Ageing Turns Everyone Into an Ordinary Person

You may have been the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar company, or a renowned medical practitioner whose time was so valuable that booking an appointment with you was akin to securing a meeting with royalty. Perhaps you held the office of a head of state or a famous global diplomat, surrounded by respect and attention. In the prime of your life, you were someone others looked up to, someone who commanded presence and influence. But as time passes, age slowly begins to transform us, and soon enough, we all become ordinary people—mere mortals in the eyes of the world.

In our golden years, the grandiosity of titles, accolades, and achievements fades into the background. What once felt important now seems insignificant. You could have been a double doctorate holder, a super-speaker, or a visionary leader, but in the twilight of life, you encounter the great equalizer: aging. When that inevitable moment arrives, the world treats us all with a similar indifference, regardless of our past. In the end, even the most educated, the most decorated, and the most powerful among us find ourselves on a more even playing field with the most illiterate, the most humble, or the most forgotten.

As the years slip by, you begin to notice the changes: your subordinates, who once rushed to carry out your orders, have long since moved on. Your workplace, where you were once a fixture, is now a distant memory. No more do people rush to meet you, nor are there a constant stream of appointments filling your calendar. You may have once had a team of assistants managing your life, but now, as the calendar turns to the final chapter, it is you who must learn to manage the solitude.

This is not an uncommon situation, and for many, it is not one to be feared. The inevitable decline in social relevance and physical vitality happens to everyone—it’s simply part of the journey we all must take. It is a passage that no one is exempt from, regardless of their past accomplishments. And while that might sound daunting or even unsettling, it can also be liberating.

The key to navigating this transition lies in how we approach the inevitable loss of power and prestige. It’s about accepting the new reality without fear. Acknowledging that, in the end, we are all ordinary people. We have to learn how to live with less, how to navigate the world with less attention and fewer expectations. In this stage of life, we might no longer command the respect we once did, but we can still command peace, joy, and the ability to embrace our place in the world.

However, as we age, we also learn that the absence of social obligations and expectations can be disorienting. Once, you might have had a packed calendar of meetings and social events, but now, as your phone remains quiet and your schedule clears, there may be moments of deep loneliness. The truth is that, no matter how many people surround us during our active years, few of them will be around when we enter the later stages of life. Those who were once your colleagues or clients may move on, busy with their own lives, while your contemporaries, the ones who once shared your vision, will start to fall behind.

It’s important to remember that this stage of life does not define our worth. This is a time to reclaim your sense of self—not as a professional title, but as a person who has lived through many phases of life and emerged stronger. This is the time to reflect, to contemplate your legacy not through the lens of what you achieved, but through how you lived your life, treated others, and contributed to the world.

One of the hardest lessons in aging is learning how to live alone. We have to face the reality that our closest family members may not be there forever. Our spouse, who was once our closest companion, will eventually be called away before us. While it may seem unsettling to think about, it is essential to come to terms with the fact that the time we spend together is limited. This understanding helps to prepare us emotionally for the inevitable loss, allowing us to make the most of every moment we have.

In the golden years, it becomes increasingly crucial to maintain meaningful relationships, whether they be with family members, friends, or even paid caretakers. The people who stay by your side during this phase are those who can either bring you comfort and companionship, or, sadly, take advantage of your vulnerability. This is why it’s vital to approach these relationships with caution and mindfulness. Your health, happiness, and peace of mind depend on it. Having a trusted circle of people, those who understand your needs and respect your dignity, can make a world of difference in how we experience the later years of our lives.

But it’s not just about caution—it’s about adaptability. With age comes the opportunity to reinvent yourself in ways you may never have considered before. You can cultivate new hobbies, learn new skills, and even form new relationships. The ordinary life we lead in our sunset years doesn’t have to be one of despair or passivity. In fact, these years can be among the most fulfilling if we allow ourselves to embrace the stillness and rediscover what brings us joy and meaning.

As we step into these golden years, let’s remind ourselves that it is not the external accolades or titles that define us, but the quiet moments of inner peace, the loving connections we nurture, and the wisdom we can offer to the world. In the end, the most important thing we can do is live with grace, to adapt, and to fully embrace the ordinary beauty of life as it is.