Is Age Really Just a Number?

  •   Tue, Dec 31 2024
  •   By Divya

December 31, 2024

There is a famous saying in English: "Age is just a number." However, to truly understand its meaning, we must explore it from different perspectives. Like most statements, this one too holds multiple interpretations.

First perspective

In a positive and optimistic sense, age should never stop us from pursuing our dreams, goals, education, hobbies, or interests. Age is merely a number and should not determine our capabilities. As the saying goes, "Age is not a barrier to success or dreaming big."

When we are young, we may lack maturity. However, as we age, we gain experience and wisdom to better understand life. Unfortunately, by the time we reach this realization, we often find ourselves in our 50s or 60s. Society tends to discourage people at this age from chasing their dreams, suggesting they should simply relax and enjoy life without experimenting or fulfilling unfulfilled desires.

A fitting example is Colonel Sanders, the founder of KFC, who became an entrepreneur in his retirement years. For him, age truly was just a number.

Second perspective

The age group of 12 to 25 is often regarded as crucial by doctors and society. This is a phase marked by hormonal changes and significant physical and mental development. In today's era of social media, a click of a button grants access to an ocean of information—both good and bad.

In earlier times, the absence of technology made such issues negligible. However, as technology advances, managing this age group has become one of the toughest challenges for parents, teachers, and society. Children are adept at using the internet but often lack the maturity to use it responsibly. Many get drawn into making reels, idolizing social media personalities, and striving for virtual popularity through likes, views, and comments.

The lack of proper guidance leads them to believe that the content they see on social media reflects reality. Parents, often unaware of the intricacies of social media, are unable to guide their children effectively. This is not due to poor parenting but rather a "lack of information about the dos and don’ts of social media."

To address this issue, we must first educate parents, society, and social media influencers about the hidden dangers of social media and its impact on young minds. Only then can we guide children effectively. Awareness is the first step toward enlightenment. It is essential to understand that reel life is far from real life, and the actual world exists beyond the screen.

Parents often compare their lives to social media, striving to emulate the perfection portrayed in profile pictures or the lavish lifestyles displayed online. This needs to change.

Third perspective

For those aged 25 to 50, this phase brings maturity and accountability. At this stage, people often feel responsible for the decisions and choices they make. However, even here, the influence of the reel world persists. Many believe that showcasing a happy career, marriage, or lifestyle on social media translates to respect and pride in society.

Society imposes deadlines: women are expected to marry by 26, have children, and focus on family, while men are pressured to secure a well-paying job and settle down. Why these age-specific expectations? Can't women marry at 29 or 30? Can't men settle at 30? Society treats age like a product with a manufacturing and expiry date.

While we are not against marriage, family, or settling down, the question remains: Who set these deadlines? Times have changed. Education no longer stops at graduation. Learning is a lifelong process, often continuing into one’s 50s or 60s. From schooling to postdoctoral studies, the journey of learning is endless.

There is no age limit to dreaming, setting goals, enjoying life, or achieving late-career success.

Conclusion

The educated population seems more entangled in the reel world than the uneducated. Many share every aspect of their personal lives on social media to project happiness and success. It is time to reconsider what aspects of life should be public and what should remain private.

Let us embrace the first perspective. Age is truly just a number—it has no bearing on our dreams or aspirations. Keep dreaming, keep striving, and let your age be just another statistic, not a limitation.

 

 

 
By Divya
Divya, residing in Brahmavar, is an M Com graduate currently working as a lecturer in a Pre - university college ( High school section), Hebri.
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Comment on this article

  • HENRY MISQUITH, INDIA

    Wed, Jan 01 2025

    Divya, I agree with your article. No matter the age, if a person takes steps forward in life to achieve something, he (she) can fulfill his/her goals or dreams. Ray Kroc played a significant role in the McDonald's business at the age of 52 and became the founder of McDonald's Corporation. One notable entrepreneur who started a successful business at the age of 60 is Lynne Brooks. She founded Big Apple Greeter in 1992, which was the first welcome visitor program in the United States. Therefore, age is just a number, and with effort, a person can reach great heights.

  • Divya, Brahmavar

    Wed, Jan 01 2025

    Thank you Jawahar Sir and Victor Nobby Sequeria Sir for your comments. It means a lot.

  • Jawahar, Mangalore

    Wed, Jan 01 2025

    Hello Divya, For Sure your ARTICLE is an Perfect Reflection & Perception of our Land & Culture. You have penned down with perfection. Please do Write More Articles ! All the Best for your Upcoming Articles

  • Victor Nobby Sequeira, Kirem, Damaskatte - Saudi Arabia

    Tue, Dec 31 2024

    Hello Divya, indeed very good article and you have penned it in a wonderful manner - proper sequence. God bless you abundantly.


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