As I embrace my 40s, I feel an undeniable urgency to share a message with my younger peers—most of whom fall into the demographic wave that sets us apart from the Baby Boomers. You see, I’ve reached a stage in life where attending a concert can be a painful endeavor.
It all began about six years ago when what started as a dull ache in my right foot escalated into a debilitating case of plantar fasciitis. There was no specific injury; my body simply decided to protest against itself. The days of rocking chic heeled boots or cute flats to shows were over. From that moment on, I introduced heel stretches, custom inserts, and sensible clogs with proper arch support into my wardrobe. I tried to reassure myself that if the music was good enough, no one would be paying attention to my footwear. Armed with my orthopedic shoes, I dove back into the world of live music, still able to enjoy acts like The Black Keys and a Book of Love reunion at an intimate venue. I thought that maybe, just maybe, my foot troubles were the worst I’d face.
But my aging body had other plans. A minor shoulder strain from tossing a pinecone for my dog—something my athletic partner jokingly critiqued—quickly morphed into a painful condition known as frozen shoulder. We’re not talking about a whimsical Disney character; this frozen shoulder means I can’t lift my arm above my ribcage or reach behind to zip up a dress. The most painful part? I can no longer throw my hands in the air during concerts, and the thought of dancing brings a sharp twinge to my shoulder. At a recent gathering, I attempted to dance to “Blister in the Sun” by the Violent Femmes, but a sudden movement caused such agony that I had to actually take a knee.
The shoulder specialist informed me that this condition is common among women aged 40 to 60. My hairdresser chimed in, sharing her experience and hinting at impending menopause. I fully expect to receive an invitation to join AARP, probably in an envelope labeled “EZ 2 Open for Frozen Shoulder Sufferers!”
Over the next six weeks, I’ll be attending five concerts, from The Replacements to Jenny Lewis and even a cozy house concert with a folk artist named Robby Hecht. I’m genuinely thrilled about it! However, I find myself already strategizing the best spots to stand in each venue to avoid bumping my shoulder. On top of that, I might have practiced a few dance moves in front of the mirror, being careful to keep my arms at waist level.
While the frozen shoulder is a nuisance, what truly stings is the realization that I’ll likely look back on these days with nostalgia. “Remember when I didn’t trip over my walker on my way to the stage? Remember when I could enjoy the music without needing hearing aids?” (Though if I do need hearing aids, it’ll likely be due to my concert-going history, so perhaps I can find some justice in that.)
To all you thirty-something music lovers who feel overwhelmed by responsibilities like kids, work, and school events: this is why babysitters and microwave dinners exist! Embrace them often. Enjoy live music while you can. The day will come when you hear a lead singer belt out a heart-wrenching lyric about pain, and you’ll relate all too well.
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In summary, while attending concerts in your 40s presents its challenges, it’s also a time to cherish those experiences, despite the physical hurdles. Embrace the music and the memories—there are still plenty of good times ahead.