As I approach 50 I find life to be less fulfilling and more annoying. It was already both. Contributing specifically to the later, is the mountain of online what-passes-for-literature trying to convince people that aging is not as bad as all the people who are doing it say it is. What's wrong with just laying out the bleak truth? The majority of folks have made bad choices, have had bad things destroy the outcome of their passable to good choices, and are facing a future filled with legitimate regret, financial insecurity, and isolation. The body if not already trash is heading that way. Looks, if you had them, are fading or out of style. You feel invisible because people are actively avoiding trying to see your old ass and unless you have massive achievements no one is seeking your advice or input. Changing careers is only a possibility if you are loaded, well connected, hot or have a special set of skills worthy of the rapidly evolving market. You are bored silly and/or stiff by the people in your life who frankly have been treading the same tired path since you have known them except now they are doing it slower while complaining about health issues. Many are feeling irrelevant because they are irrelevant (anyone who says you are not just wants you to work for free aka volunteer, you're still good for free labor) and while there is a small subset of young researchers finding a niche in aging studies no one else really cares; there are too many surplus folks around as it is and you had your chance.
The good news, if it can be called that, is changing attitudes towards euthanasia and the hot footedness of big and small pharma (your friendly local street dealers) tin coming up with drugs to help people ignore the grim reality of aging before they start demanding societal change. I can't believe how mainstream party drugs have become. People are really wondering if mushrooms will stop people from hating existence. Same for Molly. Ditto with Ketamine. A k-hole is apparently a worthwhile destination for the aged. This is what we get for increasing life expectancy. Personally I am salty. Having had to deal with classism, racism, and sexism I am now staring down the barrel of ageism but frankly I am not a fan of people my age either so... Good luck.
