Would You Rather Be 20 or 60 Years of Age?

Wisdom is with the aged and understanding in length of days. (Job 12:12)

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Why am I so happy in my 60s? How is that possible? My hair is graying fast, my skin is getting deep wrinkles and age spots, and other examples are TMI (Too Much Information). I hit my 60s, settled down, and contentment settled in. I now reflect more on my life history. I put my foibles and mistakes in a gentler context. There are so many fun memories and moments of deep appreciation. By your 60s, there is enough life experience to look back and witness moments when God walked me through challenging and even brutal times. Then, there are incredibly joyous memories with God’s name written all over them that only many years of reflection can provide.

Lindsay Holmes addresses the blessing of growing older in her HuffPost article, “This Is the Age You’re Happiest and Most Self-Confident.” I was surprised when she informed us, “Data shows that people ages 18-25 have the highest rates of depression.” “They found that those in their 20s and 30s reported lower levels of happiness compared with those in older decades.” Why? First, Holmes states, “A 2018 paper published in the journal Psychology Bulletin found that self-confidence peaks around age 60, which the study’s authors say is likely due to a more stable environment.” By one’s 60s, many have solid relationships, career goals have been achieved, and children are more independent. 

Holmes continues, “When you’re older, happiness means being content with what you have.” You do not have to prove yourself or impress others because getting ahead is no longer as important. Finally, Holmes asserts, “Your brain might be wired for fewer negative emotional responses as you age.” A 2004 research study on brain imaging found that “older individuals displayed reduced activity in their amygdala, the area of the brain associated with stress and emotional responses.” Negative stimuli in the brain became more restrained. 

I am not saying that I wouldn’t mind having my 20-year-old body back, yet I wouldn’t want to start over and relive the last 41 years. Perhaps our society’s worship of youth will transform. Suppose present society is unwilling to affirm older age. In that case, we need to share the joy we experience from life, years immersed in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and contentment only older age can achieve. Today, affirm God’s care as you age. If you are young, know it will continue to improve. If you are already in your 60s or older, reflect on the blessings God has built within you and recognize the growing contentment and the joy in doing good work over the long haul. 

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