How do we know when someone is over the hill? What exactly does “washed up” mean anyway? Is math and the simple counting of years really the best measure?

Today I’m going to make the argument that in many cases 80 is the new 60. And that on the flipside of the equation, neoteny is the bane of modern society. Could it be that our entire idea of being an adult is due for a reframe?

On one hand, acting juvenile once you are supposedly grown up is OK under certain circumstances, but a lame excuse for bad behavior otherwise. On the other, being written off just because of the number of years under your belt misses the point of aging gracefully entirely.

Personally, my feeling is that anyone who can fully function at peak performance levels well into their later years should be held up as a role model, not a relic.

Right now we’re hearing a lot of noise in the media about how a certain leader should simply step aside because of his age. If he was the one who was obviously unhealthy and speaking in word salads, I might agree. Instead, we see him out there riding his bike and conducting marathon diplomatic missions; in short, handling things and getting things done.

But I digress. I’m not here to talk about politics, I just want to bring attention to the double standard. On one hand people are saying that anyone much past 65 should just hang it up and head to the nursing home. On the other, most of modern society over these past decades has been dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare, emphasizing fitness and diet, and focusing on well-being in such a way that we can stay happy, healthy and functional well into our 80s and beyond.

That someone who has eaten right, stayed fit, had great healthcare, and a great attitude should stay hale and hearty for a long time should surprise no one. A lot of folks don’t make it of course, bad decisions, bad luck, or bad karma in one’s early years can shorten the actuarial tables, wishful thinking and best intentions aside.

If you’re looking for examples of aging with grace, look no further than the field of dance, starting with Anna Halprin, co-founder of The Tamalpa Institute. She stayed sharp and kept up her teaching practice nearly to the very end of her 100 years. Or how about Deborah Szekely, alive and well at 101 down at Rancho La Puerta, the wellness retreat she co-founded down in Baja in 1940?

What brings this to mind is a concert we went to on Friday night. The Steve Miller Band was playing at the Greek theater in Berkeley and I wasn’t about to miss it. I vaguely recall seeing him back in the early 80s as part of some big rock festival lineup when things like that were all a blur.

The show was amazing, best concert I’ve been to in years. His band was incredibly tight, his guitar work impeccable, and his voice was clear as a bell. He was obviously really loving every minute of sharing his music and was putting out nothing but great vibes.

He told a story where he attributed his success to his good fortune in growing up in a musical family and the fact that Les Paul, the pioneer of the electric guitar was his godfather. During the show he mentioned that it was 50 years since The Joker came out, and I recalled that his first big record was released in 1968.

I went home thinking, wait a minute, if he put out his first record in 1968 how old is he? Turns out he’s a Libra like me and will be celebrating his 80th birthday during this tour on October 5.

For me, that’s an inspiration. All I can say is if you can keep doing what you love and doing it well into your 80s and beyond, then more power to you!

Much love till next Monday!

M+

Mark Metz
Director of the Dance First Association
Publisher of Conscious Dancer Magazine