Sir, – I would like to offer Conor Pope some advice in his search for meaning from a man who is, just, on the far side of that epic pinnacle of 50 years ("'I'm not 50. Yet. But I'm having an existential crisis'", Life, August 1st).
My own existential crisis on turning 50 came from two sources: when An Post started marketing funeral insurance for the over 50s, and having to tick the “50-64” age bracket box on an Irish Rail survey.
My advice for your readers?
Get used to the fact that all conversations with everyone in the medical field will start with “For a man your age ...”.
Continue to exercise, but don’t complain about dodgy joints (especially knees).
Do not start a conversation with, "When I was young, we didn't have the internet/smartphones/Love Island" (delete as appropriate).
Suck in your belly. Your six-pack will look like it has been poured into a plastic bag, but suck it in.
Get ready for your barber to ask if you want your eyebrows trimmed.
Remember there was some awful music in the 1980s too.
Remember that your children don’t see age. Their default position is you are a dinosaur, no matter what age you are.
But always remember, there is still life in us “auld dogs” yet. – Yours, etc,
DAVID O’FLYNN,
Malahide,
Co Dublin.