Why do people give so much importance to age?

Question

Have you notice how much people give importance to age?
Isn't that just a number (if you consider people mature differently)? So why is that obsession with - at what age you did this, went there at what age or became this at what age? Sometimes I think people even use the age factor as a competition and deadlines...
Wouldn't it be a better world if what really matter would be - you did this, went there and became this just for the fun of it?

Answer 1

There should be more people who look at this issue the way you do. But I believe the "importance" given to age is actually dread of the aging process, fear of dying, fear of not meeting the standards of attractiveness that society imposes (the media being a prime culprit but not the sole one), fear and concern about failing health with age. I think this is closely linked to Western Culture, where the human being thinks he is his body and the spirit is relegated to a secondary or nonexistent position. I believe people in Eastern societies (e.g. India, China, Japan, etc) are less concerned with materialism. Of course, a place like Japan is a highly consumer-oriented society that can be as materialistic and age-phobic (I bet) as we in the USA. But what I mean is there are ancient philosophies originating in the East (but by now available around the world) like Buddhism, Zen, Hindu philosophy etc. that teach how to essentially abolish the ego and concentrate in spirit as much as possible. Not everything in the West is materialism, however. I'd say many spiritual tradtitions teach the risks of assigning too much importance to the material. But unfortunately many religions do that through intimidation against 'sin' rather than modelling how doing what's truly righteous is the wise choice.

Answer 2

There is only one thing gained from age that sets people apart, and that is what they have had time to experience. Some feel that this gives them the authority to certain claims as to at what age this should be accomplished. Or by this age you should have........ Then there are others, who care for you, and want to give to you their experience so that you would have situations turn out ok yourself. They remember that when they were at your age, they didn't see the signs and delayed things for them and don't want that for you. There is a definite norm that each culture tries to adhere to, for what ever reasons, and some of those, hold "rites of passage" into more responsibility and obligation. Even still, I know that today's world, the one in which my kids are growing up in, is far different from the one I grew up in, but that there are ways of behaving that might turn out to be permanent if not checked in time, and that gives rise to a whole other problem. You need to be willing to assess your way of life and make sure that you are doing what you need to be doing now so that you will be able to do what you need to do later.

Answer 3

It's a way of comparison of the norm a way of basically categorizing. A baby talk at this age walks... It is usually close to those norms so it sets the pace for exception or retardation. But all factors are never considered. But most people are not broad minded to take in all the facts so age sex race and the basics make is more comprehensible for some. Personally I like to look at the person as a whole a look at their backgrounds ... before making a judgment many Grey areas in life. :-)

Answer 4

I have friends of all ages and I value them for different reasons. I'm 41. My 90 year old friend lived through the great depression. The stories she tells are priceless and she has knowledge and wisdom that people my age just don't have. My 9 year old friend has the innocence and energy and unbounded hope that I find inspiring. And again, people my own age generally don't have these traits. It is important to have friends of all ages, and remember that at different ages and different levels of maturity (both physical, mental, and emotional) everyone is coming from a different place. So I enjoy them all, but knowing your age helps me to know how to relate to you. Does this help?

Answer 5

Right now, youth is king. At one time, however, in older societies, where survival of the group depended on knowledge and experience gained through long life, age and wisdom where prized and respected.

Answer 6

Age is very important.

Answer 7

i am 50 tomorrow and I give great importance to it
I didn't die of a drug overdose or car accident. I am still here and in darn good shape

Answer 8

I didn't see your age on your 360.

Answer 9

the media is a big influence- the message is to look young so you are attractive- also it'sdifficult to get hired in some fields when one gets older- It's not fair.

Answer 10

i really dont know, take it ur kinda young?