Today, the young demographic is the group most marketed to, most sought after, and most valued in terms of opinion. What is this value that we place on youth? The younger people of today more easily adapt to our changing technological environment. They also have a high discretionary income. They are the ones thought to replace our baby boomers in the job market. However, I believe the general consensus is that it’s somehow better to be young than old.

I’ve been young and I don’t see an overwhelming advantage to it.

Yes, my body had fewer aches and my face had fewer lines but, comparatively, I was sort of an idiot. There were so many things that I didn’t understand: how to manage a household, how to get my butt up in the morning on a regular basis for work, how to be responsible for my life. Some may call youth carefree, and that isn’t a bad thing, but it can’t go on forever. One really can’t appreciate the struggle of life without the responsibilities. Without exertion there can be no depth of enjoyment for the triumphs and joys. The true revelation of life is facing adversity, dealing with day to day challenges, and still holding the ability to celebrate la vie en rose.

While a youthful body is valued, a youthful mind is valuable. The propensity to view the world anew and with a fresh perspective is where joy hides. If one can grasp that frame of mind and hold it, they will remain youthful despite the ravages of age and time. Therein lies the value of youth.

Perhaps these are just the ramblings of a middle-aged woman trying to assert her worth in a world of Botox and cosmetic surgery. This may be so. In a society that doesn’t see far past appearances, it is difficult to grow older and maintain a sense of self worth. A woman in her middle thirties isn’t as desirable in the first glance as her twenty year old counterpart.

However, twenty year olds eventually grow into their thirties, as we will move on into our forties and fifties. Time races past us all and while our bodies cannot be saved, our souls and our minds are always ripe for enrichment. We can and should nurture our bodies but not to the exclusion of our spirits. Once the youth has left our faces, what we have left is a reflection of who we truly are behind all our appearances. Who we are, as people at every age, is what determines the kind of life that we have and will yet lead.

If nothing else, youth is a promise yet unfulfilled of endless possibilities and opportunities. Life unshaped and ready to journey down the road. The shame of youth is that it doesn’t come with the wisdom of age. Or the practicality. Or the sense of humour. These tools would come in handy to a young person trying to make decisions about his or her life. Young people are destined to make mistakes. Age gives you the ability to deal with those mistakes. So, while I sit on this end of the road, looking back at where I came from, I’m glad I’m not there anymore.

Keri lives and is growing older in Boyle Street.