That’s what a very friendly ticket seller in Austria told me the other day when I was about to buy the parking ticket. Do you know such moments? A remark suddenly hits you and you receive it with mixed feelings? For a second, I didn’t know if she was serious or if she wanted to “tease” me.

The sympathetic woman was serious and wanted to help me if I didn’t realize that I could save money myself. I laughed heartily and said to her:   “I’m honored by that, but I turned 48 in April.” Then she looked at me with big eyes, smiled broadly and embarrassed at the same time and remained very friendly.

This was not the first time I had encountered such assessments. Again and again, friends and acquaintances tell me that it is difficult for them to estimate the age of dark-skinned people or people from Asia. It is quickly added: “They usually look younger.” Is that true or are we just not making an effort?

What I want to know from you today, dear reader: Why is it important for us to value old age? Is it really about age or a conversation? Would it bother you if someone was wrong with estimating your age, no matter in which direction? Growing old moves us in all cultures – perhaps with different perceptions and associations.

The paths to magical encounters are manifold. In my opinion, those who allow conversations, no matter what, contribute a lot to cultural diversity. As heard yesterday in an audiobook about “Story and Screenwriting” while driving a car: “When two people talk about the weather, it’s not really about the weather.

It’s about them perceiving each other.” The conversations about age are similar – when they are not relevant to our profession at the moment. It may not be our business, but what we have in common is growing old. Talking about it is perhaps just a door to something bigger, which we can still achieve together.

We get to know and appreciate each other better. No matter what our origins are. With each dialogue, I have the opportunity to check the extent to which I accept myself and others. With every mistake, I have the opportunity to clear up prejudices and misunderstandings.

How do you see it?