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Are the 50s the new 20s? Why I’m Glad This Isn’t True

Who wouldn’t want the energy and recklessness of their 20s combined with the wisdom and experience of their 50s? As someone who’s crossed the half-century mark, I’ll tell you why I’m grateful that this notion isn’t entirely accurate.

Libby Winkler
3 min readApr 14, 2024
Photo by Michael Mims on Unsplash

Are the 50s the new 20s? Why I’m Glad This Isn’t True

In a world obsessed with youth, where the phrase “50 is the new 20” is thrown around like confetti at a birthday party, I can’t help but chuckle.

Sure, it sounds appealing on the surface — who wouldn’t want the energy and recklessness of their 20s with the wisdom and experience of their 50s? But as someone who’s crossed the half-century mark, let me tell you why I’m grateful that this notion isn’t entirely accurate.

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: wrinkles and gray hair. While some may see them as signs of aging,

I see them as badges of honor earned through a life well lived. Each line tells a story; each gray hair is a chapter of growth and resilience. Besides, who needs Botox when you’ve got a lifetime of laughter etched into your face?

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Libby Winkler
Libby Winkler

Written by Libby Winkler

Freelance writer who loves exploring the messiness of humanity, while poking around in nooks of life and shining light on all the things that make us complex..

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