It is indeed a curious stage – a transitional period where our perspective on time shifts. If someone were to ask if you felt you fell into this category, despite what your chronological age might suggest, what would you say? I would imagine, the vast majority of you would say yes.
But what does it really mean? or does it just apply to the time in our lives when we are simultaneously contributing to shaping the next generation and caring for the one that did the same for us.
What is your definition of where you are?
You may not have your own definition, but we all have attitudes and beliefs about the time of life we are currently experiencing and the challenges we are facing. We are also not having the same experiences that our parents had, and the generations to follow are just as likely to be different again.
What will always stay the same is that each stage in life will ask something different of us. Our development is progressive and we all must pass through the different stages as each one forms the basis for the next. What worked before and was satisfying, may now no longer be.
What’s the story you’re telling yourself?
It’s also very important that we are aware of the stories we tell ourselves, as our narratives can empower or limit us. On the one hand they can serve as a source of inspiration, helping us to create goals and define our priorities, but on the other, they can get in our way creating self imposed limitations that hold us back.
I think by now, there is an acceptance of the view that the reliance on chronological age to link the expectations people have about getting older, although still influenced by internalised societal beliefs, is very subjective and there is no ‘one size fits approach’ to life, at any stage. But what is true is that a negative perception of how we feel does have real results in terms of life expectancy and poor health in comparison to having a more positive outlook.
Challenge your assumptions
Being ‘too old to be young and too young to be old’ is a time to challenge our perspectives and the way we are living our lives. We need to start telling stories that reject all the life limiting narratives that are actively conspiring to limit our potential and deny us our happiness.
Remember ‘assumptions’ are just made up ideas of our reality. To dismantle and reconstruct them is the best way to open up your world to endless possibilities and opportunities and ultimately live a longer, happier, healthier life.