I absolutely agree with you, Liz.  A common thing that happens with older people is they might authentically live as who they are, but they fail to grow and recognize significance in current things.  My mother died two years at age 89, and she still lived in the 1950's.  However, my dad, who is 90 today, keeps current on learning new computer programs, and visits my comtemporary church when the grandchildren are in town.  He has found a balance between what he likes - which includes current things - and still loving Big Band music, for example, and he's active in World War II reunions.

I choose to respect middle-aged - older people's opinions, even if they don't respect mine.  Personally, I wish, for their sakes, that my peers didn't shut themselves off from current things, but that's their choice, just like my choice is an integration from what I love of my past and what I love of the present.  Many of them don't understand how I can love Bach, Led Zepplin, and Adele all at the same time.  Well, I do.

I celebrate that you both accept and recognize the assets that come with age, and that at the same time you enjoy the delights of current events.  Rock on, friend!