I’m not sure when we start applying the lessons of age. It’s a big deal turning five and heading to kindergarten, remember? Sixteen is significant in many cultures. You can vote at 18.
There are benchmarks at 21, 25, 39, 40 and 50.
By sixty, hopefully, you’re okay with more zeros. In 40 years you’ll be 100.
I don’t think that I have met an octogenarian, but three 95 year old’s come to mind. Bob told me, “I’ve sure had a lot of fun.” I know why. He shook my hand but hugged my wife. Ella made herself useful around the house. Emma, who’s not related, was adventurous enough to include me in her first selfie. She braved real winters for most of her life. That’s living.
American business may be making decisions based on numbers that don’t necessarily translate well to the bottom line. It’s purely guessing to say that older workers can’t inspire younger colleagues. When I meet those folks it seems inevitable that they would survive. I’m not sure that I can explain it except to say that meeting them, the pleasure is mine.
Bob said that his brother is making real money every week. Industry needs brawn, sure, but the rest of us need to know there’s a future for us.