#DisruptAging: Why I’m Excited to Grow “OLD” with my Husband

“Old” Is just not an attractive word. It used to mean being wise and worthy of respect but somewhere along the way we’ve lost the value in getting older. Now, people see old as anything after their 20’s. Why is it that people feel their world is coming to an end on their 30^thBirthday? Our friends at AAPR have joined us to debunk myths about getting older with their #DisruptAging Campaign. My husband and I are actually pretty stoked about “Getting Old” together and here’s why.

This post is made possible with support from AARP’s Disrupt Aging. All opinions are my own.

Anyone who knows me personally knows that even before I had my son, I’ve openly stated that I can’t wait to be a grandma. While that title is daunting to some, I welcome it with open arms (Not saying that I want my son to hurry and grow up to have babies). I’m an optimist and after losing my own mom at 38 years old, I have very strong beliefs that beauty can be found in every age, every chapter and in every experience in life.

My husband and I often talk about what life holds for us in the future. We got married and had kids young. When our son turns 20, I’ll be turning 40! By then he’d be retired from the Military, we will own final home, and like everyone else in this world, we’re hoping to be free from unnecessary DEBT (Student loans, Car Payments and Credit Cards).

#DisruptAging: Parenting through the lens of Aging

1. Knowing what you know now about parenting, what might you want to tell your younger selves? And what might you tell your future self?

(Sierra)Knowing what I know now, I would tell my younger self that I will change, it will happen fast but it will happen for the better. Having children changes your life in the most magical way. It pushes you to accomplish your goals, shows you how beautiful love is and adds to your purpose. I would tell my future self to slow down and enjoy. This busy time parenting won’t last forever, you’ll be able to reconnect and enjoy your marriage again soon.

2. How can your children benefit from your life experience? What have you learned as you grow that you want to instill in your children?

(Sierra)I hope that in my son’s lifetime, he never has- to experience the things that I have. However, I hope to instill the things I’ve learned and that he’ll grow up to be a hard- working, kind and compassionate man. Through my adversity I’ve learned perseverance, determination and resilience. I hope to pass those qualities to him.

(Elijah) I work hard so that my son never has- to experience some of the things I went through. I plan to teach him some of the most important life lessons that I had to learn the hard way. I want to teach him how to work hard and put his mind to things, be open minded and try new things and choose friends wisely. These things really make an impact on your life.

3. How do you want your children to think about aging as they grow into adults?

(Sierra)I want him to think about aging as a blessing. The only alternative to getting older is dying so we want to celebrate and welcome that next step in life. Each year older that God grants him is another chance to become better, wiser and do more good in this world.

(Elijah)Enjoy every part of life. I never want him to think about what he “Should have done”. I want him to seize his moments and go for it. That’s how you live a fulfilled life.

“You can’t help getting older but you don’t have to get Old”

 –George Burns

What we’re looking forward to:

Staying Active: For us, getting older does not mean slowing down. Really, life is just beginning. So many people our age are so unhappy with their lives. The 20^s are filled with parenting whoas, debt, figuring life out and more. In our 40s, it will be our first time free from raising a child and we want to take advantage of it! We’ll spend our time traveling and experiencing life as a couple and enjoying one another’s company for a parenting job well done.

Taking Care of Ourselves: When you know the end goal which for us is aging gracefully, you do things in the present to prepare yourself. Actively participating in exercise, good self- care regimens for mental, emotional and spiritual health is a great way to prepare for the future. We’re looking forward to still being in a clean bill of health. My husband likes to say that with keeping up with his PT schedule, he’ll be able to look 20 at 40. Nothing will change but his age and that’s not a bad thing. We’ll see…

Never Stop Learning: We believe that getting older isn’t a choice but getting OLD is. You never want to stop learning and making yourself better. You’re never too old to take up a new hobby, pick up a new interest and explore the world around you. Our goal is to be lifelong scholars and share that wealth with others.

Special thanks to our friends at AARP for starting this important discussion. Let’s #DisruptAgingTogether.  For more information about this campaign, click HERE!