• HOME
  • INTRODUCTION
  • FUN FACTS FRIDAYS
  • TV THURSDAYS
  • GOOD BOOKS
  • C O N T A C T

Sunset Years

Making the later years the best ever!

HOW OLD AM I?

February 26, 2023

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.”  •

Not the fountain of youth… though worth capturing.

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Related

29 Comments
Filed Under: Well-being

Comments

  1. Marlie says

    February 26, 2023 at 9:40 am

    Wonderful way to approach life and living.

    Reply
    • Pam McPhail says

      March 3, 2023 at 3:10 pm

      I try. Fortunately I don’t undergo performance review at this age, so no one evaluates my attempt.🤭

      Reply
  2. Catherine says

    February 26, 2023 at 10:11 am

    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”.

    Reply
    • Chris Krueger says

      February 26, 2023 at 11:39 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Pam McPhail says

        March 3, 2023 at 3:23 pm

        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.

        Reply
    • Pam McPhail says

      March 3, 2023 at 3:12 pm

      Apt words from Jeff to boost our level of contentment.

      Reply
  3. Nina says

    February 26, 2023 at 10:17 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Chris Krueger says

      February 26, 2023 at 11:43 am

      I, too, am very grateful and blessed! ❤️

      Reply
    • Pam McPhail says

      March 3, 2023 at 3:14 pm

      Beautifully said, Nina.

      Reply
  4. Sonya R Bardati says

    February 26, 2023 at 10:44 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Pam McPhail says

      March 3, 2023 at 3:16 pm

      Well done, Sonya. You roared into your next decade! It’ll be another good one for you.

      Reply
  5. Patricia Britton says

    February 26, 2023 at 11:36 am

    Love the ending….. “Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.” • love it. 🥰

    Reply
    • Pam McPhail says

      March 3, 2023 at 3:20 pm

      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.

      Reply
  6. Linda W says

    February 26, 2023 at 12:23 pm

    Another great article Pam.

    Reply
    • Pam McPhail says

      March 3, 2023 at 3:24 pm

      Thanks Linda.

      Reply
  7. Grant McPhail says

    February 26, 2023 at 1:22 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Pam McPhail says

      March 3, 2023 at 3:25 pm

      Belated happy birthday, Grant. Thanks for adding your wit to my article.

      Reply
  8. Janet Anderson says

    February 26, 2023 at 2:16 pm

    I too loved the ending and Grant’s comparison of best before dates!

    Reply
    • Pam McPhail says

      March 3, 2023 at 3:33 pm

      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.

      Reply
  9. KAREN SCRABA says

    February 26, 2023 at 3:19 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Pam McPhail says

      March 3, 2023 at 3:40 pm

      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.

      Reply
  10. Linda Richardson says

    February 26, 2023 at 3:33 pm

    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”.

    Reply
    • Pam McPhail says

      March 3, 2023 at 3:40 pm

      Yes, Linda, kinda like turning a negative into a positive.

      Reply
  11. Deborah Etsten says

    February 27, 2023 at 7:38 pm

    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…

    Reply
    • Pam McPhail says

      March 3, 2023 at 3:43 pm

      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.

      Reply
  12. Brandon says

    March 18, 2023 at 1:05 pm

    Love you!

    Reply
  13. Marilyn RB says

    March 30, 2023 at 8:15 am

    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!

    Reply
  14. Roderick MacArthur says

    April 29, 2023 at 1:38 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Pam McPhail says

      May 15, 2023 at 7:42 am

      Thanks for your kind observation, Rod, and for adding your insights.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Welcome to Pam McPhail's blog about the sunset years, a metaphor for the stage in life when we're no longer fully occupied in the workplace or at home. We’re free to set our own agendas. Together let's explore how to make these years our best ever.
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Recent Posts

  • WHAT’S A STORY WORTH?
  • D-DAY FACTS
  • TV THURSDAYS: RIPLEY
  • WORLD BOOK DAY 2024
  • THE RIGHT TIME
  • DECIDING ON DECISIONS
  • TAKE IT TO HEART

Recent Comments

  • Daily Riddles on FUN FACTS FRIDAYS: RIDDLES, THE SEQUEL
  • Linda McAmmond on LOSING A SIBLING
  • Pam McPhail on WHAT’S A STORY WORTH?
  • Pam McPhail on WHAT’S A STORY WORTH?

Archives

Categories

Copyright © 2025

Copyright © 2025 · Hawaii Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Manage Cookie Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}