At the age of 55, I find myself at a moment of deep reflection on my own life. The question of whether or not I am old frequently arises in my mind. However, the notion of being old goes far beyond chronological age. As the French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir wrote, old age is a subjective experience influenced by our attitude to the passage of time and our self-awareness.

In existential philosophy, old age is seen as a phase in which we become aware of our finitude. The German philosopher Martin Heidegger argued that time is an essential element of our existence, and that awareness of finitude is a fundamental condition of human life. Thus, old age can be seen as a time when we are confronted with the reality of our own mortality, and reflect on the meaning of our existence.

Old age is not limited to a physical aspect or a number of years lived. As the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne put it, “Old age is the age of wisdom.” Old age can be seen as a period when we have accumulated experience, knowledge and wisdom that enable us to better understand the world around us. It’s an opportunity for deep reflection, for stepping back and redefining our priorities.

Enjoying life is not just about specific activities such as sport, material success or money. As the Greek philosopher Epicurus taught, true happiness lies in ataraxia, i.e. peace of mind and absence of troubles. Enjoying life can be a state of mind in which we find satisfaction and fulfillment in simple things, such as interpersonal relationships, the contemplation of nature, the pursuit of personal passions and the development of inner wisdom.

As for the question of whether I’ve found my calling at 55, it’s never too late to discover new horizons. The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche stressed the importance of amor fati, the love of destiny, which consists in fully embracing our existence and finding value and beauty in all its facets, including the choices and decisions we’ve made in the past. Changing life at any age is a possibility, because we are constantly evolving and capable of reinventing ourselves.

Self-awareness and reflection on the meaning of life are essential aspects of human existence, whatever our age. Old age can be a period of spiritual maturation, when we question our heritage, our contribution to society and our place in the world. It’s an invitation to cultivate gratitude, to embrace the present and appreciate every precious moment we’re given.

In conclusion, I tell you, I’m not old, because old age is not just a matter of years lived. It’s a question of mindset, perspective and the way you live your life. The true measure of youth lies in the ability to remain curious, to question oneself, to embrace new experiences and to cultivate inner wisdom.

I refuse to allow myself to be defined by age-related prejudices and instead choose to live each moment to the full, embracing the beauty of life and continuing to grow as an individual. No matter how old I am, I’m determined to find my path, enjoy life and create deep meaning in my existence.