I’m not going to hide from it. I am turning 50 this year. A year and a half ago I attended my 30th high school reunion and reconnected with a number of people from my youth who are also turning 50 this year. Suddenly I’m noticing the statement, “50 is the new 30” being thrown around. Hmm, I ponder. Is it true, or are we just fooling ourselves?
I’ve always believed that age is very much a state of mind, yet decorum and a dose of reality do come into play. I have four beautiful mini skirts hanging in my closet that I can’t bear to part with, but I know will never again see the light (or dark) of day, at least on my body. I can’t leave the house now without a pair of glasses because I can’t read a menu, ingredients on a label, or anything I might have to sign my name to without help. And the gray hair that I have inherited has made me recognize that I can choose to replace it with any color that I want.
If these are the biggest grievances I have about turning 50 (and they are!), then I consider myself pretty darn blessed. Although I still fit into and wear clothes I had long before I was 30, I’ve come to the conclusion that, at least for me, I don’t feel 30. And that’s a good thing.
Why 50 is better than 30:
- I’ve come to value a nice man over a bad boy.
- It’s no longer all about me.
- I’ve come to prefer authenticity over sizzle.
- I’m way comfortable with myself.
- I cherish every moment with my parents.
- I’ve come to value meaning over money.
- I’m in touch with the fact that I’m not going to live forever.
- I no longer care about what people think.
- I think about how much I am blessed.
- I’ve experienced some painful, challenging times and have come out stronger.
- I’ve learned to trust myself.
- I’ve taken some big risks and survived.
- I’ve learned that being true to myself is more important than security.
Am I missing something in the “50 is the new 30” statement? If so, please enlighten me.
Digging for Meaning 
Are you really turning 50 this year? OMG you certainly don’t look it. If so, then 50 is definitely the new 30! Congrats!
Thanks for the complement, Paul. Yes, I really am turning 50 in about 6 months.
Congratulations for your upcoming birthday – you look fabulous, and having recently met you, I think you probably could wear those minis still!
I’m about a year behind you in the march toward 50, and think I would add the following to your list:
+ I’ve gained perspective – not sweating the small stuff (so much – I am still me!)
+ I’ve learned that friendships are more important than almost anything else and sustain me through my most challenging times.
+ I’ve learned to value what I have rather than focus on what I don’t have.
+ I’ve learned to be open and to try to give more than I receive.
+ I know that, like it or not, everything happens for a reason, and that, ultimately, that reason will serve me.
Marjorie, first off, thanks for the compliments! You look fabulous yourself! I have learned that you run and work out, and I know that has done a lot for me on many levels.
Thank you so much for adding more benefits to the age of 50. I resonate with every item you listed. I especially embrace your final point as the understanding that everything happens for a reason has brought me much peace.
Hope to see you soon,
Susan
Women in their 50’s are not aged at all. There is still a long way to go. Never get disheartened as it depends upon every woman, how they hold themself. If you feel within, you are aged that would indeed have a great impact on how you walk, talk and your behaviour. Be young at heart and you would feel great even at your 80’s 🙂
Sharon, I totally agree! I believe age is just as much a state of mind.
I believe it is …or else it’s simply the new me.
I’ve recently turned 53 and it’s a wonderous time of my life.
Sarah, It’s great to hear that you’re having a wonderful time!
I just turned 51 on Valentines Day – and your list really resonated with me. I’m going to link to it from my fb page. Thanks for the great thoughts!
Thanks for your kind comments, Rick, and for your desire to pass my article on. Happy belated birthday! May this be your best year ever!
Meeting old same age friends at 50 would’ve been wonderful. Age only comes once for everyone, thank you for sharing what your thoughts of why 50 is better than 30. It gives an idea of what’s actually important in our life. By the way, 50 is still not old I think. Maybe there will be another 50? Who knows? 🙂
Maybe there will be another 50! Thanks for that thought.
Hi love what you wrote. I myself am 60 and fine it hard to deal with. I asked myself which one of your Is 50 better than 30 statements I could relate to, I got 9 out of 13. This tells me that mentally I am not 60 yet. I would like to post these statement on my facebook, if you don’t mind.
Thank you, In advance.
Thanks, Barbara. I would be honored to have you share my statements.
I woke up this morning looked out over the Caribbean and realized, I am 50 plus a few weeks, Yuck – then I reviewed your list and the added comments.
aahhhh, I need to say thank you for the reminder that being fifty is not a bad place . . . is just a different perspective!
Cheers to us !!!
Thank you, Mitchell, for the reminder you’ve given me by bringing me back to this post. 50 is definitely not a bad place, nor is being able to look over the Caribbean! May you enjoy your best birthday ever!