Old age my friends, is not a feeling. It is a number. We can disagree about what the number is, but a number it remains. No one would disagree that a 1948 Chevy that still runs well is an old car that still runs well. It is not a new car or even a middle aged car. Why would we say something different about our own old age?

"Worn out" is a feeling and it's good to see that no one who has posted to this string feels worn out. I'm 71 and don't feel worn out either and I'm grateful for that, but 71 is 85-90% of an average lifespan. That's pretty old. Staying active helps keep me feeling good but it does not change the numbers.

Saying one is only as old as one feels denies objective fact and may reflect society's obsession with youth. That's unfortunate. Aging is inevitable and can bring wisdom, a past to be proud of, opportunity to reflect, leisure do things we want. If accepted, old age can bring contentment and even new happiness. Why would we want to avoid admitting to it?