What is Old Age?

In spite of illness, in spite even of the archenemy sorrow, one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways. 
~Edith Wharton

I'd have a few thoughts about old age floating around in my head  lately.  It all started when we got an invitation to a Christmas party.  It was the "Oldies Party ~ Over 40."  Over 40?  Les and I both laughed at being called old while in our 40s!

Old age is 15 years older than I am. 
~Oliver Wendell Holmes 

I certainly don't feel old.  I find so much enjoyment in my life!  No, I don't do the things I did when I was in my 20s, but I've found that I enjoy getting up with the chickens, hopping on my bike and seeing how fast I can ride.

I'd like to stay healthy enough so that I'll be one of those old ladies who is still out there running. 
~Jennifer Dall

But then I read an ad in the magazine from the League of American Bicyclists.  It was for Senior Cycling - 50+.  Oooo... that's only a little over two years away for me!  I was okay with the "Senior" label, until I read "Old Folks on Spokes."  There was that "old" label again!

It is a mistake to regard age as a downhill grade toward dissolution. The reverse is true. As one grows older, one climbs with surprising strides.
~George Sand

It's interesting that we seem to label folks either young or old.  I started wondering, why do we avoid the middle age label?

The long, dull, monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or middle-aged adversity are excellent campaigning weather for the devil.
~ C. S. Lewis

I remember when I turned 38.  I thought "I am now middle aged."  That's all there was to it.  I didn't consider myself old, but I also knew my teenage years were far behind me!

At middle age the soul should be opening up like a rose, not closing up like a cabbage
~John Andrew Holmes

A decade later, I don't feel any older.  In fact, I feel younger.  That has a lot to do with how I've taken care of myself.  I am definitely healthier ~ I eat better (most of the time) and exercise regularly.  I also know I can't please everyone.  If God is pleased with me, then I know I've done the best I can in whatever life has thrown my way.  Learning that lesson has made life a lot less stressful.

Patience makes a women beautiful in middle age 
~Elliot Paul 

If I live 90 years, then I am definitely in my middle years.  I'll let you in on a little secret ~ the idea of turning 50 in 2014 sounds fun to me! (I am not planning a party ~ especially not an "Over the Hill" type.)  As long as I continue taking care of my health, both spiritual and physical, I think 50 will be a great age.  When can I start wearing a red hat with my purple??

The only time you really live fully is from thirty to sixty. The young are slaves to dreams; the old servants of regrets. Only the middle-aged have all their five senses in the keeping of their wits.
~ Theodore Roosevelt

What do you think?  If you're no longer under 30, what do you think of the middle aged label?  What do you want to be called?  Have you reached an age that you consider yourself old?