Assumedly the character in the comic is not on death’s doorstep, and they’re also not drawn as being particularly old. The character theoretically has decades ahead of them. If they’re lamenting the lack of decades of experience, they still have decades in which to gather said experience.
A lot has been said about the lack of free time that comes with age, but that only exists to a point. Additional responsibilities created by having children fade as they age and eventually move out of home. After middle age people often move into the twilight of their careers where they’re less focussed on work progression and are able to use their free time better as opposed to working towards the next promotion. Eventually, we usually retire and have almost as much free time as when we were children.
I get that taking on a brand new hobby in your 40s seems daunting, but it’ll only get easier and easier from that age onwards.
I’m not saying that it’s impossible or even a bad idea for someone to take on a new hobby late in life. I absolutely applaud anybody who does so. What I’m objecting to is the implication that there’s something inconsistent or shameful about this guy’s claim that he’s too old. There isn’t. There’s a world of difference between starting young and starting older, and there’s no shame or failing in his view - certainly not enough to be the punchline of a comic.
Is it brave and empowering to start a new hobby in advanced age? Absolutely. Is it also brave to acknowledge the limitations of one’s advanced age and accept the time for some things have passed? Yes.
Assumedly the character in the comic is not on death’s doorstep, and they’re also not drawn as being particularly old. The character theoretically has decades ahead of them. If they’re lamenting the lack of decades of experience, they still have decades in which to gather said experience.
A lot has been said about the lack of free time that comes with age, but that only exists to a point. Additional responsibilities created by having children fade as they age and eventually move out of home. After middle age people often move into the twilight of their careers where they’re less focussed on work progression and are able to use their free time better as opposed to working towards the next promotion. Eventually, we usually retire and have almost as much free time as when we were children.
I get that taking on a brand new hobby in your 40s seems daunting, but it’ll only get easier and easier from that age onwards.
I’m not saying that it’s impossible or even a bad idea for someone to take on a new hobby late in life. I absolutely applaud anybody who does so. What I’m objecting to is the implication that there’s something inconsistent or shameful about this guy’s claim that he’s too old. There isn’t. There’s a world of difference between starting young and starting older, and there’s no shame or failing in his view - certainly not enough to be the punchline of a comic.
Is it brave and empowering to start a new hobby in advanced age? Absolutely. Is it also brave to acknowledge the limitations of one’s advanced age and accept the time for some things have passed? Yes.