Turning 50: Part 1 – Young at Heart or Immature?
So, I’m turning 50 this year (2023). My honest first reaction is that I can’t believe it! I still feel like I’m in my late 20s, which I guess is both good (young at heart) and bad (immature). 😅
When I was in my teens or 20s, I felt that 50 is really old. Today, I feel that 50 isn’t too old yet. 😅 That said, since I turned 40, I’ve started to see the end, worrying more about aging and death.
We have no control over how we die, but I guess we can influence how we age by regularly exercising and eating healthy, etc. I’m not a sporty person, but I started cycling on a folding bike in 2020, as cycling was still allowed during the COVID lockdown. Since then, I’ve been riding about 30km on every weekend.
I’m really grateful that I’ve taken up cycling (in a way, thanks to COVID 😅) because I now have something to look forward to every weekend. In terms of aging, cycling surely helps keep mobility and prepare myself for old age, so I’ll definitely continue for as long as I can.
Another thing always on my mind is how many more years I should be working full-time. The worst possible scenario is working until 60 something and passing on soon after retiring. Then, what’s the point of working all these years for?
Dying without enjoying the retirement years is hardly acceptable, but it’s also scary to quit my day job and retire early (e.g. at 55) when I’m still having the full-time income. By enduring another month, another X thousand dollars coming in, so I guess I need huge courage to make an early exit from full-time work.
Anyways, in the meantime I have to keep working and saving more money (unless winning a lottery 😂). In Part 2, I’ll talk more about my preparations for old age.
Read All Series
PART 1 Turning 50: Part 1 – Young at Heart or Immature?
PART 2 Turning 50: Part 2 – Aging Is Preparation
PART 3 Turning 50: Part 3 – Underrated and Under-appreciated Corporate Life
PART 4 Turning 50: Part 4 – Life Begins at Retirement
PART 5 Turning 50: Part 5 – In the End, It’s People That Matter
PART 6 Turning 50: Part 6 – 50 Is the Time to Rethink about Life Going Ahead
PART 7 To Be Released on 7 July
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About the Author: LASTLIGHTS.NET is a passion project of Joey J, a Singapore-based Japanese photographer primarily shooting cityscape photography with long exposure at blue hour. Visit his Home Gallery (30 most favourite photos taken) or download his free eBook, Getting Started with Long Exposure Photography.
13 Comments
Joey, I am WAY ahead of you on the march toward old age. (Many would say I’ve already arrived!) With you, I’m trying to stay fit and healthy, to continue enjoying life–especially with the grandchildren! But mental and emotional health are important too, and settling the issue of what happens when I die is an important part of that, so I don’t lie awake at night worrying about it. The Bible makes it clear: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life” (John 3:16). And why do I believe the Bible contains truth? Because archaeologists have found 1000s of proofs (and NONE that disprove its truth), the Dead Sea Scrolls corroborate the scriptures we have today, historical and geographical findings have also verified its veracity. Those are just a few categories of attestation. But don’t take my word for it. One place to explore answers to questions about God and the Bible is http://www.answersingenesis.org. Jesus has made a HUGE difference in my life; he does the same for everyone who comes to him (John 10:10)!
Thank you for your comment. Let’s keep going by staying fit and healthy! To be honest, I haven’t been a religious person at all, but I like some Christian worship songs like Hillsong (from Australia). 😅
I am now approaching 70 (this year). I have been retired for over 8 years and it is the best promotion I ever worked for. Also, my fitness level has improved since I stopped sitting behind a desk. Hang in there Joey. Allan
Thank you, Allan, for your kind encouragement! I’ll take one week at a time, like I’ve been doing so far. 70 and still healthy is great! Please keep going strong. 😀
I know what you mean – my head says 30 and my body is 60. I stopped working at 57 and I never regretted it. My advice: make a clear financial plan (Excel helps) and prepare carefully. Then decide with courage and don‘t look back.
Thank you for your encouragement and advice! Yes, I’ll have to be careful, because I won’t be able to find any similarly-paid job if I quit at 50 something. 😅 This is going to be my last job, and I’ll just need to make a right call about when to quit.
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Well, Joey, we all age sooner or later. I read a quote yesterday that said, age matters only if you’re cheese. I think we should be less worried about age, focus on what we love to do, and be a blessing to those around us.
Thanks for posting!
That’s a nice quote. 😅 Normally I don’t care too much about the age, but 50 sounds like a big deal. 😅
Make the best of it!
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