Many Happy Returns

Today, the 18th of December 2012 is a major milestone in the life of one Shaun William Baker. Yes it’s my Birthday but not any old Birthday. Today I turn 50.

Friends, family and acquaintances have taken great pleasure in pointing out I’m officially old, middle aged and generally ready for admission into some kind of institution for those who are unfortunate enough to require assistance in their dotage. Now if 50 is middle aged I’ll be a happy bunny especially as a report out this week claims that I’m likely, all being well to reach the grand old age of 85, this being the new UK average for a male. Now I’m quite hopeful of achieving a longer innings than that. My family are all long lived, well beyond the UK averages and generally have a younger approach to life than their years. Indeed, I always remember my lovely old Granny Baker who was well into her 80’s at the time telling me she felt like an 18 year old girl trapped in an old ladies body. And I get that. Not that I feel like an 18 year old girl but I don’t feel 50, whatever that should be. It is after all only a number.

Physically and mentally I feel good, strong and little different to how I’ve felt for many many years. Ok I know that I’m not likely to get a call to help out with the local football club unless its to wash the kit or mow the pitch and my chances of becoming the next Prime Minister are diminishing with each passing year but I still have much to do and learn and hopefully pass on. There’s a subtle shift in the life dynamic when you reach 50. What do I mean by that? Well it’s not a deliberate or conscious change in people’s attitude but there’s a definite step.

For a while there’s been gradual shift where I’ve started to notice that people in authority are no longer older than me and worse than that you hear people talking about ‘in the old days’… about a time that holds fond memories for me and in my 50 year old head seem like only yesterday. I find myself telling my daughters, ‘ the original song was far better than this version’ and trying to understand why they feel the need to remake movies that I remember and thought could never be bettered.

But the one single change that may seem quite insignificant to you mere youngsters out there that really makes a huge difference to someone trying to convince themselves and those around them it’s all good, it’s just a number, is the age tick box on an official form. I’ve moved on to a new box. The 50 to 60 or 50 to 65 box. No longer in that little rectangle that borders the 30 box but a whole box apart. It will be a constant reminder no matter how youthful my outlook, or strong I feel, that time is moving on.

But the half century point is a good time at which to reflect on where you are as a person. Its a point where you can take stock of your life so far, have no regrets and enjoy it for what it is. There is a realisation that I’ve probably lived longer than I have left to live and I’m comfortable with that as long as there is more to come, and I’ve reached a point in my life where I have we’ll formed beliefs, ideals and a confidence in my abilities. As Shaun Baker the 50 year old I am an individual who knows what I like and what makes me the man I am. I’ve a level of knowledge and wisdom that I can pass on to others and enjoy in doing so.

I’m not alone in reaching the big 5-0, as everyone likes to emphasise the point. I’m in pretty good company. Also born in 1962 are the likes of actors Tom Cruise, Wesley Snipes, Jodie Foster and Ralph Fiennes and musicians, Jon Bon Jovi, Axl Rose, Sheryl Crow and Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Most of who seem to me to be coping well with the age.

What is important to me however has changed. It’s not the material things, the my house is bigger than your house factor. Its experiences. It’s experiencing something new and enjoying the moment. Now more than ever its the simple things the smallest throw away comment that are important to me. Like hearing my daughters telling me they miss me and love me… That’s what makes this 50 year old very happy.