I'm going to make aging cool.

"I'm going to make aging cool." These bold words spoken by Peaches, a Canadian musician and performance artist, carry a message of rebellion, empowerment, and acceptance. In a world that often values youth, beauty, and appearance, Peaches stands firmly against the grain, proclaiming that aging, a process that is often stigmatized or feared, should be celebrated and embraced. Her statement is not just about making aging fashionable, but about shifting the cultural narrative around growing older. It is a call to reject the fear of aging and instead, find strength and beauty in the natural process of growing older.

This sentiment is not new. Throughout history, many cultures have wrestled with the idea of aging, often with reverence and wisdom. In ancient Greece, the concept of growing old with grace was revered. The elderly were seen as the bearers of wisdom, their lives rich with experience and understanding. The great philosopher Socrates, though often depicted as a figure of youthful energy in his thoughts, was celebrated not for his physical appearance but for his wisdom, a wisdom that only came with the passage of time. To Socrates, aging was not a curse, but a privilege—a process that allowed one to reflect, learn, and grow. In this way, Peaches’ message aligns with the ancient idea that aging can be a process of empowerment rather than something to fear.

In ancient Rome, Cicero shared similar views, encouraging the people to see old age as a time to continue contributing to society. He wrote that old age should not be seen as a time of decline but as a time when one could use their experience to benefit the greater good. The Romans recognized that as one grew older, one accumulated knowledge and the ability to guide others. Aging was viewed not just as a physical process but as a moral and intellectual journey. Peaches’ challenge to make aging cool can be seen as a modern reflection of this ancient wisdom, reminding us that there is dignity and power in embracing the fullness of life, including the inevitability of growing older.

Consider the example of Mahatma Gandhi, who, though aging and physically frail, continued to serve his people with great wisdom and vision. Gandhi’s later years were not marked by a decline of his influence but by a deepening of his spiritual and moral authority. As he aged, his role as a leader only grew, and his message of nonviolence, truth, and self-discipline resonated with more people than ever before. His life illustrates that aging does not diminish one’s ability to impact the world; rather, it can amplify one’s ability to lead through experience and insight.

This idea of finding strength in aging is not confined to historical figures but is a message for everyone. Peaches' declaration is a rebellion against the modern obsession with youth and perfection. In a society that often prioritizes physical appearance over substance, her statement offers a liberating perspective: aging can be cool because it is a sign of growth, strength, and the wisdom that only time can provide. Just as Mahatma Gandhi continued to shape history in his later years, so too can we find ways to empower ourselves as we age, to create, inspire, and guide others.

The lesson we can draw from Peaches’ words is clear and deeply empowering: aging is not something to fear or hide from, but something to celebrate and embrace. It is a part of life’s natural progression, and in it lies the opportunity to expand and evolve. Rather than lament the passing of time, we should learn to see each stage of life as an opportunity for growth and transformation. Just as Socrates, Cicero, and Gandhi found wisdom and purpose in their later years, so too can we. Each year we live gives us more tools to shape our future, not less.

In our own lives, we should strive to reject the societal pressures that define beauty and worth by youth alone. Let us embrace the natural aging process with pride and confidence, knowing that with each passing year, we gain more wisdom, resilience, and capacity to give back to the world. Just as Peaches declares that aging can be cool, let us reframe the way we think about our own journeys. Let us cherish the strength that comes with age, and continue to live fully, knowing that the best years may still lie ahead, shaped by the experiences and lessons that only time can offer.