We've all heard the saying Age is just a number, but how does this translate in day to day life? What can we do to stop getting old? Or better said - to stop feeling old?
The idea that some people feel older than their peers first came to my mind some time ago, during a phone conversation with an old friend. We hadn't spoken in quite a while and there was a lot of catching up to do. At one point, she asks me "So, how are you? How's your health? Any problems?" Both of us being in our forties, the question about my health seemed totally out of place, as it was implied that I should start lamenting about the ailments bothering me, seeing that we're not young anymore.
Well, I'm aware I'm not getting any younger, but I'm not certainly ready to talk like an old lady, much less behave like one.

Talking to many friends more or less my age has become quite annoying as I all I hear is about doctor's appointments, have that checked, have another test, change the medication for diabetes, need to be careful with this or that.
To me it sounds as if these people have already given up on life and have started to feel and behave as old people. What's next? Funeral arrangements?
This feeling old mentality can manifest itself in all sorts of ways, from the clothes we wear to the fun stuff we think appropriate "at our age". Why would I buy clothes from Marks and Spencer when all my life I've loved jeans and T-shirts? Yes, my back sometimes hurts, yes, I do need glasses - does this mean that I also need to dress dull?
One of the things I like to do is going to rock concerts, something I didn't get a chance to do when I was younger because I was too busy working and caring for the children. I only started going with my daughter and I'm happy to say it's a place where I do not feel old. Most of the crowd is made up of young people, of course, but fortunately it's a very inclusive world, where nobody minds wrinkles and white hair.
Oh, one other thing - the sensible mommy haircut! That's an absolute No-No in my book!
For as long as I can I'll continue doing fun things - like going on water slides, buying T-shirts or reading the latest fantasy series aimed at a far younger audience. Best of all, before turning 50 I'm planning on getting another tattoo. After all, I don't have to worry how it will look on me when I get old!

Stay young! Stay strong! Stay happy !