This is a sponsored partnership between Centrum and LatinaMoms.com
As you grow older, you start to understand the phrase: “the older you get, the wiser you are.” With years of experience, you realize what you want from life, and after years of trial and error, you’re finally at a point where it’s all starting to make sense. But when does old age actually begin?
A matter of perspective
Our timelines have undeniably shifted over time. By 25, our parents were already married with children. Now, it seems that children are being pushed to their mid-30s.
This seems like a more convenient timeline for us in 2022, even if our Latino elders have different opinions. For better or worse, traditional Latinos tend to believe that if you haven’t reached certain goals before an age, it means that you’re done for. For example, if you aren’t married by 30, “te quedarás para vestir santos” (“you’ll be forever single.”) Or my favorite: “Se te fue el tren,” which basically has the same connotation.
Furthermore, many Latinos dread turning 40 because “life will be over soon.” But does turning 40 really mean life is over? Or can we learn to live with this new stage, making it an adventure in itself?
Helping our Latinos understand this new stage of life
By your 40s and 50s, you learn how to look past outdated assumptions and finally focus on yourself. You’re finally at the age of standing up to your elder Latinos’ obsolete beliefs. Yes, you’ve reached a certain age, but that doesn’t mean losing your worth.
And how do we get our traditional Latino family to understand this? Talk to them about the importance of self-love, and help them open their eyes to this different era. Help them understand that you’re not racing against a clock or competing with anyone else.
The bottom line is that your life is your own and nobody else’s – and you’ll see that they’ll understand where you’re coming from, sooner or later.