Age is Just a Number

(And also, not really)

Photo by Anna Auza on Unsplash

People love to say age is just a number.

And yes — in some ways, I agree.

Age is just a number, in our minds, in our hearts, in our mental state. It’s a number when it comes to curiosity. To joy. To learning something new. To deciding at 65 to take up watercolor, move across the country, wear red lipstick, write a novel, fall in love, or finally become the person you were always meant to be.

But as far as the body?

No.

The body is aware of exactly how old it is.

It knows how many years it has spent on this planet. It knows how much work it has done. It remembers the accidents, the stress, the sleepless nights, the bad shoes, the decades of hauling kids, groceries, furniture, and emotions.

And, like me, if you grew up in the ‘60s or ‘70s… there may have been some self-inflicted wear and tear in there too.

The body remembers.

And it’s always communicating with us, and it’s almost impossible not to listen. You’re reminded of your age regardless of the number, when:

You no longer jump out of bed in the morning but instead unfold yourself in stages.

When a few stretches before coffee are no longer optional.

When standing too long means your back sends you a four-worded letter.

When 2:00 p.m. arrives and suddenly a nap seems less like laziness and more like wisdom (even though I still resist ever taking one).

When going up and down the stairs requires attention and respect.

When running is almost impossible but more like an event requiring recovery time and possibly ice. (I truly doubt I could even do it now, unless I was being chased by Freddy Krueger or one of his friends.)

When getting up from the floor becomes less of a movement and more of a carefully choreographed performance involving nearby furniture.

And I find myself hoping for more time — a lot more time. Because there is still so much I want to see, be here for, and do — and because of my age, it’s taking me much more time to do it all!

So yes — Our minds may insist age is just a number.

Our hearts may continue making plans like we’re thirty-five.

But our bodies are practical creatures. They know the mileage, remember the wear and tear, and are not shy about sharing their opinions.