Young people do not necessarily enjoy life more than older people. In fact, on the contrary, old people like to have fun with life just as much as younger ones. However, the ways they appreciate life may be different. While many young people like to live a fast-paced, urban, and flashy life, the older counterparts seem to prefer to lead a quiet, relaxed, and stable life.
A common defintion of life among the young is simply party. If one enjoys life, it translates into having fun, or partying. This kind of jargon comes from the understanding that a wonderful life is only something that has to be dazzling, which attracts a good deal of attention and the crowd. Hollywood often portrays young actors and actresses usually as careless and materialistic celebrities who have money, fame, and youth. For example, Paris Hilton is the center of media attention mostly catering to the younger crowd. But as intelligence becomes wisdom, the meaning of life seems to evolve as well.
Old people grow to look for stability in life. The primary reason for this I conjecture is responsibility. Responsibility for children and the society keeps them restrained. Even rich folks tend to stay away from extremely showy lifestyle and endeavor to maintain a low profile, on occasions even seeking a reclusive life. Instead of a rapid city life, a relaxed environment with more depth is often their choice. Although money and fame are essential, they look for other values of life that will not fade away easily. The entertainment industry also resonates this trend and features more responsible and wise old people. Nevertheless, old people may have grandchildren, but they certainly do not enjoy life any less.
Perhaps over time, their approach to life has changed, not the people themselves. People are just people, the same people who knew how to enjoy what life has to offer. How to make life meaningful is not up to age but to the individuals who are responsible. |