Midlife lessons: I'm worried about falling over -- Look at Mitch McConnell

Mitch McConnell’s recent return to the U.S. Capitol after three months of convalescence has reignited attention to the language of aging—especially the idea that “falling over” becomes “a fall.” The piece frames it as a semantic shift that carries social and personal weight for older people. It notes McConnell is 84 and had to have “a fall” rather than simply trip or stumble. The author then connects the theme to their own experience with a knee arthroscopy four years ago after a cartilage tear, and points to friends whose attempts to get fit led to injuries requiring surgery, using a “low mileage car” comparison to contrast approaches to staying active.