New Insights on Aging: Embracing the “Flicker Stage”
A fresh perspective on aging is being introduced by authors Stuart Kaplan and Marcus Riley in their book, Your Aging Advantage. They challenge the traditional notion that aging is a steady process that follows a predictable timeline. Instead, they highlight a unique “flicker stage,” where certain aspects of aging can temporarily reverse, leading to periods of renewed youthfulness.
According to Kaplan and Riley, aging is more fluid than what a calendar age might suggest. The “flicker stage” indicates that our functional age can change, allowing individuals to experience varying levels of energy and vitality depending on their lifestyle and mindset.
Riley explains that a healthier approach to aging involves “flickering back” to a more youthful state. He notes that while stressful situations can make us feel older, these feelings don’t have to last. Through positive actions, people can navigate back to a younger phase of life, even when faced with challenges.
The authors encourage readers to identify what they call “flicker triggers.” These are activities or changes, whether physical, psychological, social, or environmental, that help reset one’s sense of age. Engaging in exercise, reconnecting with friends, or finding new interests can act as these triggers.
Kaplan compares our lived age to a weather report. Just like a temperature can feel different depending on humidity, our emotional and physical well-being can mean we feel younger or older than our actual age. He suggests that many people already experience a difference between their chronological age and their “feels-like” age.
Rather than focusing just on where one lives as they age, the authors advocate for “aging on pace.” This means considering what matters most to us, such as whether we want to continue working or pursue other passions.
Kaplan also points out that the common perception of age 65 as a turning point for decline is outdated. He argues that this idea stems from socially imposed notions surrounding retirement that were established nearly a century ago.
By shifting our mindset, Riley and Kaplan believe we can view aging as an opportunity rather than a challenge. They assert that maintaining a positive outlook can help individuals bounce back to a more vibrant stage of life—even after setbacks.
Ultimately, their message is clear: Aging is not just something to endure but an experience to embrace fully.
