The idea that realistically acknowledging that at a certain age certain pursuits are no longer realistic is defeatist or a personal failing is toxic. I absolutely applaud anybody who decides they are actually going to take a new hobby at an advanced age. That’s fantastic and I wish them the best of luck. But the idea that NOT doing so and acknowledging that being older DOES impact your ability to do new things puts needless shame onto people for being realistic about age and ability. It’s ABSOLUTELY okay, and I’d even say brave, to accept the limitations of one’s abilities due to age, and yes, it is toxic to turn around and say, indirectly, “Gee, I guess you’re just a weak-minded quitter.”
Calling someone a quitter, defeatist, etc., is not positivity, and I don’t think positive encouragement (in most cases) counts as indirectly saying they’re a quitter if they don’t do the thing.
I agree, but the implication of the comic is that the man is somehow being contradictory or incorrect in thinking it is too late to start learning. Perhaps not, but there is nothing shameful or inconsistent about his assertion that it’s too late now. There ARE legitimate and concerning differences between starting at his age and starting in youth.
The idea that realistically acknowledging that at a certain age certain pursuits are no longer realistic is defeatist or a personal failing is toxic. I absolutely applaud anybody who decides they are actually going to take a new hobby at an advanced age. That’s fantastic and I wish them the best of luck. But the idea that NOT doing so and acknowledging that being older DOES impact your ability to do new things puts needless shame onto people for being realistic about age and ability. It’s ABSOLUTELY okay, and I’d even say brave, to accept the limitations of one’s abilities due to age, and yes, it is toxic to turn around and say, indirectly, “Gee, I guess you’re just a weak-minded quitter.”
Calling someone a quitter, defeatist, etc., is not positivity, and I don’t think positive encouragement (in most cases) counts as indirectly saying they’re a quitter if they don’t do the thing.
I agree, but the implication of the comic is that the man is somehow being contradictory or incorrect in thinking it is too late to start learning. Perhaps not, but there is nothing shameful or inconsistent about his assertion that it’s too late now. There ARE legitimate and concerning differences between starting at his age and starting in youth.