Tengo Tiempo Para Tango.

March 28, 2021

In English, age is an identity as in “I am 60 years old,” just like “I am a man” or “I am Asian.” Unfortunately, age is an identity that often brings shame. A friend recently said she was “65 years young,” as if being “old” is a curse. I get it. It can be a curse, but it can also be a blessing.

In Spanish, years are considered a valued possession. They’re not an identity. They’re something you’ve earned, a bragging right. Instead of saying “I am 60,” they say I have 60 years as in “Tengo sesenta años.” The act of owning one’s years may have a subtle psychological effect on Hispanic culture, such that age is seen as a cherished possession, not something that defines you.

I’m not sure whether age is an identity or a possession, but I do know that the older we get, the more free time we often have in our lives, which means more space for tango, fiestas, and siestas.