40 is the new 30?

‘Life begins at 40’ is an American catch phrase that became popular in 1933 after William Pitkin’s self-help book became the no. 1 bestselling nonfiction book in the U.S. It was written during the rapid increase in life expectancy from 40 years to 60 years and now it is 79 years in the U.S according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This signified that people could look forward to happier and more fulfilling lives even past the age of 40 as long as they maintained a positive attitude and outlook on life.

Courtesy: MM. Lafleur

In recent times however, 40 is hardly an anticlimax of existence on planet earth. It has literally become the new age for ‘new beginnings’! Life really seems to begin at 40! New or better career, nicer apartment and car, more financial stability as well as more comfortable friends hence better hangouts, more independence etc. It is as though people actually start living when they approach or turn the age of 40.

At age 40, ladies become bolder to take a stand on their religious, sexual, social or political views without fear of condemnation or anxiety over their backgrounds. Men become more expressive of their preference and ‘shamelessly’ pursue their desires.

Enough said on perspectives and now, unto social views which is my main discussion in this post. 

In my early 20’s which is some 10 years ago, getting married at the age of 30 seemed like a plague or a gamble with nature. Parents encouraged or even arm-twisted ladies into getting married before the age of 30. For whatever reasons which clearly are being debunked by recent occurrences, it was believed that your chances for a full, healthy, children-filled marital life reduced as you approached the age of 30. It got worse as you crossed the ‘30’ benchmark and finally nose-dived when you approached the wonderful age of ‘40’!

Now, I know medically, the chances for an easier conception, pregnancy or delivery become slimmer as you get older. Such pregnancies are even tagged as ‘high risk’ in the U.S. But we can’t rule out success stories like Janet Jackson who is pregnant at 50! Or whatever happened to surrogates, adoption or other means of having babies particularly if the lady isn’t prepared and is having an interesting time discovering herself and passion as she turns 40?!  

Anyway, regardless of medical, parental or social threats, 40 seems to be the new 30 now!  

Courtesy: Cherylpisha

Many ladies are rapidly getting to and going past the ‘30’ benchmark and do not even appear rattled. Perhaps because they draw support from similar aged friends within their circles, or colleagues that are yet to be married, hence do not feel pressured; or they have become more independently minded. Either way, I must say ladies have gotten more comfortable in their skin even as they cross the age of 30. They are now more cautious and take better care of their weight, health, looks and general well-being. They have become more career focused and chase after other dreams that could have been suppressed had they gotten married earlier. As such, they appear to be in no rush.

Although another school of thought will argue with this viewpoint and say more ladies are unmarried past the age of 30 because they haven’t found suitable partners not for the sake of being independent. But I dare say, if there is a lady approaching the age of 40, and she still upholds the ‘Tall, Dark & Handsome’ card (you know the qualities of your Mr. Perfect in your head) for any guy she wants to date/marry, then clearly she is no hurry to be married.

Not only is the world thinning out on those imaginary Mr. Perfect guys as you advance in age, mature ladies will always have the younger ones to contend with in this sack race after Mr. Perfect. 

But hey! Mature ladies might as well also start considering younger guys since 40 is the new 30…*wink. But more importantly, you should be willing to date outside your circle if you are ready to settle and that way, your life remains adventurous!

Do you agree 40 is the new 30? Share your thoughts...