What’s My Age Again?

I’ve noticed lately that friends on Facebook are having their “22nd birthday again” or their “21st +” birthday when I know they are almost pushing 30. As a 27 year old, I’ve not yet thought about hiding my age because in my mind and heart I am still young. But I suppose “young” is a relative term nowadays. I suppose I am an old lady in comparison to the bar-hopping 18 year olds. And at times I definitely feel old in comparison to many of my friends who are living the single life whereas I am married with a kid.

For as long as I remember, my mom has never liked to disclose her age. When I was younger, I thought that maybe all women past the age of 40 hid their age. But when did this bar get dropped? Now twentysomethings are starting to lie about their age? How old is “old”?

Perhaps it’s because I still get ID’ed and get told that I look like a kid. Maybe when I start getting wrinkles and grey hair, I’ll start hiding my age, but for now I have no problems disclosing my true age. Many guy friends have said that girls past 21 are past their prime, but I disagree. I’m much more comfortable in my own skin at 27 than I was at 21. Feeling okay about yourself and where you are in life leads to more confidence. And more confidence is sexy.

Besides, isn’t 30 the “new 20”? A generation ago, everyone my age was married with kids; now I am a rarity and people often comment that I am such a young mom. The media frequently talks about prolonged adolescence which lasts until you are around 30. Many people I know are still living at home in their late twenty’s with no desire to leave home anytime soon. Movies like Failure to Launch with Matthew McConaughey talk about this modern day trend.

While I might be married with a kid, I still feel and act young. I confess to watching SpongeBob SquarePants. One of my favourite shirts features a vintage-looking Mario on the front which I wear with pride. I read and loved all of the Twilight and Harry Potter books. I still occasionally order Happy Meals at McDonald’s just to get the toy. And I can’t foresee when I will officially “grow up.”

Women and the Pressures of Staying Young

Of course women feel the urge to lie about their age because as a society men with salt-and-pepper hair are mature, whereas women with grey hair are just plain old. While there are definitely some men who go for older women, for the most part, men still go for the young, fresh meat.

A few months ago I won some free tickets to a Blink 182 concert. Having listened to their music in junior high, my husband and I thought it would be fun for old time’s sake. As I was riding the subway to the show, I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation between a young man and woman who just met, and were definitely hitting it off.

Guy: So what do you do for a living?
Girl: I’m a nurse. What about you?
Guy: I’m a mortgage broker. I’m trying to save up for my own house right now.
Girl: Oh really? I have my own place.
Guy: Cool, yeah, you must make good money as a nurse. I’m pretty pumped for the show. I’ve been listening to Blink since I was in high school.
Girl: High school?! I’ve been listening to them for a long time. How old are you anyway?
Guy: I’m 22. How old are you?
Girl: [Pause.] I don’t want to say… I’m old!
Guy: Oh come on. You can’t be THAT old.
Girl: I’m 35.
Guy: Oh.

Conversation ends.

I should add that Tom, Mark and Travis put on a good show and blasted through their set with as much brattiness and energy as anyone could ask for. Tom still made his immature off-colour jokes about penises and jerking-off that people love/hate him for.

However from my seat at the side of the stage, I noticed that there were young children clutching blankets sitting off to the side who were accompanied by their care-takers. It was clear by the way Mark kept looking over to them that these were his kids. Even the guys who sing, “What’s My Age Again?” have grown up. Sort of.

Sexy Older Women

The first name that comes to mind when I think of a sexy older woman is Sophia Loren. At 75 years young, she still looks amazing. Although she denies ever having plastic surgery, there is recent speculation that she has gone under the knife. She says, “I don’t believe in getting work done, because then everybody looks the same.”

Whether she has had work done or not, I think she embodies qualities (qualities aside from her palpable Italian beauty) which I strive for. Having talent to back up her beauty, aging gracefully and possessing a sense of humour, Sophia inspires me to face the hands of time without fear.

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” – Sophia Loren