A Brief History of Society’s Youth Obsession

The roots of our age fixation can be traced back centuries. Different cultures have historically revered youth and beauty, often creating rituals aimed at maintaining a youthful appearance. From ancient Egypt, where cosmetics were used to enhance beauty, to the Greeks who celebrated youthful athleticism, the quest for youth has been a persistent theme.

In the Middle Ages, youth was idealized as a symbol of purity, particularly in young women, whose beauty was often linked to their moral value. This idea justified practices like arranged marriages. As we moved into the Renaissance, artists celebrated the beauty of youth in their works, further entrenching this societal fixation.

The Profitability of Age Anxiety

While it is natural to want to remain healthy and active as we age, our culture's obsession with youth can lead us to feel older than we truly are. I've often heard friends jokingly lamenting about being "old" or feeling like life is "downhill" from here. Though said in jest, these sentiments contain a kernel of truth that we subconsciously accept, making us feel older.

Society benefits from instilling fear about aging, suggesting that as we grow older, we’ll require more medication, lose our vitality, and need material possessions to find happiness. This belief can lead to a sedentary lifestyle fueled by unhealthy habits, which in turn amplifies feelings of aging.

Understanding Aging Beyond Numbers

The concept of measuring age numerically dates back to ancient civilizations like the Sumerians and Egyptians. They devised calendars and methods to track years, which laid the groundwork for how we view age today. The Greeks and Romans continued this trend, and eventually, age became a standard reference in legal documents and records.

But what if we measured age differently? If activity levels, enthusiasm, and health metrics replaced numerical age as indicators of vitality, would we still bemoan the passing years? This thought experiment encourages a shift in perspective. While I don’t advocate for completely discarding numerical age, it can be liberating to focus on how we feel and act rather than just the number of years we’ve lived.

Strategies to Shift Your Age Perspective

Here are a few practical suggestions to help detach from the conventional notion of age:

1. Live in the Moment: Don’t let worries about the past or future cloud your enjoyment of the present. Engage in activities that bring you joy, regardless of age.
2. Adopt a Growth Mindset: Embrace the belief that you can learn and evolve at any stage of life, approaching challenges with curiosity rather than limitation.
3. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Build relationships with uplifting individuals of all ages and seek mentors who inspire you.
4. Reframe Your Thoughts: View age as a collection of experiences and wisdom rather than a barrier.
5. Prioritize Self-Care: Focus on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and relaxation to foster a sense of well-being that transcends age.

Inspiration from Those Who Defied Age

If you're still feeling weighed down by the concept of age, consider the stories of individuals who achieved remarkable success later in life:

• Vera Wang: The renowned fashion designer didn't start her career until 40, initially working as a figure skater and fashion editor.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder: The author of "Little House on the Prairie" published her first book in her 60s, encouraged by her daughter.
• Charles Eugster: This bodybuilder and sprinter began his fitness journey in his 80s, eventually breaking records in his age group.
• Grandma Moses: The folk artist started painting in her 70s, gaining fame for her vibrant artwork.
• Colonel Sanders: The founder of KFC launched his culinary career at 40, after a diverse range of jobs.

I have resolved to disregard numerical age as a measure of my life's worth or achievements. If we collectively reduce the emphasis on age, we might find greater fulfillment in pursuing our passions and desires.