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Why do individuals get outdated? – Emily, 8 years outdated, Victoria
That’s an amazing query, Emily!
Who do you suppose is outdated? Is it anybody older than you, like an annoying older brother or sister? Is it your mum? Your grandpa? Anyone with wrinkly pores and skin?
Or is it somebody who may need had a lot of birthdays and nonetheless has a lot of enjoyable?
Maybe an older one that likes utilizing TikTok. Maybe they like dancing or using a motorbike? Or perhaps they chuckle on the identical jokes you do.
You see, being outdated means various things to completely different individuals. If somebody has had a number of birthdays, they could not really really feel outdated.
The authorities may name them outdated and anticipate them to cease working. Even then, they don’t really feel outdated.
In reality, some individuals who have had a number of birthdays, study new issues, by no means cease working, and have years of nice adventures.
Of course, some older individuals, identical to some youthful individuals, can really feel lonely. Or maybe they’ve a number of well being issues. Maybe they’ve sore knees and may’t stroll as far and as quick as they used to.
But largely, they’ll do issues they need and dwell lengthy, wholesome and comfortable lives.
So, we’ve coated rather a lot. The phrase “outdated” means various things to completely different individuals. Not everybody feels or acts “outdated”. But some do.
Read extra:
Curious Kids: why do older adults get shorter?
Great, however why do individuals get outdated?
I’ll provide you with two solutions.
I might say getting outdated is all about your physique. When individuals become old, their physique’s cells may not work in the identical means. This might clarify why some older individuals get ailments like most cancers. Or I might say a few of their physique components put on out just a little, and will not work as nicely. That’s why some older individuals don’t hear so nicely.
Older individuals will help us study new expertise.
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But there’s one other reply I’d such as you to consider.
We know most older persons are busy doing issues and infrequently assist out with their households. Your grandparents may even decide you up from faculty or educate you to make yummy desserts.
So perhaps the explanation why individuals get outdated, in any case these birthdays, is to share all of the wonderful issues they’ve realized alongside the best way.
Maybe the actual motive why individuals get outdated is to be there to assist younger individuals as they develop outdated.
Hello, curious children! Do you might have a query you’d like an knowledgeable to reply? Ask an grownup to ship your query to curiouskids@theconversation.edu.au
Laurie Buys receives funding from Australian Research Council and trade companions.
