There are shocking experiences about getting older that are rarely discussed.

They are the startling recognitions about what parts of life do not change as much as we were lead to believe.

1. You don't stop breaking out. When I was a teenager, I was promised by every adult in my life that my acne would disappear with time and that I would never have to think about my skin again. Instead, I am typing this while wearing a smudge of a cheap Cover Girl product on my nose to conceal a blemish that has appeared, as regularly as taxes, since 1975. (Spending $62 as I once did in a fit of exasperation and under relentless seduction from a pro at Bergdorf Goodman who promised the French concoction would make me rethink my use of inexpensive products only made me rethink the wisdom of listening to anyone who works on commission.)

2. There are still Popular Kids vs. Unpopular Kids when you’re over 65. And, apparently, the same applies when you’re over 90.

I had a conversation with a friend who recently returned from a two-week journey designed for elder travelers in good health and of reasonable means.

On paper, it........

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