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by jimhefferon 3071 days ago
> I don't think most people in their 50s would describe themselves as being "in their prime".

I are not going to be part of a professional sports franchise. But at my age (59) I know more than I ever did, and I have no serious physical problems.
1 comments
losteric 3071 days ago
"no serious physical problems" is far from "in your prime"... and you might know more things, but your ability to learn has significantly declined. That's just the nature of aging.
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mkempe 3071 days ago
The measure of flourishing is not how fast one can dig holes, nor is it how quickly one can study new APIs.

Knowing useful and effective ways to act, and acting accordingly; understanding and undertaking long-term, purposeful courses of action; and fully integrating new knowledge with vast, existing knowledge -- are key to flourishing. This doesn't end at or decline with the start of middle age.

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losteric 3071 days ago
Being in your prime refers to mental and physical fitness, not happiness. It's easily measured by digging holes or studying books.

The context of this thread is fitness - 50 year olds are definitely less fit than their younger selves. It's part of the human condition.

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mkempe 3071 days ago
If you think humans flourish only in terms of physical prowess or memory retrieval, you have very poor standards. To call someone who is middle-aged "elderly" does fit with your criteria, and with reports of ageism in tech companies.

I hope you're not involved in any way in hiring decisions, or in other activities that involve evaluating people's abilities, performance, achievements, or potential.

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losteric 3071 days ago
> If you think humans flourish only in terms of physical prowess or memory retrieval, you have very poor standards.

Nope, I just think you have poor reading comprehension - you are replying to a comment that said exactly the same thing. Flourishing (vibrant, active, enjoying life) != being in one's prime (peak performance).

Nothing wrong with that. My parents are 60+ and flourishing past their prime - their decades of experience are invaluable.

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shitgoose 3071 days ago
"your ability to learn has significantly declined"

no, it hasn't.

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