For most people – it would most likely be 40. There is a whole commercial industry built around the BIG 4-0 milestone!
The term “over the hill” originated in England, in the early 1900’s – when people reached 40 – they were considered to be past “midlife” in life expectancy. Any age over 40 was in turn- over the hill and rolling down.
The “Big 40” theme parties really took off as the older baby boomers began to reach the ripe age of 40. The commercial industry of greeting cards and theme parties had begun to skyrocket by then and of course- more and more potential profits were seen in the eyes of party and event planners all over the world! Sadly, these pop cultural messages are not in alignment with what modern science tells us is possible about longevity. These inaccurate messages also cause us to begin to close shop and wind down at a time in which we need to be seeking our next big challenge or great adventure!
In a new documentary entitled “If You’re Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast”, debuting on HBO this week, three beloved Hollywood icons speak out about this cultural phenomenon. Dick Van Dyke, Carl Reiner and Norman Lear are all in their 90’s and living phenomenally active and vital lives. “The culture has age all wrong,” Lear says. The culture sells age as utterly going down. Well, it’s the expression, “Going downhill.” I woke up this morning feeling great. I couldn’t wait to get here and see these guys- It’s not “downhill”.
Van Dyke is quoted as saying, “People are more afraid of aging than they are of death these days, and we need to tell them there’s a lotta good livin’ to do!”
Reiner, who turns 95 in July, says, “If you love a person, and love the thing you’re doing, that makes a world for you.” Lear, added, “I think it helps, too, to love yourself,- that’s the hardest one.”
All three believe that it is important to stay active, engaged, be relatively stress free, love, laugh and enjoy time with friends. They all consider themselves to be fairly easy going. Van Dyke adds that it is important to do things you love to do opposed to living a quiet life of desperation.
Looking at the vitality of Van Dyke at 91 years, Reiner turning 95 and Lear 95, it makes you wonder what their lives would have been like if they had “bought into” the cultural messaging that it was all down hill from 40 on. They have been blessed with an additional 55 Vital and Active years past the “40/over the hill” messaging! 55 years and counting … uphill… enjoying the journey… seeking… enjoying… waking up excited! In other words, they never arrive at their destination! They set goals and then create new ones!
These three “Golden Boys” have a lot to teach us about living long vital lives. They are actively living and embodying the Vital Habits of Healthy and Happy Centenarians. They know the secret to living a long and happy life- looking ahead and smiling to the future!
Treat yourself to a delightful film packed with inspiration and laughter!
Take a moment to watch the trailer for their new film:
Here is today’s Vital Reset ReMINDer:
“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all of the happiness and growth occurs while you are climbing it.” Andy Rooney
My very best wishes for an exceptional day and to your long and vital life.
