Your Gene Pool Depth Chart

Though not exactly how Ricky phrased it, he was essentially asking when I first acknowledged my age. He was attempting to gauge how much time he has left, reflecting on his own winding path in life.

Age is subjective, even as we tally the years. Some in their twenties feel ancient, while sprightly individuals in their seventies outpace us all. At Ricky's age, I was already married and pursuing the American Dream, while he remains single and somewhat adrift. I sense he may feel the weight of time more acutely than others.

My mother, at 80, is still healthy but often wonders what her future self will be like. Initially, I found this amusing, but now I find myself contemplating the same question. She recently adopted a new dog, which adds to her youthful spirit.

Genetically, my family history is a mixed bag. My maternal grandfather passed away young due to heart failure, while my paternal grandmother succumbed to cancer before her time. In contrast, my remaining grandparents lived well into their 80s, maintaining sharp minds. My paternal great-grandmother even reached her 90s, and I cherish the memories I have of her. On average, I’d say my genetic heritage is fairly promising.

Feeling Your Age

You can feel youthful through your twenties, but by thirty, adult responsibilities set in. Your forties often bring career success, and if you haven't achieved it by then, chances are slim—save for a few rare exceptions.

Once you cross fifty, the downhill slope becomes apparent. You cease to be the fresh talent at work, and by then, your children may have already flown the nest.

Life isn’t over at fifty; if you have the passion, you can still achieve much. However, the body doesn't function as it once did. You notice the effects of time—flexibility wanes, and gravity takes its toll.

Society may no longer classify you as young, and you enter the realm of middle age, much like the characters in "The Golden Girls." Here, you find humor and wisdom, often perceived as quirky and set in your ways.

As you approach your fifties, you enter the home stretch. Statistically, you might have about a decade of work left unless you retire early. After that, you’re left with roughly another ten years, assuming all goes well.

Money Can’t Buy Love, But It Does Buy Longevity

Quality of life in later years is significantly influenced by wealth more than genetics. If you come from affluence, you've likely enjoyed a healthy upbringing with access to quality healthcare and education, setting you up for a stable career.

If you navigate through a stressful career while managing any genetic predispositions, you can afford timely medical attention, increasing your chances of longevity compared to those less fortunate.

Conversely, those born into poverty face significant barriers to a long and healthy life, often battling poor nutrition, untreated health issues, and violence. Even if they later achieve financial success, past hardships can linger.

The Midlife Crisis

The adage that youth is wasted on the young rings true. In our youth, we often take health for granted, indulging in risky behaviors that may not allow everyone to reach the later stages of life. Eventually, the reality of our mortality strikes us hard.

This realization can trigger what we term a midlife crisis. While commonly associated with men making impulsive decisions like buying sports cars or pursuing younger partners, both genders experience these crises.

Amy Capetta and Olivia Muenster note that the term "midlife crisis," introduced by psychologist Elliot Jacques in the mid-1960s, describes a period when adults confront their mortality. It encompasses more than just frivolous purchases; it reflects a deeper struggle with one’s finite existence.

A Crisis Of Confidence

A decade ago, I faced a significant crisis of confidence regarding my career and purpose. I considered abandoning it all to embrace the life of a struggling artist. Had I not been married, I might have followed through, but instead, I endured years filled with anxiety, alcohol, and depression, dabbling in passions like photography and filmmaking without finding fulfillment.

In my early fifties, I began to panic about not having achieved anything meaningful. I had already experienced the thrill of youthful pursuits and began to focus on leaving behind a legacy—something that would attest to my existence beyond my time here.

I continue to hope for a transformative third act. I believe my remaining dreams are achievable, even if I don’t accomplish all my goals. As the years go by, my bucket list may shorten, but the remaining items feel increasingly crucial rather than trivial.

Old Masters and Young Geniuses

While mowing the lawn a few years back, I listened to Malcolm Gladwell discussing David Galenson’s research on creative genius. Traditionally, it’s believed that most artistic brilliance occurs in youth, leading to a rapid decline thereafter.

However, Galenson’s findings reveal a different story. While youthful innovation exists, many remarkable contributions arise later in life.

Gladwell points out both youthful prodigies like Orson Welles and late bloomers like Alfred Hitchcock, who produced masterpieces in his later years, alongside authors like Mark Twain and Daniel Defoe who achieved greatness well into middle age.

Galenson categorized creatives into two types: conceptual innovators, who have a clear vision from the start, and experimental innovators, who refine their craft over time.

Cramming For Finals

I struggle with procrastination, which I consider a fundamental flaw. Ignoring tasks seems illogical, yet I excel under pressure, completing what needs to be done swiftly.

I realize now that time spent pondering is never wasted. Ideas often crystallize when I finally sit down to work, a culmination of weeks or months of mental preparation.

Rather than viewing my first 55 years as wasted time, I see them as a period of growth and readiness. I’m now poised to embark on my next chapter.

Is it true I have only twenty years left? Or is it a gift—twenty vibrant years to fulfill my purpose? I choose to perceive this as a beginning rather than an end. The time for experimentation, learning, and preparation has come to fruition; now is the moment to start anew.

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