This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission at no cost to you if you decide to make a purchase through my links. Visit this page for more information. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.
People who assume that 40 is an “over the hill” age are assuming that the hill is symmetrical (not necessarily), everyone’s hill is the same (its not), and that there is just one hill (depends on your perspective). Furthermore, ask yourself why are you simplifying life into a simple geographic contour? So no 40 is not over the hill.
What is the Origin of the Term “Over the Hill”?
The term may have been coined popularly as early as the 1910s/1920s. In 1917 there was a movie called “Over the Hill” and in 1920 there was a movie called “Over the Hill to the Poorhouse”. However, we can expect that the actual term began earlier. More recently in 1992 there was also a movie called “Over the Hill“.
Does it Depend on How Old You are When You Ask?
The older you are, the longer your life expectancy. While the total life expectancy in the US according to the CDC is 77, that average is from birth. Depending on your current age, you belong to a different cohort which will undoubtedly have a life expectancy that is greater than the average. If your age is 50, the Social Security Administration expects you to live anywhere from 80 to 83.5 years of age depending on your gender. If your age is 70, that actuarial expectation is now about 84 to 87 years of age. Even at the age of 40, the actuarial expectation is 78-82. The point is that as you age, your life expectancy generally increases.
Does it Depend on Who is Asking?
Over the Hill for a child might mean high school when studies become more serious. For a 20 year old it could mean getting married and having kids. A person in their 30s might think the ‘dreaded’ 40 is over the hill. For a working person in their 40s it could mean retirement. Contrast that to a retired 65 year old who may have time for a diverse array of leisurely pursuits but views Over the Hill is when one has more limitations and enters a nursing home.
Does it Depend on Where you are From?
Over the hill in a region of the world where the life expectancy in the 50s may have a very different notion. Consider yourself lucky that you may live in a country with access to healthcare and other amenities. Don’t take anything for granted.
Why Ask?
Undoubtedly, if you are asking, then you may be starting to feel that there is now less time left in your life to complete what you want. If that’s the case, make a list of goals and start achieving them! Start with easily achievable goals to get some quick wins. Check out games that could help to prolong and preserve your cognition. Start a business or new career. Make sure you put on your list travel destinations filled with memorable experiences.
Has it Changed Over Time?
Life expectancy has changed over time. According to the University of Berkeley, in 1950 males were expected to live as long as 65.6 while females lived to 71.1 years. At that time, perhaps 40 was over the hill. According to a study by the NIH, by 2050 life expectancy for males could be 83.2 and 89.2 for females. While life expectancy has dipped with Covid-19, ironically we may see an increase in life expectancy for those that survived the pandemic.
Is One Side of the Hill Better than the Other?
Why do we assume that the part of life on the far side of the hill is worse? Aren’t older people generally happier? According to a study published in 2020 in the Journal of Population Economics, happiness decreases until reaching a trough around the 50s and then gradually increases. Perhaps the ‘hill’ is more of a valley of unhappiness and getting past the inflection point, leads to happiness.
