Author: Professor Over 50

Still an Undervalued Demographic

Posted on by Professor Over 50

Pain?

I recently had a birthday and am now 59 years old. This means I am more than officially a part of the “Over 50 USA” crowd. It is a little scary I must admit, to realize that I am, well, old. Yes, there are optimists (in denial?)  who suggest that “age is just a number,” but I think it is important to embrace the numerals you own. To me this is better than putting on a forced grin, while hiding even from yourself, the actual pain you feel inside that can lead to dying your hair or even getting plastic surgery.

Young Versus Old?

If you are a member of the “Over 50 USA” club it is recommended that you do not try to forcedly psyche yourself into being “young inside.” Because let us face it, 59 is 59 and not 29. As a New Yorker for 33 years, I am now a member of a still undervalued demographic that faces pigeonholing on an ongoing basis including seeking a job, being perceived in a certain way, and so on.

Prejudice?

Judging others based on how many wrinkles they have as well as their hair being gray is unfair and even a form of prejudice. Some call holding on to stereotypes of those over 50, “ageism.” It is relying on your negative unspoken belief, rather than giving someone a chance. And of course, if youths do not somehow leave this earth earlier than planned, they too will one day be 59 years old or even older!

Gray Panthers

That said, it is nice to discover that many of those with gray in their hair are thumbs up in the battle to reinvent the Big Apple. A specific example of one such group that is pushing back, is the “Gray Panthers NYC” that was established here in New York in 1970.

Despite Being Gray, Motivation Remains

Although even now, 51 years since the Gray Panthers NYC was formed, we are still an undervalued demographic. That said, this is no reason for not becoming fully committed and motivated to act and make a difference here in New York City.

What to Do if You are Turning 50

Posted on by Professor Over 50

Enter AARP

I remember when I first turned 50. It was a big deal. Even though, depending on where you look, it’s not clear if I am actually a Baby Boomer or Gen X, I did nonetheless have to face the reality of having the side by side digits “5” and “0” represent my age. And yes, I did receive an invite in the mail from the AARP.

Fitting Into the Over 50 Box

So what should you do when you turn 50? Should you get an over 50 hairstyle? How about starting to wear over 50 glasses? Really, my suggestion of what to do when you become the big 5-0 is not to be ruled by your age. This doesn’t mean you should not recognize you age, but you shouldn’t change too much as a person to fit into an over 50 box.

A Lot to Live for

Sadly, my second cousin once removed ended her life when she turned 50. She had used her beauty to get by and presumably saw 50 as when it really starts to go all downhill in terms of looks. There is a lot to be happy about when you turn 50. If you are as lucky as I am to have a wonderful wife as well as our amazing 12 year old daughter, this is a much to live for.

Want a More Fulfilling Life?

But even if you do not have a partner or child, 50 can be a marker of a new lease on life. You could try dating sites for over 50s or change up your fashion. Although it is important to not forget who you are, this is a chance to redefine your fashion traits or even your diet. Turning 50 can be a great time to analyze how you have been doing things, like the food you eat or how you dress, and making healthy changes could result in a more fulfilling life.

Gratitude

True, you might start feeling changes in your physical abilities including certain things let standing up and more can be more painful than when you were 20. But even with the challenges, it is important to create a life of meaning if you haven’t already. Be grateful for the things you already have with an eye to the future.

Finding the Magic Again

Posted on by Professor Over 50

The Experience

As we grow older our bodies change but we can be as sharp as ever as well as be very passionate. If you have had the good fortune for being with the same person for an extended amount then you likely know the ins and outs of that experience.

Let Them Know You Care

Finding the magic again in your relationship is very important. Rather than perceiving your spouse or significant other as being taken for granted, let them know you care.

Common Ground

As the votes pour in and we face the stress of the current election, this can be a time to remember together all the changes our country has gone through. Find common ground and enjoy each other!

The Fight Against Ageism

Posted on by Professor Over 50

Even though folks further an ageist agenda that can get block those over 50 when it comes to employment opportunities, there is a way to, in a sense, game the system. If you are over 50 you very likely have a perspective that is useful to the young up and coming individuals who are getting the positions that you can’t because your hair has started graying.

What then is the secret to making being of AARP age work for you? First off we have to make clear that no matter how much you dye your hair, or get get skin regiments or even pursue plastic surgery, others are going to know you are in your 50’s, 60’s, 70’s or even 80’s.

So the best way possibly to game the system is to accept your age and get out there to fight against age discrimination. It is a cause that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. So go out there and shout about the problems of getting older and the dignity you expect. Make those signs or big signs and walk the streets or even start a blog about the right to go gray.

Can You Live Happily Ever After?

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Living happily ever after is very doable. Like anything, you just have to put some effort into it. Depending on whether or not you have reached retirement involves slightly different scenarios. If you are still working, your aspiration can initially take the form of being a “side hustle.” This gives you a preview of what you are going to do after you step into your new vista.

Or maybe you are already retired. This is the perfect time to put your goals into the cross hairs of focus, preceding with confidence. And if you fall, don’t forget that getting up and going at it again is most important. If you have an objective that involves making a difference in your community you might want to touch based with the nice folks at Platinum PIAs, who for 10 straight years recognized those making a difference in their community.

The important thing is to get support if you can, whether it be from your spouse or an awards show or a nonprofit and so forth. Getting help will assist you in achieving what you have planned. Now’s the time!

Getting the Confidence to Pursue Your Dreams Over 50

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Whether you are 50 or even 70 the time is NOW to pursue your dream so learn about the free eBook below! Rock on!

Starting a Pursuit

This is going to be a very short post, but we hope it is a helpful one! You see, when you turn age 50 you are at the start of a whole new chapter in your life, one that can sometimes include the realization of a dream you once had but never possessed the time you needed to pursue it.

You Deserve It!

Now we are all in “different boats” so to speak regarding how much free time we really have to pursue our dream. Some of us have been saving for our retirement and others of us have not. Regardless, being over 50 signals a fresh beginning and even if you are still working at a job or even your own entrepreneurial one, you deserve to begin to do the thing you always wanted to do.

Let the World Know What You are Doing

And we’ve got good news for you. The producers of this publication, DIYdigi, are now offering for a limited time, the opportunity to get your own free copy of the first of three eBooks in a series about Online Marketing. Why is this relevant to you if you are pursuing a dream? It is because you need to build momentum for your pursuit with the help of having a way to make the world know what you are doing.

Get Your Free eBook Instantly!

Building visibility can be the engine to your endeavor. But how do you get your free copy of the Online Marketing eBook instantly. Just go to DIYdigi.com and follow the directions. Again its free and you can get your eBook instantly!

Growing Old Isn’t That Fun

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I know, I know, happiness is a choice and just staring out at the scenery is magical. Just keep telling yourself that when your kids put you in a nursing home.

Life is Short

All of us over 50 have likely thought at one time or another about the aging process and how it isn’t always very fun. In fact as a very famous celebrity once said “There’s nothing fun about growing old.” If you are over 50 you are likely familiar with the new pains, tiredness and unhappiness with how your skin is changing, the gray is coming out in your hair and the realization you are not going to live forever.

Denial

Of course there are those over 50 who say that they are no having the best time of their life. Lucky people these, but they are few and far between. And who believes them anyway? Most of those who are over 50 and trying to push forward a persona of being over 50 and loving it, are likely in denial and if he or she were ever to actually facing aging could snap.

Zoo

And then there are those of us who are still in our 50s who know that aging sucks plain and simple. The body falls apart and the thoughts get darker. We’re not saying that there are not people out there who are over 50 and who are actually enjoying aging, but if such an animal does exist, we haven’t seen it yet. Maybe we should go to the the zoo more often.

Happy to Be Older?

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Wisdom

I’ve had a lot of people tell me that they’re happy to be older. This has never sat right with me. Happy to be older? Whaaat? I know there’s the getting wiser thing. But then there’s that loss of memory thing. So what good is it being wiser if you can’t remember your wisdom?

Age

I’ve mentioned this a lot of times. There’s that famous phrase: age is just a number. Again. Whaaat? I feel like I’m 70 and I’m only in the upper 50’s. Enough said.

Ancient

“He/she looks good for her age” is a proclamation that makes me roll my eyes. It makes me think that the rest of us look ancient. Thanks.

New

What have we learned here? Aging sucks. Though, getting close to the “60” numeral I am comforted by the saying “60 is the new 50.” Kidding.

50 is Not Just a Number

Posted on by Professor Over 50

It’s Just a Number, Right?

If you are over 50 chances are you’ve heard the phrase “Age is just a number.” Meaning I suppose that just because you are over 50 you do not have to think like you are.

Think Young?

So what  do you do to think young? Yoga? Eat healthy? Date someone who’s 30?

Setting the Record Straight

Well folks, I’m here to set the record straight. If you are over 50, you ARE over 50. Not sure. Listen to your body. Hard to keep the weight off now? Over 50. Memory loss starting? Over 50. Aches and pains? Over 50. Being looked at differently? Over 50. Trying to convince yourself that age is just a number? Over 50.

Over 50 in the Grips of the Coronavirus

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You Can Still Feel the Squeeze

You can still feel boxed in even if you don’t have COVID-19. These are especially scary times for those over 50. Even those in their mid 50’s are dangerously close to the demographic for which the virus can be deadly.

Solutions

For those over 50 finding solutions is challenging. Just getting the very basic necessities is a mountain to climb. Where are the resources? Where is the help? Starting at age 65 there is a clear path to assistance, but mid 50’s not so lucky.

Danger

Physically we are in danger yet those of us in our early to mid 50’s simply do not have access to a means of taking care of themselves unless they are wealthy. It is as though society has forgotten the over 50 and pre 65 age group. To follow the journey of seeking assistance for someone in this group, check out the blog/website Manhattan Coronavirus.