why the fuzz at 40-something?

getting in touch with old acquaintances after a long period of time generates a lot of curiosity in one. i find it most interesting after the usual banter of "hello" and "how are you", the conversation would somehow touch upon the most casual and sometimes sensitive subject: age!

i've heard friends and acquaintances dreading the day they'd turn 40 or something more. i've listened to how they felt so resigned to the idea that they are 40 (or plus) and that they are now too old and already looking forward to retirement! this is something i do not understand (or will ever understand) - why the fuzz? why the fear of reaching such an age?

i have stopped thinking about my age after my 30th birthday. i stopped counting, so to speak. and to this day, i've never really thought of what is it like being 40! i may be 40 + now, but i don't feel like i'm one. proof is that i don't even look my age - this i have been told a number of times ... maybe because i have embraced the saying that says "life begins at 40!" - that one should not think too much of one's age since it's not a healthy thought. i'm living life and enjoying it very much. i've thrown all my cares away. i feel secure with my love ones and it must be evident. life's been good to me. being in my 40's doesn't bother me one bit. as they say - don't worry, be happy!