What is it like to be 50 or even older?

I don’t know whether you have seen the Channel 4 series, The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds, about infant behaviour? In the Daily Mail (10^th November) a lady called Sali Hughes related this to 40 year olds but I think it is more suited more to 50+ year olds. The following is her list in bold, with my comments added, although my wife, Jo, agrees with most of Sali’s points.

1. We say ‘No’ to all manner of things that we might have accepted – I disagree, there are fewer invitations, so I accept what I am offered. I do accept invitations to more meals, and sitting down, rather than standing at bars.
2. Aches and pains become ‘A Thing’ – Odd grunts getting out of chairs happen without you realising.
3. We want fewer, but better friends – Having a couple of mates becomes even more important but it is also good to keep in touch with more people.
4. We can deal with nuance (whatever that means) – I am more cautious as I don’t want to jump in and cause issues like my Dad used to do (he did have many good traits too).
5. We don’t entertain any holiday accommodation that’s less nice than where we live – I agree but we did have a couple of nights in a caravan last year which we are going to repeat in Whitby next year!
6. We wonder about those in charge – Which could be the reason why many of us work for ourselves.
7. Death becomes a preoccupation – Not really although I don’t take anything for granted and enjoy new experiences and reflect on good memories.
8. We know the price and value of everything – I disagree, I am a typical bloke and go and buy what I want.
9. Looks still matter to us – I still like to be perceived as being younger than I really am but maybe that is wearing off!!!
10. We can say sorry – This has always been a regular occurrence for me as I am definitely not perfect.
11. Crying also is ‘A Thing’ – I am a bloke and from “up North” so crying is not something I can be seen to be doing.
12. Fashion becomes complicated – My role model is my son, who is 43, so as long as I don’t dress younger than him
13. Just one glass too many can tip us over the edge – Generally I can cope but 2 nights out on the row are out of the question

Sali’s article was very good but her photograph reminded me of how teachers and policemen (and now insurance brokers) have looked for years i.e. incredibly young.

Yes, when you get over 50 everybody seems to get younger but we can still go out and enjoy ourselves knowing that in another 20 years we will be like those 4 year olds without a care in the world.