Denis: Fit for the age of experience

May 26 2009 by Denis Kilcommons

It used to be you knew where you were with age. Back before teenagers were invented, boys left school, started wearing a flat cap and became men while girls were taught to wear rollers under a scarf and became women.

The harshness and demands of existence were apparent for all to see. A bloke wore a three piece suit, sometimes with a cardigan as well, couples married, had families and went to Blackpool for a week’s holiday every year.

But aspirations changed with the Swinging 60s and nothing has been the same since. Today’s senior generations grew up with rock and roll and broke the strictures of society that had made their parents old before their time.

Medical advancement and better living conditions have extended expected life spans. The Rolling Stones, who just happen to still be the finest rock and roll band in the world, are all senior citizens. Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are already drawing their pensions and Ronnie Wood is not far behind.

The age lines are now blurred. Older people are living fuller lives than ever before.

Brad Pitt still fit at 45? I prefer Joanna Lumley at 63.