So You Think You are Over the Hill?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow

Many people believe once they hit fifty it is all over, whatever they have accomplished is the most they ever will. Many people believe when you hit 60 years old you are retired and it is over with. As a matter of fact if you try to reason with people about this, they will not listen. I have tried and failed to convince people that 50 years old is only the beginning. But, don't listen to me. I want to recommend a book you should read if you think you are over the hill:

"The Golden Age," by J Paul Getty.

Great book, very matter of fact. Easy to read and understand in simple terms, I find the information in this book to be similar to what I have observed and experienced. No I am not over the hill, still a decade away from the 50-year old point. Regarding age and mindset and money matters he does a great job of explaining the problems, thoughts and results of such. I would like to comment on my theory of age at this time. In my theory there is not one age of a person but rather an accumulation or average of age in each person. For instance everyone has a numerical age based on the number of times the planet has circled the sun since their birth. For instance someone might say he is 25 years old. Then there is an age of actions, for instance some one might say he act like an 18 year old. Then there is an age you feel, for instance you may say I feel like I am 20 years old. Then there is the age of wisdom you possess, for instance I have heard people say I have a 40-year degree in the school of hard knocks (call this the age of the brain). Then there is the age of the body, depending on your habits, exercise and mental outlook. I have heard people say she is 50 but she looks like she is 35. A more important factor is the age you will yourself to live.

Then the most important factor your genetic age in real terms, many people age quicker than others or slower than others. There of course are ways to cheat your genetics and modern medicine is doing its best to get people there faster these days due to mans incredible will to live. In my theory of age it is the average of all of these, which determines your age, not just the numerical number of the times since birth you have traveled around our nearest star. The biggest figure in the average should be used three times (genetic age). The age you will yourself to live should be twice. If you cheat your score unreasonably your numbers will be skewed. But I believe this a better determinant of age than that on your driver's license or relating to your birth certificate if you can find it.

J. Paul Getty has some great thought on this subject and in the beginning of the book makes some valuable and valid points on the subject. If you are worried about middle age or a mid life crisis go pick up a re-print of this book. Dick Cheney should read it too, he is an example of what can be done later in life and why you should do it. Did you know Ray Kroc started franchising at age 52, go read his book "Grinding It Out" it is also available in re-print. You think you are over the hill? Huh, Ray Kroc did not even start building McDonalds until he was 52; think again next time you think you are over the hill.

"Lance Winslow" - Online [http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/]Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; [http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/]www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

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