Does Age Matter - A “Timeless” Question

When I was young, I remember taking a walk with my father and recall talking about how time flies and how quickly we grow older. At the time, I thought this was a great thing. I was under the impression that to be extraordinary, you must be older. But as I grew up, I started becoming more aware of things. I started to realize that the importance and significance of our lives extend past the number of years we have lived, and being extraordinary has nothing to do with our age, but more with our actions, character, and achievements.

The famous anonymous quote “Success knows no age; it resides within the fire that burns within you and the unwavering determination to turn your dreams into reality” serves as a powerful reminder to look beyond chronological age and instead harness the inner drive and relentless commitment to achieving one's aspirations. It reminds us that age doesn't limit our potential or define our worth. But should we pay attention to this? Is it true? Does age matter? These questions left me contemplating the role of age in our lives and its true significance.

Before we delve deep into this question, it is important to understand the answer to the question "Does age matter?" is purely subjective. Age can be significant in some contexts while inconsequential in others. According to study.com, “Age is positively related to development until full maturity is attained. As a result, older organisms tend to be more developed.” In brief, as individuals age, they gain maturity and wisdom through life experiences. These experiences shape their perspectives, decision-making abilities, and problem-solving skills. Older age provides a broader context for analyzing situations, leading to more informed choices. So, if we consider the wisdom that maturity brings to the table and its benefits, it's clear that in this sense, age matters.

However, in other contexts, age is irrelevant. For example, one’s age does not affect their inherent value as a person or their capacity for personal growth and achievement. Society often imposes unjustified expectations and limitations based on age, overlooking the individual's unique qualities and abilities. People of all ages can contribute meaningfully to their communities and pursue their passions with equal dedication and skill. Ultimately, it is the character, experience, and mindset of an individual that truly matters, superseding any value associated with age.

It is quite clear that the debate on whether age matters is one with convincing points on both sides.  But what do examples of other real-life influential individuals have to say about this? We are inspired by individuals like Malala Yousafzai, Nelson Mandela, Michael Kearney, and Nola Ochs, who didn’t let their age stop them and defied societal expectations.

At the age of 17, Malala became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. Malala’s young age caused people to overlook her efforts to advocate for girls' education. However, Malala held a firm belief in the notion that anyone can make a difference. Her inspiring story has resonated with millions worldwide, encouraging others to stand up for their rights and education. Despite facing numerous challenges and even surviving an assassination attempt, Malala continues to be a global advocate for girls' education and a symbol of courage and resilience. Her example serves as a reminder that age should never limit one's ability to create meaningful change in the world.

Just like Malala, Michael Kearney also showed that young individuals can also be great. Born in the U.S. in 1984, Kearney was the youngest person ever to graduate college, receiving a bachelor’s degree in anthropology at the tender age of just 10 years old! We can only imagine the feeling of estrangement that he must have felt when surrounded by his peers and classmates, considering that they were all much older than him. Despite the age difference, Michael Kearney's exceptional intelligence and accomplishments set him apart from his peers. He inspired other young individuals to reach for the stars and believe in their potential, regardless of their age.

While Malala and Kearney showed that you can never be too young to be remarkable, Nelson Mandela and Nola Ochs showed the world that you can never be too old, either.

After his release from prison in 1990, Mandela became the first black President of South Africa in 1994 at the relatively older age of 75. Just like Malala, Mandela didn’t let people’s expectations of how an individual of his age should act keep him from pursuing what he believed in. Starting from age 25, Mandela played a pivotal role in dismantling apartheid and fostering reconciliation in South Africa. His leadership and commitment to justice and equality have left an indelible mark on the world, inspiring generations to fight against discrimination and oppression. Mandela's life serves as a testament to the fact that age is merely a number and that one's impact can transcend societal expectations and stereotypes.

Similar to Mandela, Nola Ochs didn’t let her old age hold her back. Ochs took her first college class at Fort Hays State University (then called Kansas State College) in 1930 but put her education on hold to raise her 4 sons. When her husband passed away in 1972, Nola decided to continue taking classes at Dodge City Community College. In May 2010, Nola earned her master’s degree in liberal studies from FHSU, becoming the oldest person to receive a graduate degree at the ripe old age of 98! Similar to Michael Kearney, Ochs must have felt that she did not belong with her peers because of her age. However, Nola Ochs defied societal expectations and proved that age should never be a barrier to pursuing one's dreams. Despite facing numerous obstacles along the way, Nola remained resolute in her pursuit of education, showcasing an indomitable spirit that mirrored the likes of Nelson Mandela. Both Mandela and Ochs demonstrated that one's age should never define their capabilities or limit their aspirations. They exemplified the power of resilience and the limitless potential that lies within every individual, regardless of the years they have lived.

        Through the struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous doctors and front-line workers risked their lives to keep us safe and healthy. They fought for the lives of hundreds of people. In this critical time of need, the age of these heroes became inconsequential, as they demonstrated their resolve to do good in the world and save lives. They tirelessly worked day and night, defying all expectations, and proving that the power to make a difference knows no age boundaries.

Malala, Mandela, Ochs, Kearney, and thousands of frontline workers all proved that while age is important, it does not determine one’s worth, value, or potential. One’s will to succeed and perseverance to follow one’s goals are much more important than age. Regardless of the varying ages of successful individuals, one constant factor remains-- their steadfast determination to pursue their beliefs and achieve their goals.