AGE---Chronological,Biological or Psychological??

The Relativity of Time and Age

The quote by Yoko Ono—"Some people are old at 18 and some are young at 90. Time is a concept that humans created."—is a thought-provoking statement that challenges our conventional understanding of time and age. To me, time has always been a relative concept, a human-made measurement based on the Earth's position in relation to the sun. It is not an absolute entity but a reference point we use to track existence.

In fact, everything in the world is relative. Every action, every event, every judgment we make is based on comparison. We call something good only because something worse exists. Without comparison, there is no measurement, no grading—no reference at all.

Time: A Human-Made Concept

Since time is an artificial construct, humans have the power to alter its perception. A historical example of this is Daylight Saving Time, first proposed by George Vernon Hudson in 1895. The idea was to shift time slightly to make better use of daylight—proving that our experience of time is flexible.

Yoko Ono’s quote specifically touches on the concept of age, which is traditionally measured by the amount of time one has spent alive. The harsh reality of life is that we are all moving toward an inevitable end, just as Shakespeare poetically described life as a stage where each person plays their part before exiting. While some believe in a divine director orchestrating this grand play, I personally view life as a journey of self-learning and survival, where each organism navigates its own existence.

Defining Youth: Beyond Chronological Age

The most intriguing part of Ono’s quote is the idea that one’s youth is not strictly tied to years. I recall hearing a yogi explain that age can be divided into two categories:

1. Chronological Age – The number of years one has lived, measured from birth.

2. Biological Age – How fit, active, and healthy one is, both internally and externally.

I would go further and introduce a third category:
3. Psychological Age – How youthful one feels mentally, how curious and energetic their mind remains.

While many people are aware of chronological age, few understand how to assess their biological or psychological age. Scientists, biologists, and psychologists may have established reference points for these, but for the average person, these aspects remain abstract and subjective.

The Fluidity of Age: A Matter of Perspective

One’s age cannot be determined purely by numbers. A person may be young at 90 if they maintain a healthy body, an active mind, and a youthful spirit. Conversely, someone at 18 may feel old if they lack energy, enthusiasm, or purpose.

Although chronological age inevitably increases, biological and psychological age can be influenced by lifestyle, mindset, and choices. Some individuals—such as yogis and spiritual practitioners—manage to retain remarkable physical vitality and mental clarity well into old age. Meanwhile, others may feel mentally or physically old far earlier in life.

In essence, youth is as much a state of mind as it is a function of the body. While our physical "engine" may wear down over time, our psychological resilience and perception of age remain largely within our control.

Final Thoughts

This reflection is simply a collection of my personal thoughts inspired by a single quote I came across online. If my perspective seems illogical or nonsensical to some, I respect that. These are merely my musings, shaped by my own experiences and understanding of life.