Our society places such an intense focus on age, assigning arbitrary timelines to everything from career achievements to personal development. We talk about the “right” ages to start a family, retire, or make life changes. But the truth is that the value of ageing lies far beyond the number of candles on our birthday cake. In this blog, I’ll share stories, scientific insights, and practical tips to shift our perspective on ageing and embrace what it means to live a fulfilled life at any stage.
Few individuals illustrate the power of this shift better than Dr. Edith Eger. As an Auschwitz survivor who later became a groundbreaking psychologist, she redefines the concept of “too old.” Dr. Eger started college at 39, pursued her Ph.D. in her fifties, and became a beacon of resilience and purpose, encouraging countless others to see age not as a limitation but as an invitation to grow. Her journey shows that life’s possibilities don’t shrink with age; they expand with resilience and an unwavering commitment to pursue what fulfils us.
Consider also the paths of political leaders like Barack Obama, who became President of the United States at 48, and Donald Trump, who took office at 71. These diverse examples demonstrate that age does not have a monopoly on ambition, success, or impact. Rather than define our achievements by age, we should let age define the wisdom, experience, and depth we bring to them.
Challenging Age Limits: Myths About Ageing and Growth
From a young age, society trains us to think within a narrow timeline: we’re “supposed” to hit certain milestones by specific ages—get a job, settle down, retire by a particular time. But who says these timelines hold any real significance? Age becomes more of a societal standard than a genuine reflection of capability.
Consider Malala Yousafzai, who received the Nobel Peace Prize at just 17, demonstrating that young age is no barrier to making a lasting impact. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Colonel Sanders founded KFC at 62, proving that ambition and vision can come alive at any stage. Both stories defy societal norms about age, reminding us that age is neither a predictor of success nor a barrier to it.
To add to these inspiring examples, I’m reminded of my professor at Oregon State University, Dr. Gabor Temes, who recently celebrated his 95th birthday. Dr. Temes entered the field of Analog Circuits somewhat later in life, yet he has risen to be one of the most respected and esteemed professors in his field. At 95, his mind is sharp as ever; he continues to mentor two to three Ph.D. students each year and still teaches with remarkable clarity and passion. Known for his sense of humour and agility, he manages to climb four flights of stairs daily and even takes his research team on weekend hikes. His vitality and dedication prove that true engagement with one’s passion transcends age.
Historically, ancient philosophers and scholars revered age as an asset. Thinkers like Socrates and Confucius viewed knowledge as an endless pursuit, one that deepens with experience. Confucius once remarked,
“Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as a spectator.”
Here, he celebrates the distinct wisdom and insight that comes with age, suggesting that it’s a season of valuable perspective rather than withdrawal.
Cultural Perspectives on Ageing: Wisdom, Youth, and Tradition
Beyond individual experiences, our cultural background also shapes how we view and value age. Cultural perspectives on ageing vary greatly—some view it as a wellspring of wisdom, while others place more value on youth. In many Asian societies, elders are highly respected and seen as repositories of knowledge. The Japanese concept of ikigai, for instance, emphasizes finding purpose at every stage of life, inspiring people to live with meaning regardless of age.
By contrast, Western cultures often emphasize youth and productivity, which can lead to ageism and reinforce stereotypes about ageing. Indigenous cultures, such as the Navajo, regard elders as guardians of tradition and wisdom, enriching their communities with invaluable life experience. These differing perspectives show us that our views on ageing are not fixed but are deeply shaped by cultural values and norms.
Biological Age vs. Chronological Age in Healthy Ageing
While cultures vary in their views, science reveals insights into ageing that transcend cultural boundaries. We often measure age in years, scientific research reveals that biological age—how well our body functions—is more significant in determining health and vitality. Our cells age through processes like telomere shortening, DNA damage, and cellular senescence. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten over time, limiting a cell’s ability to regenerate. Meanwhile, DNA accumulates damage due to factors like pollution, stress, and sun exposure. Cellular senescence, where cells stop dividing but remain active, can lead to inflammation and age-related diseases.
Mortality and cellular decline can be understood from the following curves based on Gompertz Law of Mortality and formula of cellular senescence:
This plot shows two key aspects of aging:
- Risk of Death Increases with Age
As we get older, the chance of death rises rapidly. This is shown by the steep curve, highlighting how age makes us more vulnerable to health risks. - Cell Health Declines Over Time
Our cells slow down and stop dividing as we age, reducing our body’s ability to repair itself. The second curve flattens out, showing that cell growth slows down and eventually stops with age.
Together, these curves help explain why aging affects our health. Yet, these biological processes aren’t entirely outside our control. Research shows that lifestyle choices significantly impact biological age. By making positive changes—such as staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, reducing stress, and fostering strong social connections—we can slow the ageing process and even feel younger than our chronological age.
On a more personal note, my own grandmother, who is over 90, stands as a testament to graceful ageing. Her religious faith inspired her to follow a vegetarian diet and maintain a very active lifestyle. The glow on her face is undiminished, and her health remains robust, with her spirit and energy defying her years. Even today, she has a full head of hair, which is something she attributes to her healthy lifestyle and consistent self-care. Her journey serves as a gentle reminder that nurturing the mind and body can indeed lead to a long, fulfilling life.
For instance, studies from the National Institute on Ageing demonstrate that regular exercise and balanced nutrition can reduce the risks of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Exercise, particularly, has a rejuvenating effect, enhancing cardiovascular health and even improving mood. Likewise, research on telomeres—the same caps that shorten over time—suggests that factors like stress and poor diet accelerate telomere shortening, while a healthy lifestyle can preserve their length, promoting longevity and vitality.
The Power of Positive Ageing Mindset
Mindset holds surprising power over how we experience age. Research from Yale University found that those who view ageing positively tend to live longer, healthier lives. Neuroscience backs this up, showing that the brain remains plastic—capable of change and growth—throughout our lives. Whether we’re learning a new language, picking up a musical instrument, or challenging ourselves with a new skill, the brain’s plasticity allows for continuous learning and adaptability, regardless of age.
In a sense, age becomes less about the number of years we’ve lived and more about the attitude we bring to each stage. We’ve all met people who, despite their years, exude youthful curiosity and enthusiasm, as well as those who seem “old” even in their twenties. The difference is often mindset. When we adopt a growth-focused mindset, we open ourselves to new possibilities and experiences. This doesn’t mean we need to ignore age or strive to appear forever young. Rather, it’s about embracing each day as an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute, irrespective of our age.
Breaking Free from Society’s Milestones
One of the most freeing decisions we can make is to let go of society’s rigid milestones. Each of us has a unique timeline, and success has no expiration date. My husband, for example, returned to his doctoral studies at 29, despite being surrounded by peers who had already embarked on established careers. Similarly, my father transitioned from anesthesiology to gynaecology in his thirties, pursuing his passion despite societal expectations. These decisions were personal, driven not by external pressures but by a desire to follow their own paths.
Look around, and you’ll find countless examples of people defying age norms. Perhaps it’s a friend going back to school, a parent exploring a new hobby, or a neighbor starting a new career. These quiet, everyday stories inspire us to break free from age-based limits and embrace our true passions. In a world where we are often expected to settle down or scale back as we age, these individuals remind us that success is deeply personal. It’s not about reaching a destination by a particular age; it’s about enjoying the journey on your terms. With the right mindset, we can free ourselves from society’s milestones and define our own success.
Here are some practical ways to break free from these societal milestones and embrace an ageless mindset daily.
Practical Steps to an “Ageless” Mindset
Adopting an “ageless” mindset is a daily practice. Here are some actionable steps to help you stay vibrant and engaged at any age:
Stay Physically Active:
Regular exercise doesn’t just keep our bodies healthy; it keeps our minds sharp. Studies have shown that physical activity boosts cognitive health, improves mood, and increases resilience against age-related decline. Walking, dancing, strength training, or even yoga are excellent options to support both physical and mental well-being.
Engage Socially:
Social connections are vital for cognitive health and emotional resilience. Staying engaged with family, friends, or community groups can prevent loneliness and even reduce the risk of cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s. Meaningful social interactions keep us mentally stimulated, supporting well-being and longevity.
Embrace Lifelong Learning:
Keeping our minds active through learning not only enriches our lives but also delays cognitive decline. Whether it’s taking a course, learning a new skill, or even tackling challenging puzzles, these activities stimulate neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections, keeping it flexible and sharp.
Practice Mindful Living:
Mindfulness cultivates awareness and reduces stress, both of which are essential for healthy ageing. Practices like meditation, journaling, or deep breathing exercises can help us stay grounded, manage stress, and focus on the present moment. Regular mindfulness can also help us develop a positive outlook on ageing, fostering gratitude and self-acceptance.
Conclusion: Redefining Age as a Journey, Not a Limitation
From defying age limits to adopting a positive mindset, we see that ageing is about potential and growth. Dr. Edith Eger, Colonel Sanders, and countless others have shown that age doesn’t determine our potential—it’s our choices and mindset that matter. Science supports this idea, revealing that by adopting healthy habits, staying engaged, and nurturing a positive attitude, we can defy age-related expectations and live more vibrant lives.
When we stop defining ourselves by societal timelines, we start seeing age as a personal journey filled with endless potential. The experiences and perspectives we accumulate over the years become sources of wisdom and strength, allowing us to contribute in meaningful ways. As Dr. Eger so eloquently shows, the narrative of our lives isn’t about the years we’ve lived but about the courage to keep evolving.
So, here’s the real question: Are you ready to let go of age-based limitations and embrace an “ageless” mindset? Because age, after all, is not the measure of our worth. It’s simply a footnote in our stories. The real story lies in our willingness to grow, learn, and live fully, no matter where we are on our journey.
Do you have a family member or mentor who’s redefining ageing? Tell us about them in the comments, and let’s celebrate those who show us that age is truly just a number!
For your reading:
Writer: Ankita Pujar
Editor: Dr. Robin Garg
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