Letter to the Editor – Fifty something

What are the good things about being FIFTY SOMETHING? Those born in 1936 (who are now 70 years old) and 1946 (who are now 60 years old) would surely know as they've been there once upon a time in the not so distant past. For those of us born within the years 1947 to 1956, we also know what it is or how it feels to be FIFTY SOMETHING because we are at it now. Yes, we are the Golden People. The fifty-agers (50 to 59 years old). The FIFTY SOMETHING.

And what's the beauty of being FIFTY SOMETHING? Oh well, many things, such as: You are given the importance and respect by the younger people. They would courteously give up a seat for you in the mall or restaurant. They would open the doors for you and would let you go in first. They help you carry things. They make alalay to you when you ride a jeepney or go up or down the stairs. They don't mind so much if you make a mess in a crowd by proclaiming that you're just acting your age. At FIFTY SOMETHING, some basic needs of men are fulfilled, like the need to be loved, to be needed, to be acknowledged, to be given importance, etc. There are a lot more privileges that are afforded to the FIFTY SOMETHING, things that we didn't get to experience during the 1970's and 1980's as we were the ones doing these favors then to those older than us. Oh well, life is a cycle. We were yesterday's teenagers of the Yeah Yeah Vonnel Generation and today's FIFTY SOMETHING of this dot.com gen. But most of all, we thank God for the gift of life. Just by being able to wake up each morning is already a blessing beyond compare. The rests are just bonuses.

Life, indeed, begins at 40, but it peaks at 50, slows down at 60, declines at 70, stops at 80 or 90 or over. Whatever, let us rejoice and be glad because not everybody is given the chance to be FIFTY SOMETHING. Let us enjoy the present because we only get to be FIFTY SOMETHING once in our lifetime. Don't worry. Be happy. Smile.