Well, my fellow Gen-Xers born in 1974, the moment has finally arrived. Yes, we are turning the corner to the year we hit the big 5.0. Some of you might think, “This truly sucks,” and wonder how we got to be so “old.” Others might be pondering if their life is just beginning. Surely, it can be both, right?
I prefer to think of 50 as stepping into the second half of my life. Reflecting on the five decades I’ve lived so far, I can’t help but feel a certain optimism about the next five decades ahead. Yes, I understand not everyone can possibly live to be 100, but isn’t it at least a possibility? Bear with me here. Over the last five decades, technology has advanced more rapidly than we could have ever imagined. Doesn’t it stand to reason that this very technology will be there when we need it? Breakthroughs in medical science, technological advancements, and personalized medical artificial intelligence are occurring one after another. God-willing, when we need medical assistance, technology will be there to see us through. So, if I am right, we have a very long time left to enjoy this amazing thing we call life.
So, why would we want to live another fifty years? Why not? There is so much of life to experience! Some men and women are starting families in their late 40s. Many, like me, still have little children to raise. Some of our generation have grandchildren to care for or adult children who still need their love and guidance. Fifty is not “old.” Fifty is the opportunity to make your life what you have always wanted it to be. Do you want to go back to college? Do you want to start a new career? Go for it! Social Security doesn’t begin for us until we are 67 anyway, so what do you have to lose? Turning 50 is the beginning of the second half of your life!
And what about our aging faces and bodies? Well, you’ve got a point there. Yes, our metabolism slows down, and the less-wise stresses from our youth are showing up in lines and wrinkles on our faces, but just like medical science, there is health and beauty science. There are vitamins to help our minds stay sharp, teas for various occasions, from sleep troubles to typical aches and pains, and even constipation. There is an endless array of beauty products that can work miracles (ask me; I know a few), and there are YouTube videos to help you stay in shape right in your own home.
Who wouldn’t want to turn 50 in 2024? We are the first generation to grow older in the amazing age of medical and technological science. We shouldn’t be anxious about turning 50. We should be celebrating the amazing life that we can still create for ourselves. All we need to do is find our vision for the second half of our lives, and we could be the greatest generation to grow old yet!
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