We are Experienced Adults

Experienced adults.

It's the new terminology I’ve created to describe those of us 50 years or older because all the other age-defining labels created for us absolutely suck.

We have quinquagenarian, sexagenarian, septuagenarian, or octogenarian, but these certainly don’t communicate the idea of a youthful spirit. Besides, who in the hell can even say or pronounce them?

Or there’s the “over the hill” label leading us down the cruising zone toward death. How horrible is that?

We can still go with the classic Old Timer, elderly adult, or senior citizen moniker … all of which conjure up images of crusty people sitting around watching the Price is Right while drinking Geritol. YUCK!!!

Over the last decade, there's been a lot of debate on what to call those of us who are older because so many words used to describe us are degrading and demeaning. So what are we to do?

The idea behind experienced adults.

As we move forward in time and celebrate more years lived, we obviously encounter biological and physical changes to our mind, body, and spirit. This is a normal progression for aging. But this certainly doesn't mean we are old and decrepit, nor are we rendered useless based on a number.

There are so many stigmas attached to ageism it can be disheartening.

We tell ourselves doing "younger" things is no longer possible because we are "old" but this is not an entirely accurate statement. Sure we might feel more pain climbing the stairs or not be able to do what we did in our twenties. We probably have a few more grey hairs (or none at all) and picked up some wrinkles. Yet this doesn't mean we are ancient; it just means we are more experienced.

An experienced adult is one who has lived well.

If we're over 50, there's a really good chance we've seen and done some epic shit that younger generations may not fully understand or appreciate yet.

A few of us lived through the Great Depression or fought global tyranny as the Greatest Generation. Some of us gave the finger to the man and became hippies while attending Woodstock. Others became the man and became rich while investing in the stock market. We changed the world by landing on the moon and revolutionized dancing by inventing the moon walk.

Like a business resume, we have a lifetime of valuable experiences and contributions that cannot be overlooked. And the good news is we don't have to be done yet!

Age is just a number.

This is what my wife told me for years, and at first, it really pissed me off. Especially after I turned 40 and thought my life was over. She kept reminding me that age is just a number and we can’t let it define us.

What I've come to realize is this statement is absolutely true.

The past five years I’ve witnessed women in their 70s hiking difficult trails that people in their 40s would avoid. There are men who are 53 just as ripped as dudes who are 23. And I was there when a 100 year old WWII Veteran parachuted out of an airplane just like he did on D-Day when he was 18. These experienced adults are still kicking ass.

Life shouldn't suck because we reach a certain age; we should strive to break the rules and refuse to let a number define us.

Embrace getting older, not being old.

It’s important and healthy to understand we are getting older each day, but it doesn’t mean we have to believe we are old, useless, outdated or done either. If we have the proper mindset we can do amazing things until the day we die.

If you’re over the age of 50, we encourage you to give the finger to ageism and the stigmas holding you back. Redefine the labels.

Be proud that you’re an experienced adult and embrace it. Refuse to give up and keep kicking ass. Show the world you are not done yet. You have it in you.

#RemainStrong!