Grey Hair Is a Crown—So Why Are We So Scared to Wear It?

Age Is Just a Number”… Or Is It the Biggest Lie We Tell Ourselves?

You’ve heard it before. “Age is nothing but a number.” Some people drop that line like it’s gospel, others whisper it in denial, and some chant it like an affirmation in front of the mirror. But the question is—do they actually believe it? Or is it just fear wrapped up in a cute little phrase?

Now, let me tell you, I’ve seen this play out so many times—especially in my own community. Black aunties, uncles, classmates, even strangers online… it’s like their go-to line. You overhear them in a conversation, or see them post a selfie with “#AgeIsJustANumber” like it’s a protective shield. But deep down? A lot of people are scared. Scared to grow old. Scared to look old. Scared of what that next birthday candle really means.

And listen, I’m not judging. Looking young is a blessing. In fact, in my bloodline—especially on my dad’s side—we’ve got that fine-wine magic. My dad is clocking 60, but if you saw him, you’d swear he was 40. The man walks around with his youthful face like it’s nothing. But here’s the twist: he doesn’t hide behind the phrase. He actually loves that he’s getting older. He wears it proudly. No hashtags, no denial. Just embracing it.

On the other hand, let’s be real. Society doesn’t make it easy. The obsession with youth is everywhere—ads, influencers, even in the way people compliment you: “You don’t look your age!” (As if looking your age is a crime, right?) So maybe, just maybe, saying “age is just a number” is people’s way of coping with that pressure. A little pep talk to themselves that time hasn’t snatched their crown yet.

And speaking of crowns—grey hair. That’s the crown many don’t want to wear. I call it a blessing, a sign you’ve lived, survived, and kept going. But I also know people who’d rather dye it, hide it, or deny it than rock it. Meanwhile, some people never even get grey hair at all (shout out to my family for that rare gene).

So, is “age is just a number” a celebration of life? Or is it a cover-up for fear and insecurity? Maybe it’s both. Maybe it depends on who’s saying it, and why.

But one thing is clear: every birthday we get is proof we didn’t die prematurely. And honestly? That’s a bigger flex than pretending time isn’t ticking.

Now it’s your turn

Do you think “age is just a number” is empowerment, or just denial dressed up in cute words? Do you embrace your years like a crown, or do you wish you could freeze your timeline? Drop your thoughts below—I want the smoke, the honesty, the debates. Let’s talk.

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