Is Age Just a Number? Breaking Down Stereotypes and Embracing Ageless Vitality

He looked at me in horror. Add in pure disgust, too. But — I thought the Bible said not to judge, and he was a pastor. He was my coworker also.

He had come around the corner just in time to hear us giggling like teenagers about the upcoming Nelly concert. Our Country Grammar idol was coming to the Superdome in New Orleans — just two and a half hours away, and we had tickets.

He turned to me, and asked in a stern tone, as if he were my father, “You’re going to a Nelly concert?”

I owned it. I replied proudly, “Yes — yes I am.”

He walked on in further disgust, if at all possible.

I tried not to feel bad.

I found myself wondering — or justifying, perhaps — that his reaction was because he was a pastor, and Nelly’s lyrics had parental warning labels on them? But I felt it was much more than that. I believed that he was saying without saying that I was TOO old to be going to a Nelly concert.

And — I should act my age.

But we went — after all, we had tickets — and we had a blast! It did not matter that two other fans tried to commandeer our seats and we had to get security before they would vacate them. And it did not matter that it seemed as if Nelly was miles away on the stage. At least we were still in the same building.

We may not have had the best seats in the house, but we took a closeup shot in front of a humongous Nelly banner. And then we were off to Harris Casino to pick up our other friend who was carpooling with us that night before heading home.

In time I became fed up with Nelly, and my girlish crush on him also turned into disgust. It seemed the more and more popular and rich he became, the more his lyrics and videos evolved into new obscene and vulgar levels. I broke up with him mentally, and down came my poster of him, and into a drawer went the photograph in front of his concert banner.

I no longer worked at that job, but I still keep in touch with my Nelly fellow fan, and we still text one another whenever we have a Nelly sighting. We both laugh whenever she replies, “Nelly? Nelly who? Who’s Nelly?”

That concert made me wonder — then, and now — is age really just a number?

As we grow older, are we supposed to act our age? And whatever does that mean?

Why are certain makeup, clothes, hairstyles and lengths, actions, etc. — no longer considered appropriate or suitable for certain ages?

And who is the age fairy or drill sergeant making up these rules? Who’s fostering age stereotypes and misconceptions?

And better yet, why are we following them?

 

Don't Trust

During the 1960s era, an iconic saying was “Don’t trust anyone over 30.” I remember how one of my editors had to come to grips with that saying when he reached 3-0, and I remember how one of my best friends felt like dyeing her hair purple when her time came. I let my 3-0 day pass by quietly.

Thank goodness, those views no longer exist, and new numbers when it comes to age are rebranded daily. But others still do.

And yet age does have a way of catching up with us.

As I pondered these issues, I decided to ask ChatGPT to identify some misconceptions about aging, and it responded in kind:

 

15 Common Stereotypes and Mistaken Beliefs About Aging

1. 1. “You're too old to start something new.”
      – People assume older individuals can't begin new careers, businesses, or creative endeavors.

 

1. 1. “Older people can’t keep up with technology.”
      – This stereotype overlooks many older adults who are tech-savvy, teach digital literacy, or run online businesses.

 

1. 1. “You lose all your energy as you age.”
      – While energy levels can change, many remain active through fitness, travel, and hobbies well into their 70s and beyond.

 

1. 1. “It's too late to go back to school.”
      – Some pursue degrees, certifications, or personal enrichment even in their 60s and 70s.

 

1. 1. “Older people are out of touch.”
      – Assumes they can’t relate to younger generations or current events, when many are deeply engaged in community and culture.

 

1. 1. “You're set in your ways.”
      – This dismisses the growth, adaptability, and evolving perspectives that many people maintain later in life.

 

1. 1. “You don’t care about your appearance anymore.”
      – Many older adults remain stylish, fit, and take pride in their self-care.

 

1. 1. “Romance and sex are for the young.”
      – A harmful myth that disregards the deep relationships and intimacy older adults still value and experience.

 

1. 1. “Memory loss is inevitable.”
      – Occasional forgetfulness isn’t the same as cognitive decline, and mental sharpness can be retained or improved.

 

1. 1. “Older people are a burden.”
      – A negative societal view that devalues their wisdom, caregiving, volunteering, and contributions.

 

1. 1. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
      – This cliché ignores the human capacity for learning and growth at any age.

 

1. 1. “Your best years are behind you.”
      – Many find joy, freedom, and purpose in the second half of life—arguably their most fulfilling years.

 

1. 1. “Older people aren’t creative.”
      – In reality, many become more artistic, reflective, and expressive as they age.

 

1. 1. “You shouldn’t lift heavy weights or work out hard.”
      – With proper guidance, strength training is one of the best things for aging bodies.

 

1. “You should slow down and retire quietly.”
   – Not everyone wants to retire early or stop contributing. Many start encore careers or pursue new passions.

More than satisfied, I followed up with another request on how can we ensure health and vitality as we age because that is ALL that really matters, and it responded:

 

25 Ways to Live a Healthy and Vital Life as You Age

1. Nurture Your Mind

• Stay curious and keep learning – Take classes, explore new hobbies, or learn a language.
• Challenge your brain – Do puzzles, play strategy games, read challenging books.
• Practice mindfulness or meditation – Helps reduce stress and boosts brain function.
• Set new goals – Having purpose energizes your mind and gives life structure.
• Limit negativity – Avoid toxic conversations and media that drain your mental peace.

 

2. Move Your Body

• Exercise regularly – Aim for cardio, strength training, and flexibility workouts.
• Walk daily – Walking improves circulation, mental clarity, and mood.
• Do tai chi or yoga – Increases balance, reduces stress, and enhances coordination.
• Stretch often – Keeps joints limber and reduces the risk of injury.
• Try something new physically – Dancing, swimming, biking, or gardening can keep things fun.

 

3. Eat for Vitality

• Follow a plant-forward diet – Incorporate more vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.
• Drink plenty of water – Hydration supports skin, joints, digestion, and energy.
• Limit processed foods and sugars – Helps manage inflammation and chronic illness.
• Juice or smoothie regularly – A great way to nourish the body with raw nutrients.
• Practice mindful eating – Eat slowly, savor flavors, and listen to your body’s hunger cues.

 

4. Care for Your Soul and Emotions

• Keep a gratitude journal – Cultivates joy and combats depression or loneliness.
• Connect with others – Maintain strong friendships and social circles.
• Volunteer or mentor – Purpose and giving back extend life and enrich the spirit.
• Laugh often – Laughter truly is medicine for the soul.
• Heal unresolved wounds – Seek therapy or spiritual support to release emotional baggage.

 

5. Be Proactive About Wellness

• Get regular checkups – Stay on top of screenings, labs, and early detection.
• Take supplements wisely – Use only what’s needed and consult professionals.
• Sleep well – Prioritize deep, consistent rest to aid healing and memory.
• Declutter your space – A clear environment supports mental and emotional peace.
• Plan your legacy – Write your story, share your values, and empower future generations.

*   *   *

Now that my aging rant has come to an end, what is my conclusion? As before, age is just number.

Always was, and always will be. And — it is whatever you want it to be.

~~~

I’m Ruth Anita Foote, an award-winning journalist, historian, author, and online entrepreneur — passionate about helping you enhance your business, career, and lifestyle. Whether you need writing, editing, research, or online business development, I’m here to support your growth. My goal is to empower you to elevate your success and make a lasting impact in your field. You can connect to all my social media platforms through Linktr.ee