[Senior Trend] Energetic 80s, Frail 30s

‘Leeds sijeol’ is a newly coined term similar in meaning to ‘prime time’ or ‘golden age.’ It is mainly used to refer to a brilliant past period. The underlying assumption is that the present is not as good as before. It implies that one’s younger years were better in terms of physical conditions such as appearance or stamina. However, recently, more celebrities are saying that the present, after the passage of time beyond their ‘Leeds sijeol,’ is better. Some have achieved astonishing appearances through thorough self-management, while others show the effects of time in skills like acting, singing, or playing instruments. Actress Seo Isuk, in her 50s, who has been acting for over 35 years, says her prime time has not yet come. Although she is still not fully satisfied with her acting, she is doing her best and patiently waiting for the moment that will come someday as her accumulated time pays off. Yang Ja-kyung, who won the first Academy Award for Best Actress as an Asian in her 60s, said age is not a barrier and urged, “Ladies, please never believe that your golden age is over.” Moreover, seniors in their 50s and 60s are increasingly forgetting their age and seeking various educational programs to become actors, models, dancers, and singers, with practice rooms bustling with activity.

In fact, as people age, it is easy to think that opportunities become scarce or that life is on a downward slope. Social views on the elderly tend to be more negative than positive. This is because the aging period in life’s journey is seen as a time of decline, and older people are considered more as those who need support or care rather than as figures younger generations can rely on. Some of this may be true, and some may not. The world has changed. Lifespans have lengthened, and it has become common to group ages 18 to 65 as youth. Technology has advanced, aiding health and work. Mindsets have diversified; some people retire early like the FIRE movement, while others aim to be active throughout their lives. There are vigorous people in their 80s and frail ones in their 30s.

Last week, at a gathering mainly composed of seniors in their 50s and 60s, where I serve as secretary and the youngest member, a discussion began about why communication between seniors and the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) is difficult. Everyone agreed that because Korea experienced ultra-fast growth, there are significant differences in lifestyles and perceptions across generations. However, there was disagreement on whether the 20s and 30s generation and the 50s and 60s generation could work together, exchange generational strengths, and create synergy. Still, the conversation flowed toward how beneficial it would be if the valuable experience and knowledge of seniors could be passed down across generations. The story of philosopher Kim Hyung-seok, who is 103 years old, came up. According to his book “Having Lived a Hundred Years” and other lectures, his prime time began after age 65, and he was happiest around 75 to 76. Personally, I think his prime time continues even now. He remains actively engaged and looks radiant.

Also, a senior in her 60s I met over the weekend recently shared news of her reemployment. It is an industry where rewards are clearly based on performance rather than seniority. Competition is fierce. A young person in the office once said, “With more older people around, the office feels like a senior center,” trying to discourage her. Nevertheless, she said she pays no mind. After closing a difficult business she had worked hard on, she felt withered but now has a new goal. Her passion is overflowing, and she feels her prime time is about to come. She looked full of vitality, making me curious about when our prime time really is.

When is our prime time? The dictionary definition of ‘prime time’ is “a period when one’s situation or influence is at its peak.” The conditions for prime time would surely include economic stability and health. It could also encompass receiving social support from family, friends, colleagues, and the community, fully utilizing one’s abilities and potential, and having time and freedom. Of course, this varies by individual circumstances, and whether one can enjoy that time is also important. So, living in an era where humans are expected to live beyond 100 years, could the age around 50, known as Jicheonmyeong (知天命)?the age of understanding one’s destiny?be that period? Not simply the peak of social status, but a time when one and society coexist harmoniously.

Recently, I asked the popular AI ChatGPT, “At what age does a human blossom?” It responded instantly: “The age at which a human blossoms can vary individually. Generally, youth and middle age are known as the times when people blossom the most. Youth is a period rich in new experiences, allowing one to demonstrate and grow their capabilities. Middle age is a mature period, where one can maintain a more stable life based on accumulated experience and knowledge. However, this is not a rule that applies to everyone. Humans can learn and grow at any time, so the age at which they blossom can also vary.” It was astonishing. This is exactly what I wanted to say.

Lee Boram, CEO of Third Age