Many of my friends and former classmates are celebrating their 50th birthdays this year. Fortunately, Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms allow us to celebrate their birthdays with them, even if it’s only virtually. Common compliments as we all view their gorgeous photos are “forever young” and “wow…50 is the new 30.” Of course, when we were much younger, 50 seemed so ancient, but not anymore. So now, we must ask ourselves, what age is old? Undoubtedly, our culture equates youth with beauty, so it is no wonder we all want to stay forever young. But what does it truly mean to be forever young? Is it about defying age or embracing a mindset of long-lasting strength and beauty? Let’s redefine “old” and explore the meaning of staying forever young and how it is way more than mere physical appearance.
Redefining old – What age is old?
What truly defines “old”? Is it merely a number, or does it involve a mix of physical, emotional, and societal factors?
In the heartwarming video below, titled “What is old?” young adults aged 19 to 35 are asked, “What age do you consider old?” Almost all of them said forties and fifties!
The producers then asked them to describe how an old person crosses the street, and they all bent over and shuffled along. When asked how an old person would send a text message, they mimicked using a flip phone, peering through their eyeglasses like they couldn’t see. Their demonstrations were hilarious when asked how an old person would do push-ups and jumping jacks.
Then, the producers paired each young adult with an “old” person aged 55 to 75. Each pair had to teach one another something they were very good at. They spent time learning dance moves, martial arts moves, yoga postures, etc. Afterward, they re-interviewed the young people and asked them, “Now, what age might you consider old?” This time, they said 80s, 90s, and even 100!
Here are some cool things they said in the video, in case you missed it:
“From today, I don’t look at age anymore.”
“I feel like I did when I was in my twenties.”
There are so many things I still want to do, and there are so many things I can do. As long as I am growing and learning, then age does not matter.”
“When people start stopping, that’s when they start getting old.”
Which of the above statements can you relate to? Today, how are you redefining “old” and aging?
Redefining aging
So, what is aging? It’s time we redefine our perceptions and embrace the beauty of aging in all its forms. Instead of viewing age as a limitation, we should celebrate it as proof of how strong, resilient, and full of wisdom we have become. Aging brings with it a wealth of experiences, knowledge, and insights that are very valuable to others. Rather than focusing on the physical aspects of aging, we should embrace the opportunities for growth and self-discovery that come with advancing years.
Interestingly, in one study, people 18 to 90 years old were asked about their opinions spanning the period of adulthood. Around two-thirds of the oldest adults, those 80 years old and above, reported living their best life, compared to only one in five younger adults. What’s making this big change happen? Well, as people get older, they tend to focus more on the good stuff and let go of the bad stuff. Psychologically, they notice and care more about the positive things in life as they age.
Lastly, to learn more about aging and how to age gracefully, check out “Are You Aging Gracefully?” Now, let’s talk about the opposite of aging – to remain forever young. And yes, we can all stay forever young once you understand the true meaning of being forever young!
What does it mean to be forever young?
To be forever young means to live vibrantly at every stage of life. It does not mean that your age is not climbing up there. Instead, it means that you are the healthiest, happiest, and strongest that you can be at any given age. Being forever young means you are healthy – body, soul, and spirit. Now, how can you remain forever young?
5 Steps to Staying Forever Young
1. Embrace a Youthful Mindset
Staying forever young means having a mindset full of curiosity and wonder and being open to new things. It’s about being excited about life, trying new stuff, and keeping our brains busy. Whether by picking up a new hobby, learning something new, or going on adventures, having a youthful mindset keeps us excited and ready for whatever life brings.
2. Prioritize your Physical Health
While age is inevitable, we can slow down the effects of aging by prioritizing our physical well-being. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest are essential to staying healthy and strong at any age. Engaging in physical activities that we enjoy keeps our bodies strong and agile and boosts our mood and overall sense of well-being. So, by caring for our physical health, we can live longer and feel better as we age.
3. Nurture your Emotional Wellness
Staying forever young also means nurturing our emotional wellness and ensuring our minds stay strong and resilient. We can do this by practicing mindfulness, finding ways to deal with stress, and building close relationships with others. Focusing on being grateful, staying steadfast when things get tough, and looking on the bright side helps us stay young at heart no matter how old we get. Ultimately, prioritizing our physical health and nurturing our emotional wellness can be achieved by guarding our hearts. To learn more about why and how to protect our hearts, check out “Guard Your Heart.”
4. Find Joy in the Present Moment
One of the keys to staying forever young is to find joy in the present moment by living in the now. Rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we can focus on being mindful and enjoying the moment we are in now. Whether eating a tasty meal, watching a gorgeous sunset, or spending time with loved ones, finding joy and gratitude in the here and now helps us feel alive and connected to the world.
5. Celebrate Every Age
Ultimately, staying forever young is not about clinging to the past or resisting the natural process of aging. It’s about embracing every stage of life with grace, gratitude, and a willingness to try new things. Each age brings its own unique joys, lessons, and opportunities for growth. We can truly stay forever young when we choose to embrace the beauty of aging and celebrate the wisdom that comes with experience. To learn more about why we must celebrate every age, check out “Why Should You Celebrate Birthdays?” and “Celebrate Good Times – My Sister’s 50th.”
Final Thoughts
“Age is not the enemy; stagnation is. Keep growing, keep learning, keep living.”
To each of my friends who have already turned 50 and those who will be celebrating their 50th birthdays very soon, you are all fabulous and forever young. I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with you all. As you attain this golden milestone, I pray that you continue to stay youthful, vibrant, and full of grace and wisdom.
Above all, let’s always remind ourselves that staying forever young isn’t about trying to stay young forever, which is impossible. It’s more about having a mindset that keeps us feeling alive and excited about life. That means being open to new things, finding happiness in every stage of life, and taking care of our bodies, minds, and hearts. By nurturing our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, we can continue to live with joy, purpose, and energy, no matter how old we get. So, let’s toast to staying forever young – in our hearts, minds, and spirits!
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Yours in health and fitness,
Doctor Abi
