I reached a milestone birthday in 2022 and, coincidentally, attended a high school reunion of friends and acquaintances, many of whom also turned 7-0 last year. The lead-in to the occasion didn’t trouble me — until I noticed birthday greetings mentioned a new descriptor: septuagenarian. No one called me a quinquagenarian (aged between 50 and 59) or a sexagenarian (between 60 and 69) when I entered those decades. Society seems to assert something major is up with this age.
It’s true our older chronological age — the number of years since our birth — comes with certain risk factors. But now we’re told to consider our biological age, also known as physiological or functional age. It takes into account additional factors such as genetics, lifestyle, nutrition and diseases to determine how old, or young, our body acts. And while we cannot control our genetics, following the guidelines for good health can reduce our biological age.
After turning 70, we shouldn’t feel pressure to reinvent ourselves, to become extraordinary, to look fantastic. We don’t need to deny the reality of our chronological age. But we might want to pay attention to how biological aging affects not only lifespan but also healthspan. “Lifespan is the total number of years we live whereas healthspan is how many of those years we remain healthy and free from disease.” To promote our healthspan, studies recommend “maintaining a healthy balanced diet with moderate, regular exercise and without smoking and drinking alcohol,” plus engaging in social and intellectual activities.
My Irish twin brother, who turned 70 less than a year before me, gave me a formula for this milestone: Rick made mental notes of things he was doing for the first time — as a 70-year-old, from the mundane (brushing his teeth, tying his shoelaces) to the pleasurable (playing golf, going for dinner at British Columbia’s oldest pub). Because Library Giving Day coincided with my birthday, I signed on as a monthly donor to the VPL to show my huge appreciation of public libraries. I also walked a long distance to a restaurant with a spectacular view of Vancouver, home to Glen and me for ten years in 2022. This year I look forward to strolling along English Bay for the first time — as a 71-year-old.
I haven’t set a chronological age I hope to celebrate. I don’t aspire to become a nonagenarian or a centenarian and thus surpass the average life expectancy (83.9 years) of my demographic. Rather, I try my utmost to embrace the profound advice of Mark Twain (1835-1910): “Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.” •
Marlie says
Wonderful way to approach life and living.
Pam McPhail says
I try. Fortunately I don’t undergo performance review at this age, so no one evaluates my attempt.🤭
Catherine says
As a fellow septuagenerian, I have to agree with your statement that we don’t have to reinvent ourselves just because we become a certain age. We should just be happy to celebrate whatever age we are and always find something to look forward to, whether it is travel, a new hobby or just lunch with a friend. As my husband always says, “If I wake up in the morning it is a good day”.
Chris Krueger says
I love Jeff ❤️
My friend and I always pick a word, like laughter, for the year. When asked , not having thought about it, I said me. I said it sounded selfish, but .. as I thought more about it it became ME. I, like Rick, am becoming more mindful. Healthspan is very important to me as are growth psychologically, emotionally, intellectually, socially and enjoying and appreciating life.
I am trying to ‘Give everyday the chance to become the most beautiful day of my life!’❤️
Thanks Pam!
Pam McPhail says
Laughter is an excellent word of the year, Chris, but so too is me. Seems like you’re paying particular attention to self-care, which will benefit you and everyone around you.
Pam McPhail says
Apt words from Jeff to boost our level of contentment.
Nina says
Thanks for the very interesting post Pam. Quinquagenarian? Who knew? Yes, we are lucky if our genetic makeup helps to lengthen our lifespan but helping it along the way forward is the key. Along with trying to eat healthy and exercise body and mind, I found God. No, not that God😇 but the God of Well Being, or possibly Wisdom, or Maturity as Tim says. Like Mark Twain advised, I look forward to each day and feel blessed that I have been able to live a good enough life and I’m thankful that with each new day I can laugh with old friends, enjoy watching children grow up, marvel at the beauty of our world and just be happy.
Chris Krueger says
I, too, am very grateful and blessed! ❤️
Pam McPhail says
Beautifully said, Nina.
Sonya R Bardati says
I really liked your piece on “How old am I?” When I turned 80 last summer, I just had to do something unusual for some but not for me. Got training on my rollerblades and started in Port Hardy on my birthday and the patrons at the restaurant sang along, it was the best birthday yet. I was full of joy and full of beans. I was careful as I have osteoporosis, ended in Parksville, about 350kms. But I had a glitch, the RCMP told me to get off Hwy 19 when I had only 42kms to go. Disappointed but after one hour of pondering what I would do, I got my bicycle finished the 19 highway then got on my rollerblades again to end at to the community hall. I just had to prove that 80 could be what ever you want it to be. And yes, the word octogenarian is a scary word.
Pam McPhail says
Well done, Sonya. You roared into your next decade! It’ll be another good one for you.
Patricia Britton says
Love the ending….. “Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.” • love it. 🥰
Pam McPhail says
I now try to say two “mantras” in the morning. From an Indigenous elder: “Thank you for the safe passage through the night and for the gift of living another day.” Plus the inspiring words of Mark Twain.
Linda W says
Another great article Pam.
Pam McPhail says
Thanks Linda.
Grant McPhail says
I am at Yellow Bird Lodge, south of Kenora for my 70th birthday tomorrow. Dale is working with the Pawitik Band.
Unlike yoghurt, humans have several Best Before dates. Even at 70 we haven’t passed them all.
Pam McPhail says
Belated happy birthday, Grant. Thanks for adding your wit to my article.
Janet Anderson says
I too loved the ending and Grant’s comparison of best before dates!
Pam McPhail says
Do you think the older we get the easier it becomes to make days beautiful? I do — because we realize, for instance, that watching a sunset anywhere can give as much joy as viewing the magnificent aurora borealis. In other words, we redefine or relax the criteria to declare our day beautiful.
KAREN SCRABA says
Great post, Pam! Lots to ruminate on. A few years ago, I participated in a beta trial of one of the healthcare innovation ventures that I mentored. From a few drops of blood, they measured the length of telomeres in my sample to determine my biological age compared to chronological. Biologically, I was one year older than chronological. I consider that a win for me, (someone who has not done a stellar job of caring for my body over the years)! Now to wrap my head around septuagenarian.
Pam McPhail says
I read some of the science behind biological aging; “telomeres” was one of the (strange) words I encountered. Interesting that you went through the test. I’m glad, Karen, the result satisfied you.
Linda Richardson says
Thanks Pam. I like the idea of trying to improve my “health span” rather than ruminating on the years that I have left in my “life span”.
Pam McPhail says
Yes, Linda, kinda like turning a negative into a positive.
Deborah Etsten says
Enjoyed your latest rumination! Have we even come up with a term most of us like which describes this period of life? Not sure elder will be it…
Pam McPhail says
Let me know if you conceive or learn of a decent word for this stage. Like you Deborah, I don’t really accept the current terms, not even “zoomer” as it implicitly criticizes those who do not present a picture of robust health.
Brandon says
Love you!
Marilyn RB says
Belated thanks, Pam! I love the concept of “health span” you consider in relation to “life span”. Lots to reflect upon here. Thanks also for sharing Mark Twain’s words! What an inspired way to live each day!
Roderick MacArthur says
Well written Pam
For someone who does not aspire to become a centenarian…you are certainly doing all of the right things to reach this milestone 💪
I agree that life is all about quality beyond a certain age milestone. The journey is a short one and the foresight to remain in the present for most of it….is important. Valuable insights around self care and not beating yourself up around things that happen along the way…over which we have no control.
Rod
Pam McPhail says
Thanks for your kind observation, Rod, and for adding your insights.