As I sit on the deck of this beautiful cruise ship, taking a break from my book and sipping my favorite adult beverage, I glance around at the people enjoying the pool. It’s a scene of leisure and relaxation, yet something about it strikes me differently this time. The majority of the passengers are older—some moving slowly, some with walkers, others with careful, measured steps.

At first, I felt a pang of shock. How does it happen so fast? One minute, we’re young and full of energy, sprinting toward our dreams, and the next, we’re watching our bodies slow down, whether we want them to or not. My initial reaction is sympathy. I think to myself, their best years are behind them. But then, almost immediately, my perspective shifts.

These people are not to be pitied. They are to be admired.

Every single one of these older passengers has won the game of life in some way. They were born, raised, built careers, and raised families. They’ve navigated joys and heartbreaks, triumphs and losses. And now, here they are, in the twilight of their lives, doing everything they can to enjoy the years they have left. They made it!

Success in life isn’t measured by how fast we move or how young we appear. It’s measured by the lives we touch, the memories we create, and the wisdom we gather along the way. These travelers on the deck have earned every wrinkle, every gray hair, every slow step. They are still motivated, still seeking joy, still showing up. And if we’re lucky—if we do things right—that will be us someday, too.

In America, we often celebrate youth. We are a society obsessed with energy, ambition, and the next big thing. The elderly are sometimes treated as an afterthought—set aside, overlooked, underestimated. There’s an old saying: America is for the young, Europe is for the old. And there is truth to that.

In many European cultures, aging is viewed with admiration rather than inconvenience. The elderly are respected, their opinions sought after, their presence valued. In contrast, American culture tends to prioritize speed, innovation, and youthful ambition. It’s a society that sometimes forgets that wisdom comes from experience, and experience comes with age.

This needs to change.

We should not look at an elderly person moving slowly and feel irritation that they’re “in the way.” Instead, we should feel inspired, even envious. To be 94 years old, shuffling along with a walker, still able to take a cruise, still eager to live, is a remarkable achievement. That’s not something to pity—it’s something to strive for.

So, how do we shift our mindset? It starts with respect and action.

1. Acknowledge Their Journey – Every elderly person we meet has lived a full life. They have stories, wisdom, and experiences worth hearing. Instead of brushing past them, we should take the time to listen and learn.
2. Support Their Independence – As people age, they may slow down, but that doesn’t mean they want to be sidelined. Encouraging them to travel, pursue hobbies, and remain engaged in life is one of the greatest gifts we can offer.
3. Ensure Their Security – Financial stability, healthcare, and emotional support are key factors in aging with dignity. Society needs to prioritize policies that help older generations live well.
4. Change How We See Aging – Instead of dreading old age, we should embrace it as the ultimate goal. Getting older isn’t something to fear—it’s proof that we’ve made it.

As I sit here, watching these travelers enjoy their well-earned relaxation, I realize something important: This is the goal. To be old. To have lived fully. To still be here, still laughing, still learning, still moving—even if it’s slower than before.

So, the next time I see someone in their 90s shuffling along, I won’t think, Oh no, how sad. I’ll think, how lucky. I hope I get there, too.