‘The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company…a church…a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.’
– Charles R. Swindoll (born 1934); a pastor, author, and radio preacher who founded Insight for Living, a worldwide radio ministry.
Have you ever found yourself in the depths of the night, or perhaps in moments of deep contemplation, pondering the mysteries of existence?
Ah, the ideal age, the age at which we believe we should have everything figured out — a question that society loves to place upon our weary shoulders. But let me share with you a timeless truth: does this so-called “ideal age” truly exist, or are we merely chasing after a phantom, a benchmark that eludes our grasp?
You see, life does not unfold according to a neat script. It is a wild and unpredictable dance, both messy and beautiful in its chaos.
Its timeline is as diverse as the stars in the night sky. Some depart this world at its very dawn, born only to leave us too soon. Others find their journey cut short in their tender teenage years, leaving behind dreams unfulfilled.
And then, some endure, outliving their offspring and siblings, carrying the weight of time upon their weary shoulders.
Life, it seems, writes its narrative in chapters that defy our expectations at every turn.
So, what is the ideal age for living up to expectations? It is a question without a universal answer. Each of us embarks on a unique journey, filled with unexpected twists, turns, and detours.
While societal expectations may offer us a roadmap, they should never dictate the pace or milestones of our lives.
Perhaps, the true ideal age is when we embrace our paths, wherever they may lead us. It is when we recognise that the journey itself is as significant as the destination.
Age is but a number, a mere label. The true enchantment lies in the stories we weave throughout our voyage. So, fear not! Live at your own pace, and let every age become your ideal age!
Now, why concern yourself with the notion of an ideal age? The pursuit of joy and fulfilment transcends such limitations. Rather than fixating on a predetermined timeline for achievements or milestones, let us focus on deriving happiness from our experiences.
For you see, life’s true beauty resides in moments of laughter, in the pursuit of passions, and in the connections we forge, regardless of our age.
Genuine happiness knows no boundaries, no specific chapter. It is an eternal journey where the quality of our experiences triumphs over societal expectations.
Embracing a mindset that prioritizes joy and fulfilment allows us to savour life’s richness in every season, rendering the concept of an “ideal age” secondary to the genuine enjoyment derived from the voyage itself.
So, let us cast aside this notion of an ideal age and set our sights on the aspiration to reach a ripe old age. Many would agree that an individual is truly fortunate if they manage to traverse the vast expanse of years and arrive at this advanced stage of life.
Reaching a ripe old age signifies a life well-lived, brimming with diverse experiences, meaningful relationships, and a treasury of accumulated wisdom. It serves as a testament to resilience, good health, and the ability to navigate life’s myriad challenges.
Though the definition of a “ripe old age” may differ among individuals and cultures, the prevailing sentiment remains that a long and fulfilling life is a cherished blessing.
With age come experiences and wisdom. The passage of time allows us to accumulate knowledge, life lessons, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Those who embark on the journey to a ripe old age bear witness not only to the changes and advancements in society, technology, and culture but also to actively contribute to them across generations.
Longevity bestows upon them the chance to forge enduring relationships with family, friends, and even future generations.
Furthermore, it grants them ample time and opportunity for personal growth and the pursuit of lifelong goals. Such a path can lead to a profound sense of fulfilment and accomplishment.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that ageing presents its share of challenges and considerations, and individual experiences may vary.
Factors such as health, financial stability, and support systems play pivotal roles in shaping the quality of life in our later years.
The definition of a “good” or “fulfilling” life is subjective and differs from person to person. It encompasses a delicate balance of physical well-being, mental harmony, meaningful connections, and a sense of purpose.
And since we are on age matters, and for whatever it is worth, I give you the following data which, of course, you can find online.
According to a study by World Population Review, male babies born in 2020 are expected to live an average of 72.5 years. This is followed by 72.3 years for those born in 2021 and 71.3 years for those born in 2022. Female babies, on the other hand, are expected to live for 77.2 years, 77 years (2021), and 75.8 years (2022).
Monaco is said to have the highest life expectancy in the world this year, with locals living at an average age of 87. Asian countries in the top 10 include Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, while European countries such as Switzerland and Italy also made the list. Malaysia is at number 15, with life expectancy recorded at an average of 76.51 in 2022, a 0.19% increase from 2021.
Lastly, at the risk of repeating myself, I say may your journey through life with an abundance of joy, fulfilment, and richness that can only be experienced by wholeheartedly embracing the beauty and opportunities that come your way.
I wish your expedition to be filled with bountiful happiness, satisfaction, and the opulence that arises from living a life that resonates deeply with your passions and values.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
