Is 30 really the same these days? (houses, to buy, scene, kids)

[vasinger]

Even when I was a kid, I never considered 30 old. Just mature.

But now, I think 30 year olds are much different than they were say, as little as 20 years ago.

A lot of 30 year olds today are younger in appearence. I mean younger as in they could pass for teenagers.

I'm 28, and most people think I am 17 or 18 or there is little major difference between a lot of people now who are teenagers physically and their social attitudes.

Most 30 year olds today do not own their own houses, but are just starting their careers. They aren't getting married right away, and they are taking less conventional paths in life.

As people are living longer, why is it a stretch to say that our ages are no longer really what they seem or what they used to seem?

Why is a stretch to say 30 is the new 21?

I don't think it really is.

I'm not talking about slackers either. I'm just talking about more young, hip attitudes from people who are 30 realizing they don't have to act like they are middle aged.

[SpeedyAZ]

I'm 26 and I agree with you. I even know a couple of people who are in their 40's who still act as if they are in their 20's. It's not how old you are, it's how old you feel.

[christina0001]

I also agree. 30 is nothing. I got married at 26 and if anything, I feel I was a bit young to get married. The 20s are for having fun, and figuring out what you want to do when you "grow up." lol

[Rance]

I'm mid 40's and I still feel like I'm 21. I'm way active, take a handfull of multi vitamins daily, and just have this kick butt attitude toward life. I ain't waitin around to grow old. I'm livin man. I can lay around when I'm dead at age 100. Yeah thats right...I'm shooting for 100 yoa.

[foma]

I'm 28 and will be 29 in a couple of weeks and I am DREADING turning 30. You are lucky to be mistaken for 18! No one cards me anymore so when I do get carded, it's like a little party going on in my head!

I am definitely not with you two on the 30 being the new 21. My Dad was diagnosed with cancer when I was 23 so the past few years was definitely a struggle for me. You grow up and age pretty fast, I think, when you experience something that dramatic at a young age. It has been 2 years since my Dad's passing and I still find it difficult to cope.

I think it's great though that you guys feel so young! Slowly but surly I am getting there, too, with a very supportive husband. I got married at 25 so I guess that kinda makes you grow up a little, too!

[AksarbeN]

30 is only halfway of getting there, and once you’re there you’ll only have 20 more to go if you’re lucky. All in all it’s only a number and it’s more important what you’re doing at that age, then being that age!!!!

[cottonwood2420]

I think that 30 is much different now then it was 50 years ago.

[Pikantari]

In my personal experience, I have a different thought. Now, when a I was little, 30 was older than the hills... LOL

Now that I am 33, with the things I have done, the experience all that good stuff I have behind me... I feel much older.

I had my kids at 20 and 22, never did that whole party scene, and from the time I was 20 until about28 or so, I was caregiver to one of three people, Dad, Gma, or Mom. All who have since passed away. Cancer.

I feel older. I dont feel younger.

Now, what can we do about this all you YOUNG people? I dont look older though.... I guess feeling a little older is ok, I think I have a little more wisdom than some people my age who have not gone through all this stuff....

What do you think?

[doll lady]

Robyn...great analysis.

From a much older than you guys person....when I was in my 20's I thought a 60 year old person was someone who had far outlived their prime and had one foot in the grave just waiting to croak. I would look at my unwrinkled skin and then look at my older sister's hand and just cringe at her wrinkles.

When I was in my 30's, from my prospective only mind you, twenty some year old people were babies and acted like it because they were still partying till dawn and sleeping when they came into work and I had to do all of the work. Sixty year olds were looking a bit younger in my estimation.

When I hit 40 then I started thinking.....wow those 20 year olds are really looking like teenagers. But those 60 year olds are looking like 40 year olds.

When I hit 50 I started thinking, those 80 year olds are beginning to look pretty young and those 20 year olds are really looking like they shouldn't even be driving a car! No wonder they id/card everyone under age 27 who want to buy tobacco products.

Now I think my skin looks like a maze in a corn field but other younger than me people are always telling me WOW you can't be that old! So the younger crowd is thinking I look younger just as I think they are. So I guess I don't look my age. But I am a mature, older, wise person because I have lived many years and have seen many things in life and have worked hard for what I have....many possessions, but I sure can't take them with me when I go to my final home out at the local cemetary.

But just because I am older and wise does not mean that the younger group has not learned tactics to be wise and mature. One of my kids has reached a top executive position at age 32, something that took me a bit longer to accomplish.

So be proud of your age whatever it is. Live for the moment, because you may not age at all ... we don't know if we will be here tomorrow. C'est la vie!

[Synopsis]

That's because YOU are now at that age (or close to it) and realize it isn't that old at all!