"I have always felt that a woman has the right to treat the subject of her age with ambiguity until, perhaps, she passes into the realm of over ninety. Then it is better she be candid with herself and with the world"

Carl Sandburg's quote touches on social norms and perceptions associated with women's age and the discretion afforded to them in exposing it. At its core, the quote reflects the social pressures ladies deal with regarding their age, often influenced by expectations around beauty and vitality. Sandburg suggests it is acceptable for a lady to preserve obscurity about her age, acknowledging the social construct that values youth, where age can in some cases be a sensitive or individual subject.

This discretion may serve as a protective mechanism, permitting ladies to browse social environments without being boxed into the stereotypes or restrictions that might include particular ages. It highlights a broader commentary on the perception of age, especially for ladies, suggesting that age can unfairly specify or restrict individuals based on social expectations.

As Sandburg continues, he points out a shift at the age of ninety, where the intrigue surrounding age shifts from one of discretion to one of admiration and event. Reaching ninety years is presented as an accomplishment, a milestone that brings with it knowledge and a shift far from social pressure towards embracing and taking pride in one's journey. At this moment, candidness about age ends up being a testimony to resilience, longevity, and life experience.

In suggesting that it may be "better she be honest", Sandburg recognizes that at such an advanced age, the conventional restraints dissipate, freeing ladies from the requirement to obscure their age. Being open about one's age ends up being an empowering act, possibly fostering self-acceptance and social recognition of the achievements and grace that accompany a life long-lived.

Thus, the quote can be viewed as a motivation for females to stabilize social expectations with personal credibility, and a suggestion of the progressing understandings of age through various phases of life. It ultimately promotes for a recognition of the knowledge and story that come from living many years, which should be welcomed and celebrated honestly.