would comment that although life expectancy has dramatically increased – the Disability Adjusted Life expectancy – is not really much past retirement age. As as been opined we are not living longer we are dying longer.
One is still liable to face increasing physical and mental limitation – possibly flights of the spirit can be a solution for some – and no one can take that away from you.
Sue Price says
Hi Eric
An interesting response. Did you watch Jane’s video? I thought she explained it beautifully.
Have a good week.
Sue
Lisa says
Hi Susan, I’m quickly on my way to 50 and am not worried as long as I have my health (and some people do have not have their health at younger ages.) I’ve read many who died right after retirement, I don’t plan on fully retiring til I’m gone. If not for money at least volunteering to causes I hold dear and hopefully still blogging away 🙂 I think learning new skills keeps us young at heart and motivated to get out of bed in the morning too. I love her quote on the 2/3 of things we can do sometihng about in older age.
Great topic and video Susan!
Sue Price says
Hi Lisa
Yes sadly there are people who do not have their health when they are young. That is very sad. I am like you and want to lives as long as I have my health. I would love to reach old age and be healthy. 🙂
My grandfather was one of those people who you refer to who retired and who declined rapidly.
One thing is for sure we are learning new skills constantly in our online world 🙂
Thanks for your comment Lisa and have a wonderful week and year ahead.
Sue
Emmanuel says
The word age seems to send chill down many spines. But the reality is, it is something which is inevitable.
Sue Price says
Hi Emmanuel,
Yes age is inevitable so it really does come back to how we view it doesn’t it?
Thanks for your comment.
Sue
Jeevan Jacob John says
I am one of the opinion that age shouldn’t determine much in our lives…there is always time to learn new things, do more things 🙂
Of course, as we get older, some things may become harder (like Jane mentioned in the video, there is a part which we can’t control, and that is genetics), but we should never give up.
I think in 20-30 years, 70s and 80s will become like today’s 30s (more people will start to live longer..because of the advancement in medicine and in healthy living).
One of things I still remember when I started college is seeing older folks taking classes in college (I was truly intrigued by their spirit to learn more :D).
Anyways, thank you for sharing this wonderful post, Sue 🙂
Sue Price says
Hi Jeevan
I sure hope you are right and that in 20 – 30 years 70s and 80s will be like today’s 30’s – I like that ideas 🙂
I think it is great when older folks start college as it is often something they always wanted to do. I also do not think age should be a determining factor. I know people who are young in their 80’s and others who seem old in the 30’s.
Thanks for your great comment Jeevan and you have a wonderful week ahead.
Sue
Amy Hagerup says
Hi Sue, I really have a positive feeling about aging. First of all, as I take care of myself, I feel I am aging well. Secondly, I know that getting older means we have more life experiences and more wisdom (hopefully). I feel that I have an easier time keeping the main thing the main thing. LOL. Blessings, Amy
Sue Price says
Hi Amy
Good on you for having such a positive attitude to aging. Taking care of ourselves is so important isn’t it?
I love the way you have put that you have an easier time of keeping the main thing the main thing. 🙂
Thanks for your comment.
Sue
Donna Merrill says
Hi Sue,
Bravo! Now this is my way of thinking. We do live longer than past generations so we have more time to learn and keep on growing. There is so much that we can offer to others through the experiences we have encountered.
Life is a wonderful journey and as long as we have our health, the world is our playground.
My favorite quote too is “the human spirit continues to evolve“… Because we, as humans evolve constantly. The only way we stop is if we stop it ourselves with a mindset of “I can’t” I just don’t understand that!
What a great post!
-Donna
Sue Price says
Hi Donna
Now I knew you would like this post 🙂 I just loved her video.
I also know you have a great attitude to learning and continuing to grow. Very awesome.
I cannot understand the “I cannot do that” either. Although I must confess when I first came online I was starting to think I was past it – but I persevered.
Where I live there are a lot of people who have retired young. Some are really out there having fun and learning to do things like surf for the first time. Others are what we refer to here as “in God’s waiting room”. If it is not a term you use in the USA I am sure you will understand.
Thanks for your comment Donna and hope to see you later in the week.
Sue
Kumar Gauraw says
Hello Sue,
Happy New Year to you and thank you for this awesome TED video. I enjoyed watching her talk about the old age in a very scientific way! Great video to watch!
Old age is definitely scary to watch from outside, she is right about that 🙂
However, I agree with much of what she said because I know we can only be as old as we make outselves feel. Being old means having more authenticity, more experience and more wisdom which is obviously exciting. Health is the only challenge of the old age which bothers me a bit. But I also know there are so many young people who are in worse health situations. So, may be, that fear is baseless to some extent 🙂
Thank you for sharing this awesome article as we begin the new year and get ready to get one more year older 🙂
Have a successful week!
-Kumar
Sue Price says
Hi Kumar
Happy New Year to you as well.
I am glad you enjoyed Jane’s video. I loved how she put forward her ideas.
I am with you and the only thing I sometimes get concerned about is failing health as I grow older. Nothing else phases me too much for the reasons you have said.
You too have a successful and happy year and in the short term a good week 🙂
Thanks for your comment.
Sue
PS – I actually watched some cricket over the break. Mainly because Australia was beating England so convincingly in the Ashes here. I even enjoyed it. Maybe it was your influence on me 🙂
Kumar Gauraw says
Aha! Finally you latched onto the “royal” game 🙂 After India (of course because that is my home team), Australia is my favorite team. I love the way they work as a team, coordinate their effort in the toughest moments to turn around a tough game in their favor (many times) along with having some of the best players in the world!
Glad you enjoyed your first encounter with cricket 🙂
Regards,
Kumar
Sue Price says
Hi Kumar
I love how you call it the “royal game”. I was surprised how much I was enjoying it 🙂 All these years I have missed out 🙂
The current Australian team is excellent and I am happy they are your second favorite.
Have a great rest of your week.
Sue
Adrienne says
I’m surprised Sue to hear that you worried about growing older. Heck, I didn’t even get married until I was 30.
By the time I hit 40 I took four girlfriends with me and we all flew to the Virgin Islands for a week long celebration. I had the time of my life and I was still looking good.
Now that did start going downhill five years later when I lost my Dad. I was under a tremendous amount of stress due to things related to his passing and my immune system got compromised and I ended up with ulcers. I dropped a horrible amount of weight because of that and it did some horrible things to me and my body.
Turning 50 didn’t even phase me but I still believe for my age though that I’m doing really well although probably not as well as you.
Age doesn’t worry me at all. I know I have good genes, I have a positive mind, I treat myself well and I’m young at heart. To me age has always just been a number. It’s how you treat yourself inside and out that counts. All of the rest is out of our hands.
~Adrienne
Sue Price says
Hi Adrienne
You sure have a great attitude to age. If you take after your Mum you will live a long one for sure.
It is sad you had that horrible experience with the way your Dad passed as it played a huge toll on you. Once your immune system is compromised it takes time to get back up for sure.
I did not get married to Ivan until I was close to 30 but somehow I did not want to turn 30.
I am sure you are doing very well and as well as me. The older I become the more I value health as my greatest priority. We have had quite a few friends diagnosed with horrible conditions in the last year and it makes me truly grateful for good health.
Thanks for your comment here Adrienne.
I hope your week is going well and see you soon.
Sue
Sylviane Nuccio says
Great topic Sue,
Jane Fonda is aging so gracefully and it’s no surprise to me that it’s because of the way she thinks. It never fails. Those who think positive age better than those who don’t. I think that’s even stronger than genetics.
I did a life review myself exactly as she explains it. I’ve reviewed my life, the life of my mother, and father and the life of my grand parents. It’s a wonderful thing to do because you learn from you and from your parents in a way that helps you understand a lot of things, and helps you forgive yourself and your parents if there a need for it as well.
Thank you for this great share.
Sue Price says
Hi Sylviane
I agree with you and also think that our positive attitude is more important than genetics in how we age. I cannot believe Jane Fonda is 76 she looks way younger I think.
Good on you for doing a life review. I have done it on myself but not so much my parents and grand parents. I must do that.
Thanks for your comment here Sylviane.
Sue
Sherman Smith says
Hey Sue,
Happy New Year!
It’s been a while since I’ve been on your blog, but this is definitely a good start for the new year. I can definitely remember when Jane Fonda had her workout videos in the 80s 🙂 It’s hard to believe she’s 76 but she seems like she’s much younger.
I guess you can say I’m in the 2nd act. It’s funny that I worried about getting older in high school .. I know you’re thinking that’s ironic sense most kids couldn’t wait to turn 21. But for me the reason was that since I was getting older then I wouldn’t be able to do the things I love doing and that I would have to act like an “adult”.
Now I’m in my later 30s and about to go into my 40s, I really don’t understand why I thought like that. I’m having more fun now than ever before. I actually started to think that “as we get older, we get younger.” It reminds me of this movie I saw with Brad Pitt where he gets younger every year. I can’t think of the name of the movie now.
But like the old saying goes, Age aint nothing but a number. We should enjoy this life while we’re still here instead of putting limitations on it because of our age!
Great share Sue!
Sue Price says
Hi Sherman
Thanks for visiting me again and Happy New Year to you too 🙂
I agree Jane Fonda seems way younger than 76 and she is still very attractive.
You are spot on I was surprised to hear you say you did not want to grow older when you were a teenager. I could not wait to be 21 but then I must confess I wanted to be younger again.
I also agree with you and think that as we get older we do get younger in some ways. I too saw the Brad Pitt movie and it was interesting to say the least!
I live in a place where there are lots of retired people as it is a holiday seaside resort town. There are some amazing people who are so fit and active in their 80’s and others who in their 60’s seem old. It is about our attitude very much.
Thanks for your comment here Sherman and I wish you a very successful year.
Sue
Eric says
An interesting discussion – I feel motivated to offer a different perspective. A perspective from one into the ageing era and who has had 15 + years visiting aged parents in aged care and nursing homes. Enough to recognise that there is little romance in ageing for many people. Infirmity, loss of independence indignity etc.
For many people ageing is a progressive decline into dependancy and limitation.
But this is not inevitable – the decline we accept as ageing is not a design feature – but largely the culmination of poor lifestyle choices. It is important to address the lifestyle issues in good time so that age in not something to be feared.
Its important to get the three essentials right to make the most of the third phase of life. Namely Physical and mental health and finances. I think that Jan Fonda epitomises all three and is a model to emulate.
Sue Price says
Hi Eric
What you have said here if valid for sure. I too have seen my parents decline ungracefully. My husband on the other hand had a Dad who lived until he was 94 and was healthy up until almost the end.
I agree with your three essentials for sure and Jane certainly does have them covered.
I also agree with your PS 🙂
Thanks for joining in the conversation Eric.
Sue
Eric says
PS – I should have said that we are designed for a gradual loss of abilities and vigour followed by a rapid decline. So that most of life is enjoyable, not the lingering years of ill health and dependancy.
Barbara Charles says
Hi Sue,
I was always one of those people who celebrated turning 30. I loved it and thew myself a birthday party that lasted almost all month! People came from all over the country to help me celebrate and I loved it. When I turned 50, it was very similar. We partied hard for the big 50. It isn’t until recently that I started to ‘worry’ about getting old. Don’t know why so this video is definitely a good thing for me. Thanks for sharing it. Right on time for me.
Good share. Thanks,
Barbara
Sue Price says
Hi Barbara
Well sounds like you had a very healthy attitude to aging for most of your life. I did the big party thing at 40. For some reason that was the one I loved turning maybe because I kept hearing “life beings at 40”.
I am glad this message was good for you 🙂
Thanks for your comment and have a great week Barbara.
Sue
Sherryl Perry says
Sue,
I liked what Jane said about the human spirit. My dad passed away a few years ago and the strength that he exhibited was inspiration to all of us.
I had to smile when you said you were distressed at 30. For some reason, 30 didn’t bother me but the thought of turning 30 made me cringe. So much so, that I took my vacation that week – just so no one would wish me Happy Birthday and realize that it was the big 4-0!
By the time I got through my 40’s (which were absolutely amazing) and I hit 50, I started to embrace aging. As my husband always reminds me, “What’s the alternative?” – Thanks for the post.
Sue Price says
Hi Sherryl
My turn to smile at you taking the week off so people would not wish you a happy birthday. Now turning 40 was the one I loved 🙂
I think your husband has some very sound advice in saying “what is the alternative” – the alternative of not growing old is scary for sure. Sadly too many people do die way to young so we should embrace it for sure.
Thanks for your comment Sherryl and have a great week.
Sue
Disha says
Nice & wounder sound for Redefining Age 🙂 This is really nice to read this post 🙂
Sue Price says
Thanks Disha I am glad you liked the post.
Sue
David Haines says
Hi Sue, Thanks for sharing this video. Jane Fonda is a remarkable lady. I remember a few years ago when she came out with a workout video and everyone was shocked because at her age, most people think of “working out” as light, wheelchair cardio, not the intense type that Jane did. I thought the reactions were funny. She defies the norm. As I get older (48 this year), I’m finding that the abuse that I did to my body all these years is catching up. I know it’s never too late to get healthy and by adopting an attitude like Jane (and you) display, I can actually reverse some of the damage I’ve done.
Sue Price says
Hi David
Jane is remarkable for sure. She has looked after herself for a long time. 48 is certainly not too late too make some healthy changes so I hope this has encouraged you to do that. I think our mindset, exercise and diet all play a part.
Thanks for your comment here David and you have a great week.
Sue
Mayura says
Hi Sue,
Loved the TED talk and I feel really glad I read “Man’s Search for Meaning” book this year 🙂 I bought it for my mom last November without a prior knowledge, but it’s one of best I’ve read so far.
Oops… 30 is not even close to use the word “Aging” I guess dear. Oh well, I’ve forgotten that it’s totally different for girlies considering the physical appearance though 🙂 I know how my friends already worrying about it a lot. Not only females though 😀 lol… In fact, businesses making a lot of money out of it.
It takes at least 23 years to finish the formal education here. Then some get married in 25 and caught up with responsibilities. Ugh… Very predictable. Well, I think aging is a bad thing if we find more regrets but no memories piling up as we age, Sue 🙂
What I cherished in this New Year is finding myself in a more healthy position, better with finances, more family time, letting clutters go away and almost achieving few dreams which I thought I had to wait for my 30s or 40s. You know, I don’t have the best goals though 😉
Actually, I feel thinking about life expectancy leading us to be the procrastinators Sue. Don’t you think? Yet secretly we believe we gonna survive so long. If I only gonna live this year, I think I have a better chance to find out what really matters the most 🙂
I must thank you and my online friends, ’cause I would have no clue how much health, family, career and dreams matters without exposing to your thoughts and experiences dear 🙂 Always loved ’em. It’s always best to have right people around.
You have a wonderful weekend Sue 🙂
Cheers…
Sue Price says
Hi Mayura
I have not read the book you mentioned so I must check it out. The title is a great one.
You are spot on 30 is nothing like aging but yes you are correct we women worry about the first line etc. Interesting you have some male friends also doing this.
People here in Australia are marrying much later now than they used to. Our education takes similar to what you have said here or even longer for people who do medicine for example.
I think people your age think they will survive a very long time and I remember feeling like I had forever to live. As I have grown older I have changed that perspective. When my dad died last year it really hit me in a different way.
Awe thanks for your kind words and glad you are learning from us wise bloggers 🙂 It is very important as you say to have good people around. Who we associate with matters for sure.
Thanks for your comment Mayura, you have a wonderful week.
Sue
Mary Stephenson says
Hi Sue
Very good speech from Jane.
Just a few thoughts, the day I turned 30 I went out to dinner and was asked for my ID from someone that was younger than me! Made my day for sure! They quit checking my ID when I turned 36. 31 years has now past and some days I feel really old other days not so at all. The body doesn’t physically work as well as it did even 10 years ago, but my mind is growing in leaps and bounds.
I really do think it is a time to reinvent ourselves and learn about deeper meanings of things. Never quite what I had envisioned on this journey. A time to get our lives in order to make a difference and I am so looking forward to what lies ahead. The tables have turned as to what I thought this time of my life would be, but it is much more meaningful than I ever dreamed. I am studying and learning and growing.
One grandma lived to 100 and one grandpa lived to 96, much older than both my parents. I don’t plan on letting go any time to soon, as I have so much to do. If you had told me 25 years ago that this is what my life would be, I would not have believed it. I am not anywhere near where I want to be, but neither am I where I thought I would be at 67.
Great fun post.
Mary
Sue Price says
Hi Mary
I am sure you loved being asked for your id up until you were 36 that is very cool. Now you flawed me when you said your age now I think you are still way younger in years. But then many of us are I think. The fact that you have a couple of grandparents that lived so long is great.
Our bodies do change of course no matter how much we look after ourselves. I laugh sometimes when the conversations with our friends are all about hip and knee replacements 🙂
My life is very different than I envisaged too Mary. We have had some businesses failures along the way and not where we planned to be financially at least. I feel very blessed though to have been around so much personal development and spiritual growth work. You know there is still a part of me that is wondering what I will do when I grow up!
I am glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for sharing here.
Sue
Martha Kent says
Someone said that it’s better to give life to your years instead of giving years to your life. Thanks to modern technology, we have the opportunity to do both, and to evolve the way we want, in peace and prosperity. I’ve seen the TED talk and I concluded that this lady should definitely be a role model for younger women…
Sue Price says
Hi Martha
I love that quote you have here “it’s better to give life to your years instead of giving years to your life”. Exactly! Such wisdom.
I agree Jane Fonda should be a role model for younger women. She has always inspired me.
Thanks for fining my blog Martha and for your comment.
Sue
Twisha says
Those who are heavy-set with material desires will have a lot of trouble when their things are taken away from them or lost. Possessions do end up owning you, not the other way around. Become a person of minimal needs and you will be much more content.And better to live in present , it is not necessary to have young age for enjoyment, you can live and enjoy while your mental age is young !!
Sue Price says
Hi Twisha
Wow those are wise words! Possessions can own people that is for sure. And yes it is a mental thing about age and we can enjoy it no matter how old or young we are.
Thanks for sharing some words of wisdom here Twisha.
Sue
Sudipto says
Hey Sue,
nice post and I really enjoyed this post while reading. yes, there is no limit in age for learning new things. I like the video you shared and yes, at 76 Jane is still very attractive. Being healthy and active is very important and no matter what is our age, we always have to enjoy our life. Thanks for sharing this post.
Sue Price says
Hi Sudipto
Thank you for checking out so many of my posts. I have been a Jane Fonda fan for many years and loves seeing her take such good care of herself. She is amazing and yes we can learn at any age.
I hope you had a nice weekend and I wish you a successful week ahead.
Sue