AGING IS A CHOICE Part 23 – Turning Seventy
Is it the beginning of the end or the start of a new beginning?
by Robert Manni
A few weeks ago, I celebrated my seventieth birthday. In general, and because I pen a series about aging, I kept a close eye on how friends and family reacted to my reaching this magic number. I listened as my seventy year-old friends and family described themselves in one way or another as, well, “old”. I realized that regardless of how good I felt or invigorated I was by the new projects ahead, I was up against a relentless cultural narrative. Seventy means old. To illustrate my point, I received a package in the mail from my brother for my birthday. I was excited to see what he got me, after all, this is a significant year. What did I get? “F*CK! I’M DEAD! Now What?” a spiral bound end of life planner with a Post It note, “I found this very useful.” You see, my brother had turned seventy three years ago. How’s this for clear evidence of our culture’s negative attitude about aging?
I tucked the death planner on a bookshelf and went about my business of congratulating myself on how far I had come. I enjoyed a wonderful weekend with my wife and son. Things could not have been better. Seventy can be a wonderful milestone and a reason for true celebration and new beginnings. It’s all in how we choose to greet it. Here are five reasons to feel empowered when achieving the magical age of seventy.
People are living longer, so can you
Treat yourself well. By eating healthy foods, staying active physically and mentally, and surrounding yourself with positive people you could have decades of quality years ahead. Improvements in the health and wellness industries make it more likely to live longer healthier lives.
A positive attitude is your wellness hack
If you haven’t figured it out by now, your mind and body listen carefully to what you think and say. Your subconscious always obeys you. When you say, “I’m old”, you are setting a dangerous marker for yourself. Don’t do it. Think and say exactly how you want to feel about your body, mind, and abilities. Keep on setting goals and aspirations. Having a purpose is rocket fuel for staying youthful.
A ticking clock adds value
It’s true, time is linear in the third dimension, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Think about the ticking clock as motivation to follow your dreams, bucket list, and everything you’ve been wanting to do till now. Fill your time with what you value most. It’s like filling your plate with only the best that life has to offer you. It’s also a good way to make plans and get them done.
You’re free to be who you want to be
Throughout your life you’ve been assigned age-related markers as the kid, the student, worker, spouse, bread winner, parent, executive, older worker, mentor, and possibly retiree. After following somebody else’s rules your entire life, seventy is a perfect opportunity to define who you are and what you want to be. As Confucius says, “At seventy, I could follow what my heart desired, without transgressing what was right.” This is your time. Make the most of these years.
Congratulations! Seventy is an achievement
Regardless of your circumstances and personal challenges, you, my friend, are a survivor. Take pride in reaching this milestone and find things to be grateful for every day. Expressing gratitude is the foundation for filling your life with abundance. It’s also the bedrock of spirituality. It helps raise our frequency at any age, but arguably more so as we become septuagenarians.
These are just a few reminders of how lucky you are when you’ve been blessed with longevity. If you happen to be a member of this club, make your decisions mindfully and treat yourself very, very well. After all, aging is a choice, especially after seventy!
