"I See You, Oldhead": Staying Young Without Regret, Embarrassment, or Injury

To stay in shape during my days off from the firehouse, I've decided to work my way back onto the basketball court. While my jumper needs work, I still have my handles, my Tim Duncan fundamentals, and actually, have learned a few new tricks. I felt like vintage D. Rose. Unfortunately, so did my knees the next morning. Asking my fiance for the Icy Hot was just another sign of my graduation to...lord..."Old Head" status.

The true O.G.

Upon the age of 26, we reach a qualifying age for the 4 tier chart of old head status, also known "O.G.". Ironically, the lower tiers appear to be young bucks to the higher members, but they are considered...more "mature" in the grand scheme of life. Like sports, age is a taboo point of discussion; experience is required to achieve the ultimate success, but we often attempt to cast away our elders at the first sign of Father Time. Despite this, growing old is a wonderful thing. If done strategically, we all can be what my good friend Chris Pierce and I call "Fine Wine".

To be successful at your particular stage of age, we must understand the four tiers:

Old Head Tier 1- Post Grad (Ages 26-30): Young, virile, and witty, you're still enjoying college parties and cookout circuit and the youngins (referred to as "homies" or "babies" for females) haven't called you out just yet. In the presence of these really young kids, however, you began to feel the awkwardness unless you have another PG with you. Older folks are asking you what are you doing now, when are you getting married/having (more) children, and other invasive questions. Despite this pandering, you are still looked at as an old head by cousins, nieces, and nephews, and your elders want you to serve as a bridge and mediator for their bad ass kids.

Old Head Tier 2- Family Man (Ages 31-39): Involved in your family and your finances. During this stage, you're trying to correct/mitigate any decisions hurting your pockets. Kids are your world (if you're not a deadbeat), which make it hard to get your party on, forcing you to opt for the weekend trips, double tapping and sliding in DMs of young slimmies, and posting play by play commentary on daily events on Facebook. Also: everything young people do and like makes you shake your head.

Old Head Tier 3- "Fine Wine"/"Zaddy" (Ages 40-55): Your money is right, your kids are a bit older, so they can watch themselves or go to their friends' house, and now...it's on and poppin'. If you're in a relationship, you can coordinate your GTD efforts much more seamlessly. For those who are single, congratulations: you are in a category to live and be free! Activate your sugar mama or sugar daddy role, or if you're not about spending that money, hover around Starbucks or your gym for the "young jawn" of choice.

Old Head Tier 4-"Perv" (Ages 56+): The most hilarious of these stages, "Perv" stage is when you're plotting and checking out women (or men, because ladies are nasty too) half their age. I don't fault anyone for looking, and if you can snag a young tenderoni, then live your life. For the most part, though, this stage is reserved for more fantasy than reality; little more than wild, wild, wild thoughts.

44...

In hopes of being your best at whatever your age is, use these small tidbits given to me:

1.  Dress fly, but appropriate: Tight ain't always right. Accentuate your tight areas and give you loose areas a little breathing room!

2. Take care of your health. Listen...me and the yard bird were like Stockton and Malone. If my goal, however, is to preserve all this handsomeness that the Good Lord gave me, moderation is key. Doctors and dentist appointments, exercise, and a balanced diet will allow me to transition into "Zaddy" seamlessly. 

3.  Love getting old. Compared to the alternative (dying), getting older is great. We often focus on the negatives, but maturity and wisdom are incredible tools that improve everyday living. The life lessons I've gained now enhance my life and interactions tremendously. Imagine making decisions regarding your career, relationships, or family using the mindset you had 5, or crazier, 10 years ago? Embrace the blessing of getting better with time.

4. Share your knowledge. To be blessed with gifts is to also be given the responsibility of sharing. With the world we live, it is imperative to bestow our wisdom with the future. They are the difference makers of tomorrow, and our words can make a good kid great.

With the summer in full gear, now is the time to love life, at whatever age you are. If you do happen to be the old head in the building, spread some knowledge, help these young cats, and use some of that seasoned veteran knowledge to make the moment that much sweeter.

Ceddy P