50--over the real hill, or just getting started?

[hyphenate]

This year I turn 50. Should I decide that I'm too old for everything now and settle down in my old age, or should I look around for a parachuting course, despite my ailments?

Or is there some middle ground I haven't thought of yet?

And should I avoid all my friends from the first of April (my b-day is the 25th) through the 15th of May just to make sure there is no surprise party to worry about?

Or should I just let what happens, happen and not worry about it?

[SeattleGirl]

1. Let what happens, happen

I turned 50 a few months ago, and while in a way, it's weird (I feel much younger), and I can tell you, I am not ready to just settle down in my "old" age. 50 isn't old anyway. I partied in Vegas for my 50th. I just subscribe to my mom's philosophy: You're not old until you're 103 and feel it!

[tyedyeto]

2. 50 was a piece of cake

The day I felt old was before then...when my son, the older of 2 kids, turned 20. To have a 'child' who was no longer a teenager made me feel old at the time. I look back now and don't feel any older now than I did then. Ask the same question this May when my first grandchild will be born... maybe I'll feel 'old' again.

[Cobalt Violet]

3. Just getting started.

50 isn't 90 or 80 or even 70 or 60! Not even close.

Your too young to be too old.

[graywarrior]

4. Are you kidding? You're a pup.

You're just getting started!

[rustydog]

5. I turn 52 and am as active as I was in my 30s

[StellaBlue]

6. depends on the person

My ex was over the hill at 27. And I've also known some cutting edge old ladies in my time, too.

[RevCheesehead]

7. I'll be there in a few years...

But I'd say that a new life begins around 40. There's something freeing about letting go of previous expectations, and just letting life happen as it comes.

I wish I knew that when I was 20.

Whatever you do, life your life - and live it, fully. :)

[elshiva]

9. I'm 24 and I know my life has not really started yet.

It takes a while...

And 50 is very young.

[NNadir]

8. One alternative to turning 50 is dying at 49.

Being over 50 is great man. You lived through it. It doesn't get any better than that.

[Shine]

10. 50 is a great age to be!

My hubby just turned 50 last month and he had decided that he wanted a big ole bash, so I threw him a huge kaoroke-themed party and invited people to either come with a song of their own or pick one from the DJ to sing. If they didn't want to sing, they could wear a crazy hat. It was really fun and successful. People totally got into it. He even wrote a sweet and heartfelt song about turning 50 that he sang, while accompanying himself on guitar. I sang harmonies, our 12 yr old played backup drums and our 9 yr old dtr played clave. We were like the damn Partridge Family! But it was totally great and afterwards, all 150 people gave us a standing ovation. (!!?) My hubby almost burst into tears, it was so moving to be so enthusiastically supported and loved by all his friends. That moment, in itself, made all the months of my prep work worth it. He felt incredibly loved.

Now obviously not everybody is into being the center of attention in that way, so you need to decide what feels right for YOU. I advise you spend some time thinking about how you want to mark this important bd., so that YOU feel more at choice about it, instead of having to be at the effect of whatever anybody else decides for you. What do YOU want?? Maybe you just want to be alone, out in nature, for example. Maybe you want to jump out of an airplane, which is what I chose to do for my 40th, btw.

It's not about worrying, it's about tuning in to what your inner truth is and getting clear on what you want.

Enjoy this time. I like to think we become MORE of who we are meant to be, as we age. We step more into our personal power. It's a great journey we're on and it passes all too quickly, so we might as well enjoy the ride.

Happy early birthday to you, hyphenate. :hi:

[MiwSher]

11. It helps if you're the baby.

Trust me. I turn 50 one month from today and was feeling really old until I remembered I was the youngest of 5 kids. B-)

Nooooooooooo, that wasn't an open door for senility jokes, thankyew! I've told them all! :P

MiwSher

[CBHagman]

12. Sixty is the new 40, my cousin says.

And I just saw a sweatshirt in the Signals catalogue that said 50 is the new 30.

I think you have your answer. Be your wonderful self, whether it's the middle ground or the sky diver or some alternative you have to cook up.

[tuvor]

14. Does that make this 41-year old twenty, then?

I can take 30 if there's any problem.

[Blue_In_AK]

13. Hey, I'm going to be 60 this year,

and I feel better than ever. You're nowhere NEAR over the hill.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. When you turn 50, this is an excellent time to take stock.....

I remember turning 50. I felt as though I'd climbed some huge mountain without oxygen.

I stood on that peak, and I observed my life behind me, and in front of me.

It was good to do. I felt as though I was on the brink of something really good....

And I was.

Enjoy your days!


:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[NNadir]

20. Ingmar Bergman also used mountain imagery about aging.

He said, "Growing old is like climbing a mountain. Your breath gets shorter, but your views grows more expansive."

It's true.

[hyphenate]

16. Thanks, everyone!

Knowing that I'm facing my 5th decade is a huge thing for me, but it appears there is life after 50. My dad passed away from lung cancer in his fifties, but since I've never smoked, I hopefully don't have to face such a daunting challenge, and it does seem that there is still some hope for looking a teeny bit younger than I feel. My aches and pains are always going to remind me of age, but if I keep my mind open--as all good liberals!--I should escape the worst of the challenge. :)

[Arkansas Granny]

17. Do whatever you feel like. I turn 60 this year and I feel great.

Seventy is looking younger every day. Rock on!

[sarge43]

18. The 50's are great

You're certainly not too old for everything. In fact, now's the time to do those things you've been putting off.

Like the man said, old is anyone 15 years older than me.

(Turned 63 today) :bounce:

[5thGenDemocrat]

35. Well, happy birthday, dammit

We've only known each other since I was born and I think today is the first time I ever actually knew what your birthday was.
John (your nephew -- the short one)
I guess I could've asked years ago, but you were always off some place saving the world. Happy birthday to you.

[sarge43]

39. Grandma always tried to keep the event a secret

:silly:

Still need a email or phone call, phew.

[livetohike]

19. Let your friends throw you a big party

:-) and celebrate reaching this milestone. (I will be 54 this summer)

It's not bad at all.

[trof]

21. 50 was the beginning of the 10 year plateau.

60 starts the downhill course.

[seemunkee]

22. I'll be 49 next month, I just get younger friends

All my climbing/drinking friends are in their 20s. They recover quicker than me but always ready for an outing.

Heading to the gym now to meet up with some.

[RetroLounge]

23. 50 is not old... It's Sexy!

If you are not married, go find a younger man/woman and show them what 50 is all about!

:hi:

RL

[Serial Mom]

24. Hey - you never told me that!

and you've had plenty of years to say so!

:cry:

heehee

[RetroLounge]

34. Didn't want to make you blush...

:hi:

RL

[zanne]

25. Please don't take up sky-diving!

There's nothing like a sudden interest in sky-diving or mountain-climbing to say "midlife crisis". Besides, if your parachute failed, we'd miss you.

[hyphenate]

26. I doubt if my knees would be able to take it,

anyhow! I'm more than ready, though, to try whitewater rafting and hot air ballooning. My friend Barb's mom went whitewater rafting when she was about 65, so I can deal with that!

[leftofthedial]

27. don't worry

be unhappy

[Catchawave]

28. 50 is the new 30

Enjoy!

[Left Is Write]

36. Good! Does that mean I'm turning 20?

[Imagevision]

29. As George Burns once said to me>" kid,ageing happens to the best of us

getting old is a decision that's entirely up to you.

[China_cat]

30. Depends on what you want to do.

If it's enjoy yourself, you got it. If it's trying to get a job, forget it.

[northofdenali]

31. As a 52-going-on-18 .............

I say have a ball!!!!!!!!!!!! :hug:

[sendero]

32. I'm just over 50..

.... and it feels like a big number - but other than that I can't really tell much difference. I will say that old aphorism "life begins at 40" certainly rings true to me :)

[mcscajun]

33. I choose the last item. Let it all flow...worry not.

:)

I wouldn't jump out of a perfectly good plane, either.

But giving in to old age? Nah! Far Too early for that. You can do anything you like so long as you keep doing it...Stop, and your body will decide it can't do that anymore.

Of course, you Must make allowances for your longer recovery time when you do silly things you did when you were 25. :)

[DBoon]

37. Johnny Rotten turns 50 this year

so there.

[GalleryGod]

38. Nah ! Here's Me back in the 50's on a date!