Recently I visited the training grounds of the soccer club I used to play for in India. I was hoping to find some of the old crew and catch up on old times. Maybe even play a little. Instead I was greeted by a whole bunch of young 20-somethings who did not know me and proceeded to address me as "Uncle".
They say 50 is the new 30. Should that not make 40 the new 20? Try telling that to those young boys that evening. All they saw was a balding, greying old man in soccer shoes that nobody wanted on their team. The thing is I do not feel 40. Well, not mentally anyway. My 3 knee surgeries are a constant reminder that my body is aging way faster than my mind.
I notice that age is viewed differently in India. There age means respect. Age means experience. Age means wisdom. Its very unlikely that a younger person will get promoted ahead of a senior person who has been with the company longer. The oldest person in the family is often looked to for advice. Older sibling are viewed and judged differently to their younger counterparts. Even the dog-eat-dog world of Bollywood does not forget to respect its seniors. Ever notice how the young Bollywood starlet will refer to her much older co-star as "Amit Sir" or "Ameer Ji"?
The thing with getting old is not how you perceive yourself but how others perceive you. Being called "Uncle" is the least of my worries. What if I am viewed as too old for my next job? What if my younger friends suddenly think that I am too old for their cards and drinking sessions? It suddenly makes sense why I see so many older guys with hot younger women. Sure they might have the money but there must be no better affirmation of one's youth than being with a younger women!
Age is hardly a factor in the software business in the USA. Here its a case of "You are old enough if you are good enough". I think that is partly due to the nature of a business that thrives on innovation. The simple fact is that new ideas come from young people. All the greatest minds of the last 200 years did their greatest work by the time they were 25 years old. Crap! Its been a while since I crossed that milestone!
There is a whole industry out there that is trying to profit on my insecurities. Health clubs advertise programs to bring back a body that's gone forever and hair products promise a quick fix for my follicle foibles. Alas, none of that will change the fact that I am not a spring chicken anymore.
I heard great news recently: The 80s are making a comeback! Finally, my wardrobe will be relevant once again. So will my taste in music........now if only I can find that old Duran Duran T-shirt.
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