68 Noxema, Lasers and Ebay Liver

As I turned the corner to 40 a few months back, I had many well-wishers welcoming me to "the club" and asking me if I felt old now. I know I'm a bit chatty sometimes :), but I would not be doing my age justice if I didnt expound on this subject.

When we were kids, someone that was 25 was "old". As we approached 20 or 25, someone that was 40 was old and if you look back or talk to a previous generation, 45 was "over the hill". In developed nations, life expectancy has increased greatly over the last 100 years or so and is approaching an average of about 80. Barring cancer, war, car wrecks and jealous husbands, most of us will see that age and more. When our average life expectancy was around 65, of course 45 would seem over the hill. We are expected by the IRS to work until around age 67 to be able to collect any social security and if you havent noticed, there are a lot of gray-hairs working well into their 60's and 70's. Back to the horrid age of 40. I have been told by various news articles, magazines, blogs and tv shows that at the age of 40 I am supposed to feel my body start slowing down and the aches and pains of old age are supposed to kick in. Yes, its true that aches, pains and injuries do linger a bit longer, but by this age, we've pushed ourselves to the limit in various pursuits and we probably havent taken as good care of our bodies as we should.

My blog and my excercise program have been on hiatus for a couple months now, but that is changing. I've all but given up fast food except for the occasional Subway sammich and once in a while you just have to have a grease burger for the nostalgia. Roz and I have an excercise program, while not intense as it could be, is a good start for working parents that have spent the last 18 yrs raising kids. That being said, with our better eating habits being implemented, I hope to increase our personal life expectancy by at least a few years.

The medical, pharmaceutical and cleaning advances that post-industrial society have invented and implemented have contributed greatly to our potential longevity, but how far does it go? Listening to a talk-show guest on late night radio, the next generation can look forward to potentially seeing 120 or maybe even 150. What does that mean? It means that to have a "quality of life" past what we now see in decline from 65 and up, we will be in the workforce longer, we will have to be staying fit and active longer and we will potentially be raising families at much higher ages as opposed to the 20 to 40 somethings raising kids.

I see a world where it is not uncommon for a 70 year old to run a marathon with a 30 year old, an 80 year old still goes on skiing and hiking trips and even up to the age of 90 or so, we could still hold a conversation without sounding like we're stuck in an infinite-loop. Wait, that happens now, right? Seriously, I think down the road, it will not be surprising to see people approaching 100 and still be working and doing activities that require some physical exertion.

OK, I have to say it, remember when your Grandma or maybe your Mom used to "put her face on" at night? I remember my Grandmother always had to have a jar of something or the other in the bathroom to keep her skin "looking young". We frequently see people both in real-life and on tv (even without the tv makeup) that look much younger than their actual age. Before I put this weight on, I was mistaken in my 30's for being in my lower to mid 20's. wink, wink, ha , yes, I'm gloating, but trust me, it doesnt happen as much anymore. Maybe when I'm all svelt again...sigh. Ha. Anywhoo- on average, most folks with a little will and a little luck are looking, feeling and acting younger compared to the average of a generation or two ago. I think by the time my fellow 40 somethings are ready to retire, science will have slowed aging with gene therapy, pills, potions and again, a little luck.

I foresee us leading viable lives and relationships for much more than our current average. We may go back to school several times to be able to change careers, not always through necessity like the current meltdown, but because of, well, boredom. We could possibly have 3 or 4 careers over the course of a lifetime that by current standards entail a full 20 or 30 year maturation of both the career and the retirement plan for said job. I like to give my Grandad as an example. Although he doesnt fit into the coming generation(that and he's deceased), he worked for over 30 years for the railroad, put in 20 something as an auto mechanic and then retired. He got bored, went back to work for several more years, retired again and then worked for a while as a host on an excursion train. He partied quite hard most of his life, smoked cigars, drank like a fish, had lots of "friends" (sorry Granny) and still managed to live til he was almost 84. Up until he was 80, he still pretty much kept up with me. I think this will be the standard in another generation, not the exception.

I know you're wondering about the rest of the title of this rant. I figured the laser treatments that they use on skin blemishes and now even to reduce the effects of aging on skin warranted a mention and the othr? Well, remember that guy that tried to sell his liver on e-bay? Or was it a kidney? Oh well, I think very soon, they will grow whatever part you need in a lab, transplant it and you'll be well on your way to abusing your body not long after your malady or injury has occured. Remember Dolly the sheep? What about the ear on the mouse?

Looking back, I and probably you, wish I had been better to my body. We figured it is never too late and I look forward to being back in my 20's shape, although I dont expect to look exactly like that again. What's a little pudge? I figure as long as we can enjoy ourselves and be healthy and happy, a few extra pounds are not that big a deal. Whatever you take away from todays posting, just keep in mind that Hollyweird and most magazines STILL continually put up unreal expectations for our body-image. If you feel good, no major troubles and you're healthy, who cares? Not everyone is a size 2 or 32 if you're a guy. Vanity, thy name is woman.