How Old Do You Feel?

How old do you feel, compared to how old you actually are? For me, there’s about a 20 year difference. I’m 56 and feel like I’m about 35. I find it interesting to think about why this is. For one thing, I feel great and am in better physical shape than I have been in 20 years. #humblebrag. That helps a ton. I also believe that life still holds so much possibility, so much to learn and experience. Like a “kid in a candy shop,” I approach each day with a curiosity and openness to receive whatever God has to offer.

I’ve had two experiences recently that inspired me to keep imagining and believing that there is way more life ahead to live. And not just in a “I get by” kind of way. But in a “I’m really gonna thrive” way.

One was an amazing concert by 80’s rock/pop superstar Rick Springfield (he has been one of my favorites for 40 years now…his Living in Oz album is the go-to project for me). For just over an hour and a half, Rick delivered his hits with muscle and rockstar panache. His voice was killer. He loved the fans and we loved him back.

Rick is 73.

He even came out for the encore without his shirt. Audacious? Absolutely. But honestly, if I look like him at 73, don’t expect me to ever wear a shirt.

Don’t let anyone ever tell you you’re too old to put on a rock concert.

The second was a book release party for my friend Eme’s new book. It’s a book about senior romance, and even includes a thread about dementia. When Eme got up to speak at the party and started delivering a message of hope to the crowd about how life doesn’t need to end as we age, even the romantic part of life, the crowd cheered. And when she read, actually performed, excerpts from the book, I was moved to tears. She was in her element. She shined brighter than the fabulous disco ball-inspired dress she was wearing.

Eme is 70. And I believe she’s just getting started on an amazing new adventure with the release of this new book, and the speaking opportunities that I’m certain await.

Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you’re too old to feel all the feelings.

These ages might not sound old to you, they are way less old to me now than ever before. We could also list a ton of people who are still having fun (and impact) well into their 90’s. But my point is this…

What have you been waiting to do, but maybe just haven’t gotten to it yet?

Is it writing a book? Is it learning how to play electric guitar? Is it traveling to a place you’ve never been? Is it focusing on a relationship you’d like to improve?

I believe that when we come alive to what’s in our heart, and find ways to offer that joy and passion to the world, that’s when hope comes alive. It’s how we let God spill out of our own hearts, and offer life and love to the world.

It’s also how we stay young. Even if our “number” increases, our inside number can still stay low, as we hang onto the hope and possibilities that still lay ahead.

One of my favorite verses captures this so well. It’s Romans 8:15 (MSG):

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?"

I read a couple of articles that state there are good reasons why you may feel 20 percent younger than your actual age.

In The Atlantic, Jennifer Senior writes:

“If you mentally view yourself as younger—if you believe you have a few pivots left—you still see yourself as useful; if you believe that aging itself is valuable, an added good, then you also see yourself as useful. In a better world, older people would feel more treasured, certainly. But even now, a good many of us seem capable of combining the two ideas, merging acceptance of our age with a sense of hope.”

On Medium, Robert Roy Britt says that not everyone feels younger than they are, though. He mentions a study that says people who feel older might be sensing that their brains are aging, and then offers:

“If that’s true, a logical antidote would be to focus on lifestyle changes that support a healthy mind, like improved diet and physical activity.”

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this interesting topic. How is hope waiting to come alive in your life?

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I wrote a song about grabbing hold of life, trusting in the good that’s still ahead, despite what may have happened in the past. (Musically, it was influenced by my love for Lionel Richie and Gloria Estefan.) “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.” — Listen on YouTube or Apple Music or Spotify —

header photo by Dani Franco on Unsplash