This week, we have a couple of excellent pieces to point out. On the SuperAge podcast a frank and rather pointed discussion around the use of the new type of weight loss drugs, know generally as GLP-1 agonists, which are based on semaglutide and include Ozempic and Mounjaro. These are either wonder drugs saving lives or not so great for long-term health, depending on how they are used and what the circumstances are. The brave guests who agreed to somewhat of an inquisition on my part point out that there is no free lunch, that it is not about just getting a shot but the lifestyle modification that matters most. If you are wondering about these medications, you will want to listen to this show. Gotta say that the recent SuperAge shows have been fantastic; we have had some incredible guests and insights, and you will want to check them out.
Also this week, we have the ever-insightful Sheri Radel Rosenberg’s column goes to the heart of an issue: don’t make age a thing, be it in life or in how you dress. If we make ourselves into a special-needs group we will be treated as such. Yes, aging happens; it is the normal trajectory of life. We have experience and years but if we make it our defining characteristic, not only will we rightfully be judged by it, but we will be short changing ourselves. There is so much more to all of us than a single factor and if we allow ourselves to be typified, we will be; and we may not be happy with the outcome. As Sheri says, “I will wear what I please, and I know who I am.” We know who we are and, if we own it, beyond just how many orbits of the sun we have made, we and everyone around us will be richer for it.
Many of us never expected to be who we are at the age we are. It just was not part of the plan when we were younger and observing our parents or grandparents. For the most part, this is a wonderful surprise; it is, however, not without its confusions and dislocations. How should we look? What should we wear? What is too much and what is not enough? Not to mention: What work should I do? Where should I live? How can I be useful? For these questions, we are best served to pause and ask ourselves what feels right for us. After all, we are discerning adults with highly effective brains. It is perfectly fine to be 60 and feel like 40 and want to dress or behave any age that strikes your fancy. It can be a quandary of choice – we may never have forecast these options, and these decsiions are therefore not burden-free. But the alternative, not being alive, is also not so great; so let’s together face this new reality and muddle through. Smiling is helpful.
Onward and upward,
David
