This phrase is often used as an encouragement when those who are on the older - or younger - ends of the life and work spectrum doubt their ability to take on a new role, take a punt on their dreams or step outside the accepted norms for their age group. And, in general, the advice is sound.

It certainly was for me when I questioned what I was doing starting a business at 60 when I had no previous business experience, and my siblings (of whom I am the eldest) were moving towards semi-retirement. What was I thinking?? I was reminded by my coach that age is just a number. She was right. My chronological age was no barrier to me establishing and building my speaking and mentoring business.

So, that’s the ‘yes’ answer. Now for the ‘no’.

Age is not just a number. And as I grow older – currently in my late 60s – I work to balance the idea that age is no limitation to achieving my goals with the actuality of what aging brings and working with that.

Aging brings limitations – I am physically slower, my balance less confident, my hearing is dodgy at times, I heal slower and bruise and cut more easily. My skin has a crepey texture and my physical shape is very different to even 10 years ago. And I have to take all these things into consideration as I work and build my business. I can’t go out to evening meetings often – I’m wrecked for the next day, so I choose which meetings I attend more carefully and when. I need to rest during the day – my back aches after even a short time at my desk, and my hips – well don’t get me started on them!

Aging also brings insight and wisdom. I have decades of life to reflect on, and I feel like I’m only really getting started in living fully out of my authentic self. Age brings a perspective that only years of taking multiple trips around the sun can give. I’m more and less tolerant – more tolerant of diverse thinking, happy for there to be grey areas rather than everything being black and white, and can sit well with not knowing. But I’m less tolerant of bigotry and injustice, small-mindedness, and more ready to call it out.

When people tell me – as they do often – that I don’t look 67, while such a comment may be intended as a compliment, it is also implies that being younger is something I aim for – it’s not. Yes, age is only a number and can never be an excuse for not trying for the things we want. But age – and aging – is a reality. I believe aging is a privilege. If we’re fortunate we get to experience old age.



And I choose to embrace my aging, both the growth and the limitations that being this age brings. I’ve never been this age before. I relish and revel in this part of my life adventure.