My high school grad class is exceptionally close so it came as no surprise that someone would organize a reunion with a birthday theme since this year we all turn 60. As I looked around the room I saw a pretty healthy group. Sadly there were a few more widows since our last get together but overall we were doing fine.
Reunions are like speed dating so conversations are quick and to the point. How was everyone feeling about turning 60? Mostly they were mystified. “How did this happen, where did the time go? I still feel 20,” said one incredulous grad.
The general consensus was most of us were feeling anxious, and why wouldn't we be as time is of the essence. While we like to tell ourselves 60 is the new 40, it’s really not. We are leaving middle age behind and moving towards the phase of life referred to as old age.
All those plans and dreams you had suddenly seem less realistic because, well, you’re 60. Climb that mountain, learn to scuba dive, have an acting career, write a cookbook, solve world hunger? Naw, that’s probably not happening.
I have spent the good part of 2018 pondering this birthday milestone which arrives in two weeks. To be clear, I am grateful to be alive and kicking and able to blow out those 60 candles.
I only have to think of my former husband who sadly died at 50. Wouldn't he love the luxury of being able to commiserate over turning 60? His early death has taught me that life is fragile and that in an instant things can change forever.
Now that I am 60 I wonder what the next chapter will bring. It’s unchartered territory for me in a society where ageism is rampant and youth is so revered. Will I become invisible, irrelevant, dismissed as old and out of touch? These are big questions that inevitably everyone will have to address.
I have some future plans for the years ahead and they all start with being authentic. I want to follow through on my word, to articulate my beliefs and opinions without malice, and to be more compassionate. Spend more time on me and not feel guilty about it.
I want to be less judgemental, to listen more and talk less, to keep asking questions and stay curious. To spend my time wisely and to learn to say no. To choose what feels good and to not always do what’s expected. I’d like to share my life experiences so that I can help someone navigate the hard times.
Whatever lies ahead, whether it be adventure or hardship, the ability to deal with uncertainty is a sign of maturity, so now that I’m mature bring on the next decade, I’m ready.
On the big day I’ll be celebrating with my favourite people and hopefully get to disco dance with my husband because you can’t take the ’70s out of the 60-year-old.
Ingrid Abbott is a freelance broadcaster and writer who secretly looks forward to all the senior discounts coming her way in five years.
