For example, if a lot of your friends have stopped going out and partying every night, it might be a good idea to stay in on a work night a little more often. However, you shouldn’t be afraid to be a trailblazer. Just because you don’t know anyone else who’s going back to school, for instance, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pursue your education, no matter how old you are.
Some guidelines, like the risks involved in having a baby after a certain age, are rooted in science, and are hard to deny. However, someone’s opinion that you should have children soon because “you’re running out of time” should have no bearing on your decision about when to start a family. Consider the source when you’re thinking about the reasoning behind a rule. Similarly, a law that says you must take a vision test each year in order to maintain a driver’s license exists because people’s eyesight fades as they get older, so you have to comply with that. However, if you can see perfectly well and you still have an excellent reaction time, you shouldn’t let anyone tell you that you’re too old to drive. Other rules, such as being too old to get a nose ring or play with dolls, are more of an unspoken social guideline, and it’s not as important to follow them.
For instance, there’s a reason that some high-octane activities, like skateboarding or parkouring, are usually performed by young people. That’s because as you get older, it’s harder to recover from an injury or a fall, so unless you’re in really great shape, you’re taking an extra risk by participating in an activity like this. Instead, you might try cycling or swimming to get an adrenaline rush without as much danger. [3] X Research source Other safety-related rules might include avoiding activities that are meant for children once you’re fully grown, like riding on a small plastic toy or jumping in a bounce house.
For instance, if you’re in your 40s and you’re thinking about starting a family, you’ll face different challenges than if you were in your 20s or 30s. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it, but you should have an honest discussion with yourself about whether you have the energy to keep up with a toddler. Usually, people who are alike fare better in terms of dating. They have a more stable relationship if their energy levels, ambitions, intelligence, values, and education are similar. As another example, it might not make sense to quit your job and start a new career if you’re only a few years away from being able to retire. However, if you’ll only be happy if you start your own ice cream truck, don’t let anybody tell you that you’re too old to do it. You might just need to wait a few years until you reach retirement so you’ll have the security you need to pursue your dream. You should also take into accounts your financial responsibilities when you’re deciding what’s realistic. You shouldn’t default on your debts and ruin your credit just because you feel like you’re getting too old.
If you experience frequent back pain, for instance, you should take that into consideration when you’re thinking about activities like mountain climbing or whitewater rafting. On the other hand, if you feel great physically and you’re in good physical health, you shouldn’t let anyone tell you that you’re too old to try something new!
Fashion guidelines, for example, dictate that a woman shouldn’t wear a miniskirt after the age of 35. If you have amazing legs, however, why not show them off?[6] X Research source Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too old to dye your hair, get a tattoo, and go to rock shows, if that’s what you want to do. If you’re a teenager but you still want to carry a backpack with your favorite cartoon character, go for it! Unfortunately, other kids can be mean, so you should be prepared to get a little teasing.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too old to wear whatever you want, for instance, but do take into consideration what looks good on your body. Do keep in mind, however, that some styles might be less comfortable as you get older. For instance, very tight clothes or very high heels might be harder to manage all day as your body ages. If it’s what you’re used to and you’re comfortable in it, though, wear it anyway!
For instance, if you wish you had learned to surf when you were younger, you can always sign up for surfing lessons now. But it’s probably not a good idea to quit your job and becoming a full-time beach bum if you have a family who depends on you.
For instance, if you are thinking of leaving your spouse and children to live in the woods as a wilderness guide, you might want to listen to your friends and family if they tell you that your time to be free and feral has passed.
For instance, Stan Lee didn’t find success creating comics until he was 39, and Julia Child published her first cookbook at the age of 50. Henry Ford created the Model T when he was 45. Grandma Moses, a famous artist, began painting at the age of 78.
In addition, embracing your age can make you seem younger, since you’ll be happier and more likely to pursue activities that you genuinely love, rather than those that keep you stuck in the past. You can also upgrade your interests as you age. For instance, if you feel like you’re too old to play with dolls but you still love dolls, you can start collecting them instead.
