At every age, birthday, age-related milestone in our lives, every stage of life, we gain new abilities and opportunities and leave others behind. Imagine if at age 5 we lamented the loss of our freedom as we went off to our first day of school! Aging isn’t about giving up, it’s trading up. 

In our youth we have an abundance of energy and much of our time is our own. However, we don’t have the independence or resources to do as we want. As we move into adulthood we gain that independence, but often take on responsibilities such as work and family that create financial strain and wear us thin emotionally. As we continue to age, our bodies might adapt to slower ways, but we gain a deep perspective on life, emotional stability, and freedom that we hadn’t experienced before. 

Too often we look at the process of aging as a gradual subtraction. We start talking about the things we can’t do instead of what we can do. I can’t play tennis like I used to. I can’t eat whatever I want anymore. I can’t pull an all-nighter and still be fine the next day. 

The truth is, every phase of life comes with both limitations and liberations. Despite what you might be thinking, aging isn’t about giving up. It’s actually about trading up. It’s a shift in benefits, not a loss of worth. 

The Myth of the “Prime”

If you’ve been taking your cues about the “prime of life” from the media, you no doubt have a very limited and inaccurate perspective. The prime of life isn’t defined by just youth, appearance, or peak physical performance. It’s actually different for everyone. The prime of your life might be when you have time to travel, when you have the most freedom, or when you have the most influence or impact, all of which could be in your 60s or beyond. 

Another way to think about it is that every age is prime, it’s just that your definition of prime shifts as you move from age to age. Think about it:

• When you’re young, you have more bounce, but less balance.
• When you’re older, you may have more limitations, but also more leverage.

• A college student has time and social freedom—but limited money or experience.
• A parent of young kids likely has love and purpose—but little personal time. 
• A retiree might move at a slower pace—but by choice, and can often move with more intention and less pressure.

Each season of life brings its own toolbox. The key is learning what tools you have at this moment, and then using them fully.

Trading the Temporary for the Timeless

Let’s be real. Some physical abilities do change as we age. You may not play full-court basketball at 60 like you did at 25. But many people take up pickleball, dance, or start swimming in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. They get great exercise, and take the time to enjoy the social aspects of their new-found activities. In part, these new sports offer greater enjoyment because at this time in their lives they value relationships more, have learned to say “no” without guilt, and focus on quality over quantity perhaps making sports less competitive and more enjoyable. 

Other trade offs?

• Endless energy for efficient wisdom
• Spontaneity for discernment
• Speed for stability

Social volume for meaningful connection. When you look at the trade ups you can see what we’re talking about is not loss, it’s growth.

Your Powers are Different

When it comes to your next birthday, stop seeing the glass half empty and start seeing it half full. Don’t mourn for the you of the past. You’ll see the wonders of your current life and capabilities when you stop mourning the loss of familiarity with the younger version of you.

A Life of Constant Exchange

With the right perspective you can see that from our first breath to our last, life is a constant exchange of limitations and liberties, capacity and clarity. So, wherever you are on the continuum, know that for every day of your life your abilities and contributions will continue to evolve, not diminish. Aging isn’t giving up, it’s trading up. It’s showing up differently. 

Regardless of your age, there’s a 100 Year LifestyleⓇ provider near you who can help you to be the healthiest version of you yet. Schedule an appointment today!