A few months away from the pivotal age of 50, I have found myself targeted by Instagram’s algorithm. Persistent adverts for complimentary hearing aids and convenient seated workout plans flood my feed, relentlessly reminding me of my impending milestone. The promotions go so far as to proffer tees designed to flatter the physique of a man with a beer belly, as if broadcasting to me that I am headed into an indistinguishable phase of life known as ‘beyond 50′.
In this phase, it seems one is considered as an entire demographic spanning numerous decades, much like lumping a toddler and a 40-year-old together. Case in point- an advertisement for vitamin supplements presenting an enviably tanned, smug elderly couple cavorting in a pristine beach, their radiant white hair dancing in the breeze. This apparently is my category, starting at 50 and carrying on indefinitely.
I’ve recently come across, and become mildly intrigued by an event known as the ’50 Plus Show,’ – a celebration for those who refuse to conform to their age. This mobile event navigates throughout various cities each year, the next stop being RDS, Dublin, slated for 14th and 15th March. This newfound age bracket, as designated by the titular ‘Plus’, is a vague one, with an entrance but no defined exit. It seems like the mantra here is simply about getting through it, surviving. This decade has been ominously referred to as a ‘sniper alley’, indicating an escalating barrage of life’s challenges. (This term is more friendly banter than official terminology from the event’s promotional content).
The journey to turning 50 has been longer than originally anticipated for me. A few years prior, friends had already begun conversations about this important milestone and talk of commemorating the occasion was rife, leading to a sequence of celebratory gatherings. Discussions steered towards topics such as medicinal schedules, prostate check-ups, retirement strategies, and the socially acceptable number of daytime naps.
Many individuals I know seized this golden birthday to fulfil bucket-list dreams. In fact, a group of childhood friends and I diligently saved up over several years for a grand vacation and found ourselves on the sun-kissed beaches of Mauritius last year. Reveling in good health and the opportunity to enjoy such experiences made the prospect of nursing a piña colada by the brilliant Indian Ocean at a swim-up bar a moment of gratitude rather than one of sympathy for the daunting task of facing this significant milestone.
Indeed, the approach of an imminent birthday often stirs me from sleep at the early hours of 3am as I ponder what lies ahead for me in my personal and professional life, question the well-being of my children and worry about my pension. Thoughts of how time flies and the amount squandered, as well as what should be achieved before it’s too late, can be overwhelming. These worries are typically overshadowed by the issues of an unreliable bladder that was once a consistent companion but has evolved into a restless and unpredictable participant, causing interruptions during enjoyable evenings and serious introspective moments.
Why does turning 50 carry such weight? Why is it assumed that at 50, one is on the verge of the twilight years, if not already riding into the sunset? These questions led me to consult Professor Rose Anne Kenny, the founder and leading researcher of Tilda, Ireland’s premiere study focusing on the lifestyle, health and wealth of individuals over 50.
“Turning 50 typically coincides with significant life changes”, explains Kenny. “Our children have matured, hence family dynamics shift. Retirement looms for some individuals while those who’ve been in the same role for decades may begin to contemplate a new direction. This is also the age where early signs of potential health challenges, such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, may start to manifest.”
This frankly doesn’t provide any comfort. However, the research offers an unexpectedly positive outlook after all. “One astonishing finding is that life’s quality tends to improve beyond fifty”, Kenny reveals. “Your happiness index usually continues to rise until, on average, the age of 78 and begins to gradually dip but not returning to the levels at 50 until we are in our 80s.”
Professor Kenny emphasises the significance of physical ailments affecting the quality of life, underlining the importance of boosting the odds of maintaining health through regular exercise, balanced diet and socialising.
“She advocates against the mindset ‘I’m past my prime’ or ‘age forces me to slow down’, encouraging the contrary approach,” she asserts. “Challenge yourself to tackle a bit more, not less. You cannot overlook the significance of good nutrition. The Mediterranean-plus diet has been proven to decrease or postpone mental deterioration. Most are well-versed in the Mediterranean diet, with the addition of berries, seeds, and nuts. This dietary plan has been thoroughly validated as the optimal choice.”
She suggests to expand your friend circles, foster connections, and increase social activity so that your life beyond work is vibrant. This not only sets the stage for retirement, but also has a beneficial physiological effect through the diversity it brings to your life, slowing down the aging process. On the other hand, failing to do so could speed it up. These strategies can help make what her spouse terms ‘the final run’ the most enjoyable one.”
“People who hold a positive attitude towards growing older, falsely perceiving themselves as younger than the number of birthday candles, actually age at a slower pace.”
[ ‘How will a man who’s crossed the half-century mark meet new, appealing people?’ ]
Out of nowhere, I encounter a friend — a brand-new member of the 50s club — Sinéad Crowley, who embodies many of Kenny’s ideas. A writer and previous RTÉ journalist, her year was highlighted by a job switch and an exciting trip to see U2 in Vegas.
“The concert provided something to anticipate, softening the blow,” she shares. “I’d be grateful if U2 might arrange a yearly concert for me.”
Crowley felt that turning 50 was an easier transition than when she turned 40. She comments, “When I turned 40, I was caring for a one-year-old and a four-year-old, hence I hardly made it out for dinner, so it wasn’t a festive period to continue. Now at 50, I’m thankful everyone is present and healthy, and I have a better opportunity to reflect on life.”
The decision to switch her vocation after sticking with it for more than two decades was akin to a now-or-never impulse for her, she reflects from her current position with the media watchdog, Coimisiún na Meán. At 49, she felt she was still young enough to bring about a major alteration in her life’s course; she was skeptical about undergoing such a significant transition at 55 or even 60.
Being the youngest among her circle of friends, Crowley implies that witnessing everyone else’s milestones was helpful for her. The agreement is unanimous amongst them that they are nothing like the 50-year-olds of yesteryears, and the conventional assumptions associated with ageing have seen a change.
We both participate in park runs as frequent as our schedules allow. We assess ourselves by comparing to runners of the elder generation, who often sprint off at impressive speed, donning singlets on stormy days while us younger folk bundle up in layers. Their preserved athleticism brings me comfort and inspiration.
Crowley points out that she and her holiday companions are all habitual gym-goers or runners. “My mother and her peers wouldn’t have dreamt of engaging in 5km park runs in their late forties. However, it is now a commonplace activity. In spite of the occasional bouts of aches, I am in better shape. I am perhaps more physically fit now than when I was in my 30s. This realization instils confidence in me,” she affirms.
As we usher in our fifties, we ought to do so buoyantly. Regardless of societal perceptions — concerning hearing aids and ‘daddy exercises’ — I plan to base my approach on Kenny’s reliable research that deduces: “Life improves with age.” It’s impractical to dispute scientific findings, after all.
And with that, I envision myself basking under the sun, sporting a proud grey mane, revelling barefoot on a sandy stretch of beach — all while responsibly wearing a practical jacket and watching my step.
In September, Sinéad Crowley is set to release her upcoming book titled A Maid On 5th Avenue. Meanwhile, Shane Hegarty, a renowned kids’ writer, has recently launched a new illustrated book named ‘Dexter Lost His Boo-Woo’. The 50 Plus Show is scheduled to be hosted in Dublin’s RDS on the 14th and 15th of March.