Does life go downhill after 50?

What is 50? It’s a number just like any other number. So the question really is about what age life goes down that proverbially slippery slope…for you.

The only truth to 50 being a turning point – well, maybe, for some of us – is that we may be unfit, tired of working in a crappy job, and/or bored with life, or maybe suffering from broken relationships. God knows there are a million novels, movies and soap operas based on this. There is also a plethora of supremely uninformed articles based on the assumption that it’s all downhill for everyone who hits the five-decade mark. Admittedly, I hear more people whinge about turning 50 than any other birthday (am I mixing with the wrong age group?) – with the possible exception of Gen Ys, who believe we might as well all die at 30. Charming approach to the dignity of ageing – young whippersnappers!

In truth, life begins its downward motion the instant we are born. There is the physical reality that all of us age in both body and mind, but both of these aspects can be slowed down, if not pushed back. Part of it’s genetic, and the other, much much larger, part is attitude. Yes, empirically we all slow down physically – I’m willing to bet that Usain Bolt won’t be doing a sub 10-second 100 metres when he’s 60. But he’ll probably still be running – albeit a bit slower – and still enjoying it.

There are no brakes to slow ourselves down with and no way to stop until the ride is over. The speed of the downward run is solidly fixed and is the same for every person (24 hours at a time). Although some have a longer journey than others, each person gets that one trip ‘down the hill’. Conversely, it’s not the downward motion of the journey that matters; rather it’s the ride itself. If one chooses to focus on the hill, the trip will seem to go by fast and they will miss the whole point of the trip. However, if one chooses to watch and interact with the scenery, the journey will seem to last longer and will be more fulfilling. Embrace the change, enjoy the journey, and maybe even smell the flowers along the way. Hell, pick a bunch!

I prefer to concentrate on the fact that maybe it’s the other way around. You actually do become wiser and learn from your mistakes, you take stock of things. Worldliness is not a hallmark of youth. Think back to when you were in school. I do. I remember thinking that I couldn’t wait to not have to sit in class and listen to some old fogey go “blah blah blah”. When I got a job I would have the world at my beck and call. I would be able to drive and do stuff! Awesome, dude!

It’s just a case of seeing things from both sides. Older people are more likely to have been there and done that. They are infinitely more confident, experienced and wise. The Chinese got it right – revere your elders and listen to their sage advice. I know Confucius didn’t have internet access, but this is a question of culture, and the ancients really did know the answers to life, the universe and everything – that’s why they survived and thrived in an age of no mod cons.

Some believe that at a certain point life goes uphill. You become more self-confident and a ‘—- the world’ attitude comes over you. They like their friends, and definitely like themselves, and if they don’t like you – then who cares! Scarily like most teenagers, ain’t it?

I’m over 50 and I still think the same way as I did when I was in my 20s. Sure, my body’s a bit slower – but it didn’t just collapse at 50. I believe I’m mentally more agile that I was. My body has barely changed as I still exercise regularly. Admittedly, I don’t train like the maniac I was, but I get fewer injuries, I enjoy the challenge, and I like feeling fit. I simply love being alive !

It really is about having a positive attitude. I know what I want and what expect from myself and others. My circle of friends simply grows and grows and, if it does not fit, then I look else where for satisfaction and friendship. Life is simply a work in progress.

In truth, I don’t believe there is actually is a hill, and I don’t believe there is even a path. We’re all supposedly intelligent, sentient beings, and it’s up to us to choose when and where we go, and how we do it along the way.

Did you implode at 50, or does life still hold exciting challenges, surprises and joy?