I turned 53 in July, and I don’t necessarily feel that age. At least, in my head I don’t feel over 50. Of course, I realize that I can’t sprint like I used to when I was in high school. I have difficulty keeping my eyes open when I’m reclining while watching a movie at home. And I can’t eat all the spicy food that I used to shovel in during meals years ago. Yeah, there are some things I can no longer do.
Nothing that I’m going through as I age is unique to me, and that generations of men have experienced the same kinds of things I’m experience currently. I do feel that our digital age makes getting older unique. My generation didn’t grow up with the access with technology that our children and grandchildren have. Many of my peers have adapted well to our changing society and advancement in technology.
If I can offer some advice to the generations younger than me is to continue to be adaptable. Technology is great, but it doesn’t replace human interactions. It can’t replace the relationships we are designed to have with others. Sure, it’s novel to have a conversation with AI, but it will never be the same as developing a friendship with someone else. Human relationships are hard, frustrating, and full of conflicts. But if we work at it, those same relationships can be fulfilling, rewarding, and provide for an enriching life. I don’t have many friends who I’ve known for a very long time. But those few that I’ve known for a long time have developed a friendship out of adversity and strife. I encourage you to develop friendships where you can laugh together, but you can also call each other out on the character defects we hold on to.
I hope that as I get older, I can get wiser, too. Unfortunately, I feel as if I understand less and less about life in general. I can only share experiences that I’ve had, hoping to encourage others to persevere in their own life experiences.
Harry L. Estes 