{"id":126764,"date":"2019-01-28T12:00:38","date_gmt":"2019-01-28T12:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/?p=126764"},"modified":"2019-01-28T09:03:37","modified_gmt":"2019-01-28T09:03:37","slug":"age-really-distinctions-degrees-nuances","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2019\/01\/age-really-distinctions-degrees-nuances\/","title":{"rendered":"Age? . . . Really? Distinctions, Degrees, Nuances"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><strong>\u201cAge:\u201d Whatever . . .<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em>28 Jan 2018 &#8211; <\/em>We are more and less than our chronological age! We are, simultaneously, many different ages! \u00a0Regardless of our chronological age, \u201cdistinctions\u201d can be made that position us at younger, older, or \u201cconsonant\u201d with our chronological ages as a function of different dimensions of our behavior and existence.<\/p>\n<p>Chronological age is both an \u201cobjective\u201d index of our life (i.e., birth date, medical test score) and a \u201csubjective\u201d index (i.e., nuances, shades). Consider the following oft-heard words:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Teacher:<\/strong> \u201cI know you are 7-years old, but you have the computer skills of an ICT college graduate.\u201d (Hmmm, is there virtue in gaming?)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Physician:<\/strong> \u201cI know you are 40-years old, but your lungs are 70. Quit smoking!\u201d (Thanks, Doc! It\u2019s the air pollution, not the cigarettes!)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Date:<\/strong>\u00a0 I know you are 60-years old, but you look like you are 40. (Hmm, is your date after your money?)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Podiatrist:<\/strong> \u201cI know you are 24-years old, but if you don\u2019t stop punting and kicking field goals, you will have 70-year old feet in a year.\u201d (Hmmm, Doc, guess how much money I make a year?).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Therapist: \u201c<\/strong>I know you are 80-years old, but you have the wisdom of teenager, and with the same consequences!\u201d (Ahhh! Those were good years, necking, cars, sock-hops, no guilt, no shame!)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Everyone:<\/strong> \u201c<em>Act your age!<\/em>\u201d\u00a0 <strong>Reply:<\/strong> \u201c<em>I don\u2019t know how! I have never been this age before.\u201d<\/em> (I have been unable to trace these wise words to any specific person:\u00a0 Johnny Depp and Queen Abby come up from searches; Regardless of source, the words have an inherent wisdom).<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Different Ages\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Regardless of our chronological age, there are a number of possible \u201cages.\u201d Obviously, gender, socio-cultural background and ethnicity, body status, and other identity markers must be considered. Age is a controversial topic! Here are some suggested \u201cages.\u201d<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Chronological Age:<\/strong> Refers to the date of your birth.\u00a0 For example, 73 years old.\u00a0 Can\u2019t change that one &#8212; legally!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Medical Condition Age<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Refers to your medical or health condition. The typical phrase we hear uttered: She is 73, but her health is that of a 50-year woman. Unfortunately, her husband has the health of a 90-year old.(Patience is a virtue!)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Technology Literacy Age<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Refers to the ability to understand and to navigate the new communication technologies, especially electronic equipment (e.g., I-Phone) and various social media connections (e.g., Facebook, Twitter).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For example, do you still use a slide rule or abacus?\u00a0 If so, you can be assured of several consequences: (1) You are happy and less stressed, (2) You are exposed to less electronic signal waves problem (e.g., EMR), and (3) You <strong>cannot<\/strong> be considered a Nerd; (4) You still have privacy)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Wisdom Age: <\/strong>Refers to the ability or capacity to use one\u2019s knowledge in ways advancing one\u2019s personal life and the human condition.\u00a0 Typically, this involves sharing \u201cphilosophical\u201d and\/or existential\u201d insights rooted in lived human experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Wisdom is not always easily recognized by others, especially younger generations failing to grasp parental sage advice: <strong><em>\u201cLife gives you the test first, and tells you what you should have studied for afterwards.\u201d <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Older people can tell you what you need to study, and so help you pass the test, unless, of course, the test is on <em>alggorittthms <\/em>\u00a0(sp), coding, gaming, thumb-texting. <strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Physical Appearance Age: <\/strong>Refers to whether or not one\u2019s physical appearance, especially facial and body features related to attractiveness, is commensurate with one\u2019s chronological age.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This, of course, is based on the assumption that everyone ages in accord with their age, independent of life experiences, genes, diet, and access to vitamins and blenders. Plastic surgery and various health promotion techniques have made it possible to look one age while being another chronologically.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, the pursuit of a younger facial and physical appearance has become an addiction for some. Joan Rivers, the famous comedienne, asks: \u201cAm I smiling?\u201d She cannot tell because scores of plastic surgeries have destroyed her facial nerves.\u00a0 I wonder if she has had any surgery on other body parts, and if so, what does she ask when they are displayed: \u201cAm I &#8212;&#8212;?\u201d<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Legal Age: <\/strong>Refers to the age associated with certain rights, privileges, and categorical or status opportunities or limitations.\u00a0 For example, whether we qualify for elderly discounts, tax credits, and retirement benefits according to the law.\u00a0 And let us remember, the law does not guarantee justice; is because many ageing lawmakers have passed away.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sexual Activity Age<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Refers to the controversial \u201cage\u201d requiring consideration of mutual satisfaction.\u00a0 Self-nomination for this age may be problematic because it may involve illusions or delusions of grandeur. The fact of the matter is \u201csex\u201d is far more than intercourse and orgasm.\u00a0 It involves an array of pre- post satisfaction indices, regarding enjoyment of both parties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For many elderly people, sexual intercourse is often less satisfying than other pleasurable acts including: touching, massaging, kissing, hugging, whispering, fantasy creations, and cuddling.\u00a0 Each of these acts involves \u201cpassion;\u201d perhaps we \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 should call this <strong>\u201cPassion Age,\u201d<\/strong> since vitality itself is rewarding in a relationship.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Parental Age: <\/strong>Refers to the fact making a baby is easier than raising a baby from birth to adulthood and beyond. The responsibilities, obligations, and duties of parenthood are demanding.\u00a0 It is not only a question of the provision of food, housing, clothing, money, toys, and other essentials for comfort and survival, but also love, wisdom, and attachment. It is a lifelong-age because \u201ccare for children,\u201d never ends, nor does their need for money for a score of reasons.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Courage Age<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Refers to your willingness by choice or reflex to act on behalf of the safety and security of yourself under circumstances of risk or threat to life and wellbeing. While we often associate this of daring acts of physical bravery by soldiers, police, firemen, parents, and friends, it is essential we recognize the courage in standing for principle and values against oppression, authority, corruption, cronyism, and criminal acts. Courage is a both a situational and a character quality. Think of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott-King, as examples of courage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Citizen Age: <\/strong>Refers to active participation in meeting one\u2019s civil responsibilities and duties, including voting, being informed of current events, and choosing to respond in non-violent ways when one disagrees. \u00a0Globalization has brought us to the point of having to participate in a \u201cglobal community,\u201d not just a town, city, or neighborhood. The key is citizen participation at any level.\u00a0 Just make a difference! Be there!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Spiritual Age: <\/strong>Refers to our ability to understand we are not separate beings, but rather we are connected to each other, and to all of life about us. This connection is the basis of awe and reference for the unknown; it goes beyond religious dogma, creeds, and doctrines. Spirituality is a way of being in the world at any \u201cage\u201d type.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Creativity Age: <\/strong>Refers to a person\u2019s capacity for grasping\u00a0 \u201ccreativity\u201d is present in each action we take, be it cooking, conversation, dressing, shopping, parenting, or walking.\u00a0 It is not limited to the creative arts (e.g., poetry, painting, and singing).\u00a0 Creativity age is about your personal nature to every behavior &#8212; something unique and distinctly yours; there will only be one of you ever in the world.\u00a0 Do things with your \u201cbeing\u201d style!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Feet Age: <\/strong>Refers to the age status of your feet. Consider the fact your feet are your frequent, perhaps dominant, contact with the Earth. You stand, walk, run, and use them in numerous ways. Your entire body-weight presses upon your feet via your hips, knees, and ankles, and you do this across a lifetime, from baby steps to walker and cane assisted use.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For scores of reasons, pressures on the feet exact a toll limiting the utility and health and wellbeing. Being chronologically young does not guarantee a young foot age, similarly being chronologically elderly does not mean a comparable foot age.<\/p>\n<p>Facty Health.Com website states a foot is made up of 26 bones, 42 muscles, 33 joints, 50 tendons and ligaments, and 250,000 sweat glands. Hmmm! I wonder what this means for soccer players and field goal kickers? Is there a certain wisdom in the saying: <em>\u201cDon\u2019t kick a person when they are down!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>A search reveals scores of foot problems: athlete\u2019s foot, fallen arch, bunion, gout, arthritis, Plantar Fasciitis, neuropathy, callouses, corns, pronation, curved toes, webbed toes.\u00a0 Some politicians suffer from foot-in-mouth dysfunctions, an inversion of body parts based on their expressed ignorant words and opinions.\u00a0 What is your <strong>Foot Age?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Warrior Age: <\/strong>Refers to the question of what constitutes a \u201cwarrior.\u201d For the many, this \u201cage\u201d often takes the form of fighting and violence. One can be a peaceful warrior, via a just cause, stance and gaze. More needs to be said about peaceful warriors in this time of militarism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Be a \u201cpeaceful warrior\u201d at any age. The willingness to act courageously in the face of social challenges and to stand against an abusive foe while relying on non-violence helps define a <strong><em>Peaceful Warrior.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Travel Age:<\/strong> Refers to the ability\/capacity to engage in air travel. While some people can endure the requirements, demands, and hardships of air travel, others are less capable.\u00a0 The entire process is a challenge at any age:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Decision to fly to some location; Choice of airlines based on cost, proximity service, prior experience, distance to \u00a0 airport; Purchase of ticket with all issues related to seating \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and class; Traveling to airport, and parking; Negotiating \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the airline counter and checking in; Acceptance of unknown rules and regulations; Security; Waiting, \u00a0 eating, opening peanut packages, toilet use; Boarding\/seating\/seat-partner; Flight duration and quality; Arrival and departing delays; Risks of infections and illness. Travel source: auto, bus, cruise ship, airlines, wings?<\/p>\n<p>On and on! Traveling isn\u2019t fun; it requires constant accommodations to legal, cultural, and situational demands.\u00a0 People differ in their ability and preference for traveling. If only we had wings? Perhaps one day we may? Be careful what you wish for, you may get it. What is your <strong>Travel Age?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>CHART 1: AGE OPTIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/AGE-Options-marsella.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-126765\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/AGE-Options-marsella-1024x885.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/AGE-Options-marsella-1024x885.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/AGE-Options-marsella-300x259.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/AGE-Options-marsella-768x664.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Closing Remarks<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Ask yourself: <strong><em>Where am I at this point in my life regarding the many possible different ages beyond my chronological age?\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I suggest you take cautions with the popular phrase: <strong><em>You are as young as you feel!\u201d<\/em><\/strong> \u00a0The words invite delusional bias! In addition, they depend upon what part of the body you can still feel!<\/p>\n<p>We need to think of ourselves as more than our chronological age. Why? Because chronological age is filled with pre-ordained stereotypes regarding: \u201cWhat one can be.\u201d \u201cWhat one should be.\u201d \u201cWhat one is not.\u201d Conventional opinions limit our age possibilities!<\/p>\n<p>Be yourself! You are a person of many ages at any given time. Remember there <strong>is<\/strong> only one you, with a number of different manifestations. There is diversity amidst your unity.<\/p>\n<p>Is there a secret for all ages? Yes! The secret for all ages can be heard as Pavarotti sings magnificent closing aria of Puccini\u2019s opera, <strong><em>Turandot.\u00a0 The secret is \u201cLove!\u201d\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Do you love? Can you love? Have you loved?\u00a0 Will you love?\u00a0 Do you wish to be loved?\u201d\u00a0 A secret for all ages! J<\/p>\n<p><em>___________________________________________<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/anthony-Marsella1-e1507209259161.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-97653\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/anthony-Marsella1-e1507209259161.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100\" height=\"129\" \/><\/a><\/em><em>Anthony J. Marsella, Ph.D., a member of the <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/\" >TRANSCEND Network for Peace Development Environment<\/a><em>, is a past president of Psychologists for Social Responsibility, Emeritus Professor of psychology at the University of Hawaii\u2019s Manoa Campus in Honolulu, Hawaii, and past director of the World Health Organization Psychiatric Research Center in Honolulu. \u00a0He is known internationally as a pioneer figure in the study of culture and psychopathology who challenged the ethnocentrism and racial biases of many assumptions, theories, and practices in psychology and psychiatry. In more recent years, he has been writing and lecturing on peace and social justice. He has published 21 books and more than 300 articles, tech reports, and popular commentaries. His<\/em> TMS<em> articles may be accessed<\/em> <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/search\/?gceq=Antony+Marsella\" >HERE<\/a> and he can be reached at <\/em><a href=\"mailto:marsella@hawaii.edu\"><em>marsella@hawaii.edu<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>28 Jan 2018 &#8211; We are more and less than our chronological age! We are, simultaneously, many different ages!  Regardless of our chronological age, \u201cdistinctions\u201d can be made that position us at younger, older, or \u201cconsonant\u201d with our chronological ages as a function of different dimensions of our behavior and existence. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":97653,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-126764","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-transcend-members"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126764","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=126764"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126764\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/97653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=126764"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=126764"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=126764"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}