Having fun

never gets old.

Aging is Underrated. Here’s Why.

Despite a Few Cracks in the Veneer, It Ain’t That Bad.

Right around the 50-year mark, birthdays start to feel different. The usually cheery and festive “…happy birthday, to you…” might as well be the Russian death march. You start feeling old and think back to your parents at 50, or 60, and realize, “I can’t be that old, can I?” Yes you can – and yes you are. But it’s not all doom, gloom, and midnight runs to the bathroom.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t exactly overjoyed the other day when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror without a shirt and thought, “Am I melting?” But along with the quirks come some perks that make getting older not just bearable, but actually worth appreciating:

Money (That’s What I Want)

And that’s what you’ll have. People in our age group have more money, we’re more comfortable with who we really are, and we’ve gained perspective on things. Little wonder we’re one of the happiest demographics in the world.

“What a drag it is getting old…”

Mick Jagger sang those famous words when he was 24, but now that he’s 81 I’m guessin’ he’s singing a different tune. Even though we have less time left on this planet, we have more time to spend with the people we want to spend it with: your spouse, your new spouse (“gray divorce,” anyone?), your ex-spouse (if you’re feeling nostalgic or legally obligated), old friends, new friends, your adult kids – unless they’re looking for a loan. Sure, the clock’s ticking. But life becomes less of a drag, and more of a groove.

Daydream Believer

Cheer up, sleepy Jean, because now’s the time to chase that dream. When you’re younger, life gets in the way – gotta put food on the table, your tween needs braces, the boss wants that report in the morning. But now you can learn Spanish…in Spain. Write your memoir. Finally buy that motorcycle. Walk the Appalachian Trail. Do your own version of “Eat, Pray, Love.” Or take up a new hobby and turn it into a lucrative second career — it can happen! Okay, probably not, but one can chase that dream if one wants.

Ain’t Life Grand?

I don’t have grandkids, but the people who do love, love, love it. You get all the joy of having kids without all the headaches. And when that little one you’re holding drops a deuce in their diaper, you get to hand off that little bundle of stink to your progeny and say, “Here.” Ah, poetic justice.

Be a Volunteer Without Living in Tennessee

Tennessee’s state motto is “The Volunteer State.” In our demographic, every state is the volunteer state. Why? Because people our age volunteer at one of the highest rates of all age groups. Volunteering helps you be active, form new relationships, and can make you healthier. Seriously.

Senior Moments? Senior Discounts!

Getting stuff at a lower price than what others paid? Where do I sign up? From travel and hotels to restaurants and retailers, a discount here, a discount there, sounds good to me. Now where’d I put my glasses? *Feels head* Ah, there they are.

That Whole “With age, comes wisdom” Thing

So trite, but oh-so true. People romanticize the chaos of youth, but age is where wisdom resides. We’ve lived it, it’s not just opinion. We’re the tribal elders, so listen up. We’re like a vintage leather jacket – weathered, a bit worn, but cooler than ever. And by the way, if you compare yourself today to the person you were in your 20s, you’ll see that aging isn’t just underrated, youth is overrated.

Aging Isn’t a Fight, It’s a Dance.

So take off the gloves and put on your dancing shoes. If you’re not aging, you’re not living, so why fight it?

And don’t give in to all the crap that society, corporate America and Madison Avenue force feed you on the “fears” of aging: gray hair, laugh lines, crow’s feet, that extra 10 pounds you can’t lose, your failing eyesight, your dwindling hearing, or your stiff joints — unless you like rolling them that tight.

Aging is where the flavors get deeper and the bullshit meter gets sharper. It’s the prize. The payoff. So grab aging by the hand and say, “Let’s boogie, sweet cheeks.”

Then hit the dance floor.

But for god’s sakes don’t fall and break a hip.

Quick Hits

Short, buzz-worthy articles.

vitamin b12 words on wooden blocks on wooden background

Oh, to B12 Again.

A Woman measuring her weight using scales on floor

Forget the Scale. Here’s the Key to Longevity.

It’s an Apple a Day, Not an Aspirin

Hey gang, I’m Dave, Founder of Dave on the Rocks, a new lifestyle site for those of us on the sunny side of 50. I’m on a mission to flip the script on aging – and have a raucous good time doing it. So join me, and let’s make as much noise as we can before somebody calls the cops.

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