[Grandpa's Grumbling] What does it mean to look old!?

(Grandchild) Grandpa, sit here for a second.

(Grandpa) What's wrong?

*Peering down at the top of Grandpa's head...*

(Grandchild) Your hair is definitely getting thinner.

(Grandpa) Ah, don't say things like that. That's quite a shock, you know.

According to the White Paper on an Aging Society, elderly people in this day and age are considered to be 75 or older.

As a result of examining the chronological changes in various data regarding the physical and mental aging phenomena of the elderly in recent years, it has been proposed that 75 and older be the new definition of elderly. This is because the majority of people, especially those aged 65 to 74, maintain physical and mental health and are capable of active social participation, and because there is a growing negative opinion in various surveys about the conventional definition of 65 and older as elderly.
Furthermore, the Outline of Measures for an Aging Society also states that 'the general tendency to uniformly view those 65 and older as "elderly" is becoming less realistic in light of the current situation.'

It's as if they are saying that until you are 75, you are not elderly and 'we need you to work as a laborer.'

You're just a snot-nosed kid when you're just past sixty.

Now, what kind of state is it to 'look old'?

Do people suddenly look old when they stop working—or rather, when they stop being in a state where they are relied upon by someone as a member of society—and their connection to society becomes thin?

It's not just that; appearance is also important. Does having your hair turn white, getting more wrinkles, or having your own appearance become 'aged' act as a trigger to make your feelings feel old too?

Seven years ago, Grandpa had surgery, and my body, which had been plump until then,became completely thin, and when the wrinkles around my neck became noticeable, I suddenly felt like I had aged.

More than just being post-surgery, I feel like the change in my appearance somehow made my mood feel old.

The diagnosis was also 'pancreatic head cancer'... a typical disease with a poor prognosis and an 8% five-year survival rate; that makes you feel old, doesn't it?

However, after such major surgery, the company transferred me and promoted me from 'Department Manager to General Manager.' There is no one who wouldn't feel inspired by that.

I couldn't afford to look old.

They gave me the energy to live. I think the fact that I was being relied upon by others is also why I was able to remain in that 8% survival rate.

I am truly grateful to the company.

Now that Grandpa has reached his 60th birthday and has been relieved of his management position, I think I've aged a bit within the company.

The intensity has faded from Grandpa, and now I watch the ambitious department managers with a squint. It's fun to support those ambitious people now.

It's still too early to get old, isn't it?

(Grandpa) Hey, what kind of image do you have of an 'old man'?

(Grandchild) Well, my image of an old man is definitely having white hair.

(Grandpa) That's true. I wonder if I should dye my hair black again.

(Grandchild) But you know, even if someone has black hair, if they are frail, they are an old man. I prefer someone who is sharp even if their hair is white.

(Grandpa) You're right. I have to make sure I stay sharp and don't get old.

(Grandchild) Grandpa, rather than being sharp, you have more of a 'chubby' image.

(Grandpa) You hit a sore spot there~😅 But the image of being chubby is youthful, so, I guess that's fine😊 <Grandpa was being positive to the end!>

Thank you for reading until the end.

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