Sunny Side Up: It feels better to be older

The columnist heartily agrees with his mum: It feels better to be older since it means no more awkward flailing on sticky dance floors just to meet someone! — 123rf

In mid-March 2026 I turned 43 and as birthday greetings came in from family and friends, all the predictable jokes about getting on in life were made. During my primary school days, I remember thinking anybody over the age of 21 was ancient which, thinking on it now, seems like a harsh assessment!

But the idea of getting on in life has rarely troubled me, thanks to my grandfather’s response to my question on ageing once, “Well, growing older is better than the alternative!” But there’s no denying – for me, at least – that the time we have and the time we’ve spent comes into sharper view as it rolls on.