The Night I Really Felt Like The Oldest Person In The Room

It happened last July at a concert.

Published September 26, 2024

illustration of older woman enjoying a concert amongst a younger crowd

Ana Cuna

Back in July, I attended an Olivia Rodrigo concert in Philadelphia. It was a sold-out event, part of her summer GUTS tour. The arena was filled with tons of her very passionate fans — and me.

Olivia Rodrigo is a 21-year-old singer and songwriter who first became known for her roles on various Disney Channel series.

Before attending her concert, I had heard a few of Rodrigo's songs. I was familiar with “Vampire” and “Driver's License,” two that often popped on the random shuffle of Today’s Top Hits playlist I listened to on walks.

While the beat of her songs was catchy, her lyrics never resonated with me and that makes sense. Rodrigo was born in 2003, the same year I gave birth to my third child. She writes songs about her life, relationships and experiences. As a married mom in my late 50s, it’s no surprise I don’t relate.

That’s why I hesitated to say yes when my 29-year-old daughter invited me to Rodrigo's concert. When tickets went on sale, she bought three, knowing her 26-year-old sister would want to go with her.

I was flattered she asked me (especially since it was her treat and didn’t ask me to pay for any of the tickets). But I wasn't sure I was the right person to use that third ticket. She could have sold it online for a profit or found another friend who was a true fan more "worthy" or fun than I would be. Besides, if I went, I’d probably be the oldest person in the room — or rather, the arena.

Still, it was such a nice invitation. With both of my daughters living independently in different but nearby states, how could I say no to a chance for the three of us to spend time together?

So, I went to the concert, and this is what I learned:

Being a teenager is rough stuff. Rodrigo's songs are filled with sadness, heartbreak, romantic disappointment and hurt feelings — all the emotions that, unfortunately, are synonymous with growing up.

Unlike when I listened to her music on my headphones, hearing her sing in person, I fully took in her words and was reminded of what it felt like to be that age. Her lyrics did speak to me. I was reminded to be grateful that I got to grow older and am past that kind of angst and self-doubt.

(Side note 1: Olivia, if you are reading this, please know life will get harder in some ways but easier, too. In your song “All I Want,” you sing, “I miss the days when I was young and naïve.” Don’t miss them — embrace them! Not to be an old fuddy-duddy, but as old as you may feel, you are still quite young. You seem terrific, so don’t let anyone, friend or romantic interest make you feel otherwise.)

When my kids were growing up, I encouraged them to keep their minds open. I’d suggest trying a new food or activity with the hope they might enjoy it. As I get older, I have been reluctant to follow that same advice. I can get stuck thinking I know what I like and avoid exposing myself to new things, be it activities, foods or music.

The concert was an opportunity to open my mind and follow my own sage advice. I learned new songs and I also got to learn more about my daughters by investing time in an artist they are passionate about.

Before the concert, I wondered if I would feel out of place or self-conscious in a room filled with people younger than me. Instead, I felt a sense of kinship with all the people (of different ages, stages, religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, races, etc.) who gathered on this beautiful summer night to listen to music together. For a few hours, everyone in the arena was united, and each note struck a common chord among us.

(Side note 2: Even when you think you’re the oldest person in a room, you probably aren’t. A celebrity website showed a smiling Robert Downey Jr. at the same concert, and he is 59, so older than me.)

Most of the fans in the audience were tweens and teens, so even my daughters (both in their late 20s) were on the older side. Being surrounded by moms and their young children reminded me of all the concerts I had taken my kids to when they were little.

I often looked not at the stage but at my two grown daughters in the seats beside me, dancing and belting out every word of each song. As I watched them, I could also see other incarnations of these two women — the little girls who screamed with glee when I took them to see Kelly Clarkson (after her American Idol win), Miley Cyrus (performing as Hannah Montana) and Taylor Swift (before the term “Swiftie” existed).

During the concert, I chuckled several times when my Apple Watch cautioned me that I was experiencing a dangerously “Loud Environment” and my “Bedtime Reminder” alarm grew frustrated that I wouldn’t get my full 8 hours.

As my watch noted, I was out of my usual routine. Admittedly, I stifled strong yawns as we walked out of the arena a little after midnight. And my ears were ringing from the volume and the fans. Yet, I was also singing a different tune than when I entered the arena and I’ll definitely be singing along the next time I hear her on the radio.

Have YOU ever felt like the oldest person in the room? Let us know in the comments below.

Randi Mazzella is a freelance writer and journalist. Her work has appeared in numerous online and print publications The Washington Post, Next Avenue, Your Teen for Parents, SheKnows and New Jersey Family. She writes about a wide range of topics including parenting, mental health, wellness, pop-culture, teens, finance and midlife issues. She is a wife and mother of three children who inspire her every day. To read more of her work, go to randimazzella.com.