When I was a young boy, I would always wish to own a cloak of invisibility, especially when I would get into trouble or not do my chores at home. I thought, how wonderful it would be if my mother couldn't see me. What fun it would be to walk into a store and snatch all the candy I wanted to eat and share with my best friends.
There comes a moment in life when you realise you’ve become… invisible. Not in a supernatural, Harry Potter, sci-fi way (though that would be fun), but in the subtle way younger people no longer see you. The barista at the café glances right past you to serve the trendy twenty-something behind you. The latest marketing campaigns? They pretend you don’t exist. Even in conversations, your words sometimes float unnoticed while the room hums with youthful chatter.
At first, this can feel frustrating, even disheartening. But then, something magical happens—you realize that being invisible comes with a kind of superpower. You can slip into places unnoticed, observe the world without pressure, and best of all, do whatever you please without anyone batting an eye. There’s a certain freedom in no longer being the centre of attention.
Of course, aging isn’t just about invisibility. It’s about embracing the wisdom, confidence, and liberation that come with time, while also acknowledging the challenges—whether it’s navigating health changes or confronting society’s obsession with youth. So, let’s talk about the real pros and cons of aging, and why, despite the occasional downside, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Ageing gracefully has been my greatest pleasure in life, although it may come with many tough lessons in life that have made me more resilient.
Pros: The Joy of Growing Older & Hopefully Wiser, too.
Freedom from Expectations. Gone are the days of worrying about what others think. With age comes the confidence to speak your mind, wear what you love, eat what you desire, and live on your own terms.
The Superpower of Invisibility. Sure, some may see it as a con, but there's something delightful about moving through life unnoticed. No one questions why you are eating dessert for breakfast or dinner, having a gin martini for lunch, skipping an event to curl up with a good book or having cocktails with friends.
Financial Stability & Smarter Choices. Many people find that with age comes better financial security due to less impulse spending, smart investments, and a deep appreciation for quality over quantity. When I was young, I had to purchase a new outfit every weekend so I would look great for all the people dancing in disco clubs.
Emotional Wisdom & Resilience. Life has thrown its punches, but guess what - you can survive, learn, and grow stronger. The things that once kept you up at night now seem trivial. What about drama? You don't have time for that anymore.
No More FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Remember the pressure to always be at the coolest parties or follow every trend? With age, you realise true happiness comes from meaningful experiences, not chasing what's popular.
Better Stories and Sharper Wit. Ageing means a lifetime of wonderful stories, lessons learned, and hilarious mishaps to share with true friends that I like to refer to as 'Champs'. You have seen trends come and go, watched history unfold and repeat itself, and can probably tell a story about "back in the day", but of course, only when necessary.
Deep Meaningful Relationships. Hopefully, by this point, you have refined your circle of friends and colleagues. Gone are the days of superficial friendships. It's time to cherish the people who truly matter and have no problem letting go of toxic relationships.
Cons: The Real Challenges of Ageing
The Unintended Invisibility Factor. Yes, it's freeing to move unnoticed, but it's also frustrating when brands, businesses, and even people in your community act as if you don't exist. Society often equates youth with value, which can be alienating. Everyone, regardless of their age has lots to contribute and give back to their community.
Physical Changes & Health Concerns. Let's be real, the body starts reminding you that it's ageing. Aches and pains, slower recovery times, and those mysterious noises your joints make. They weren't part of the plan, were they? I used to laugh at my mother when I would hear certain parts of her body making odd sounds, but today, I am sure she is laughing watching me make the same sounds and holding my lower back.
Workplace Ageism. Many older adults experience age discrimination in the job market, being passed over for promotions, or even feeling pushed out of their careers too soon. Trying to volunteer with organisations that pride themselves on supporting DEI (Diversity, Ethnicity, & Inclusion) will often reject someone or come up with an excuse to not use their services or skills because of ageism. One of my favourite things about ageing is knowing someone is an asshole before they even speak.
Tech & Cultural Shifts. Keeping up with ever-changing technology, slang, and trends can be exhausting. A new app that jumped on my radar last year is called BeReal. Very interesting and different from Instagram. But then again, do we really need to keep up? It piqued my curiosity, so I will check it out.
Losing Loved Ones. One of the hardest parts of ageing is saying goodbye to friends, family, or even just the version of yourself from decades ago. It's a reality, but it also makes us feel grateful for life's moments even more.
Ageing isn’t about fading away, it’s about stepping into a new kind of power. Yes, society may try to make us invisible, but that just means we get to move freely, love fiercely, and live life with a wisdom that only comes with time. So, if getting older means dancing without caring who's watching, eating cake just because, and finally understanding what truly matters, sign me up today.
To be honest, ageing is a privilege that many of my friends didn't get to see because they died much too soon from HIV/AIDS, cancer, heart disease, COVID-19, or some other illness. My mother told me near the end of her life to always remember that ageing is a privilege, and I plan to enjoy every second of it.
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