Jessica: Is it worse to be fat or old?

In Sweden, a 55-year-old writer finds herself frequently mistaken for pregnant, a situation she has come to embrace with a wry sense of humor. "I'm just fat," she tells those who offer congratulations, a response that often elicits a sheepish reaction. She explains that a chronic intestinal condition causes her to appear perpetually swollen.

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No, I'm just fat.

Rather than feeling offended, the author views the misidentification as a compliment, suggesting it makes her appear at least a decade younger. She notes that in an era obsessed with longevity and maintaining a youthful appearance, appearing fertile in one's mid-50s is a rare feat. She draws parallels to Madonna, who had children in her early 40s, and her own grandmother, who was 40 when she gave birth.

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I'm quite pleased to appear pregnant. It's not that common for a 55-year-old to be expecting, so I assume people think I'm considerably younger than I am.

However, this perceived youthfulness is confined to assumptions about her reproductive status. The author humorously recounts being denied a senior discount at the state-run liquor store and not being carded at a bar specifically for those over 55. She acknowledges the undeniable passage of time, noting how events from 30 years ago now seem like ancient history. Yet, she is not yet at the point of forgetting her own memories, finding solace in retaining her sense of self as time marches on.

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What is worse, really – being fat or being old?