“I can’t believe you’re 60 years old.”
What they’re really saying is: “60 is a terrible thing to be. I hadn’t realized you were one of those miserable old people.” Instead, if told someone’s age, they could simply say “That’s great” or “How wonderful.” (p.s. If you receive this compliment and feel flattered, it’s time to examine your own feelings about aging. What’s wrong with being 60, anyway?)
Carol Orsborn, Ph.D. is Founder of FierceWithAge, the Digest of Boomer Wisdom, Inspiration
and Spirituality. Dr. Orsborn, who earned her doctorate in
religion from Vanderbilt University, is the best-selling author of 21 books
including her newest book: Fierce with Age: Chasing God and Squirrels
in Brooklyn. (Spring 2013) Dr. Orsborn is a sought after
speaker/retreat leader and spiritual director.