Becoming Seventy: The Age of New Beginnings
At age seventy, my grandmother's frame was slightly bent as she walked. Her style of dress was distinctly old fashioned, and even inside the house she always kept her head covered. In my opinion at age twenty, she was a very old woman.
Today, the average woman in her seventieth year is still becoming old and playing bareheaded with her grandchildren in the park. Her bucket list includes exploits of which her grandmother never dared to dream. Her Baby Boomer instinct tells her that there's a whole new world out there, and that she has time to enjoy some of it.
We look briefly at few of the issues, some more exciting than others, in that new world.
New Age Group
“Welcome to the group,” was the birthday text I received from a seventy-year old college friend. Another friend messaged, “Looking forward to joining you all soon.” It might as well be a party group, since we are all delighted that none of us is as old as we thought we would be. Recent research suggests that women are not old until age 73. What does that mean to my friends and me?
Female Age Group Labels in 1920 and Today
Female Age Group
| Age in the 1920s
| Age Today
|
|---|---|---|
Transitioning middle age
| Late 40s
| 65
|
Old
| Late 50s
| 73
|
Very old
| 67
| 80
|
We continue the Baby Boomer trend of “rewriting attitudes . . . and changing just about everything,” wrote Bill Newcott, in the AARP Bulletin of January 2016, when the boomers first turned 70. We have become the new older people who want to be semi-retired and semi-employed, to have old-age status for the social benefits but not for the social bias, to begin new love relationships with new domestic and financial rules. Instead of adopting the old-age principles by which our grandparents lived, we embrace and add changes to fit our new lifestyle.
One speed bump in the road is that our children and neighbors recognize the community assets we have become. "Active grandparents are always on call," someone said.
Male Age Group Labels in 1920 and Today
Age of Males
| Age Group in the 1920s
| Age GroupToday
|
|---|---|---|
55
| Old
| MIddle aged
|
65
| Very old
| Merely old
|
76
| Very old
|
We are called to volunteer (since some speculate that we may be sitting at home doing nothing): to substitute for the baby-sitter, to help prepare for the church event, to help kill the snake in the backyard, to drive someone who just want to be driven that day.
No problem, unless it becomes too hectic a habit. We appreciate the opportunity to serve because we can, rather than be served because we cannot serve ourselves.
New Income Opportunities
Not all seventy-year olds have the time to be regular volunteers. Some take on part time jobs in their effort to keep active or keep practicing their craft. Some need the income, even to support their hobbies, and they get satisfaction from earning. Some seniors prefer to try something new, and they have the opportunity to earn as they learn.
Here are ten areas in which older people are entering and contributing for pay:
- Blogging
- Bookkeeping
- Care Giving
- Consulting
- Customer Service
- Fundraising (Nonprofit)
- Librarian Assistance
- Medical Billing
- Tax Preparation
- Tutoring
New Conversation Tactic
Mark Twain in his 70thbirthday speech (1905) expressed joy at reaching the age which qualified him to talk at length about his struggles and triumphs.
"The seventieth birthday! It is the time of life when you . . . stand unafraid and unabashed upon your seven-terraced summit and look down and teach—unrebuked. . . You will explain the process and dwell on the particulars with senile rapture." — Mark Twain
It is true that like Mark Twain, many seniors are anxious to share their experiences with the youth, "to look down and teach;" but "back in the day" may not be an interesting topic except we are humorous and can speak their lingo. Now, there's a challenge: to become a comedian and use millennial and centennial slang.
Margot Benary-Isbert, a writer from the same period, shared an opposing attitude to Mark Twain's in the Prayer of the Anonymous Abbess:
"Lord, thou knowest better than myself that I am growing older and will soon be old. Keep me from becoming too talkative, and especially from the unfortunate habit of thinking that I must say something on every subject and at every opportunity."
This is not to say that we do not tell our stories, but that we do not offer continual commentary on the stories of others. For as long as we have control of our senses, let active listening be a new tactic in conversation with our youth as well as with our peers. The focus helps our aging brain maintain the ability to process speech.
Try and keep trying to listen. Better to be effective with a few words than to be known only as a talker. The seventy-year old who makes the effort to listen is becoming older and wiser. That individual also gets asked more questions.
New Awareness
In the same breath with which Moses informs us that age seventy is a possibility, he adds:
Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble. (Psalm 90:10 NLT)
He does not let us forget that our new season brings with it new kinds of suffering, and already I can relate. This year, I was diagnosed with arthritis. My discomfort may be mild compared to the many so-called old-age diseases like glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension, and Parkinson's, to name a few. The point is for us to become aware that the longer we live, the more susceptible to diseases our bodies will become.
Still, we choose life over the alternative and begin with new zeal to take care of ourselves. We learn to eat less food with more nutrients, to keep moving within limits, to get adequate rest without becoming lazy. We make adjustments to write ourselves into the script, instead of feeling like the agent responsible for keeping everyone else alive.
Sometimes, the emotional pain is the most devastating. At our age, we lose loved ones faster than ever, but the pain and sorrow are not useless. Even while we cry, we gain new appreciation for the age we are. We've just begun to really appreciate life.
Related Articles
- Becoming Seventy: Looking Back at Past Decades
Revisiting past decades boosts our sense of appreciation. The brief reflections will encourage us, as well as those who have passed seventy, to embrace the privilege of future birthdays with joy. - Becoming Seventy: Five Reasons to Celebrate
Near the top of the hill, we make a preliminary gratitude list, beginning with: The View from the Mountaintop, The Mountain Guides, The Scars, Strength: Outer and Inner, and The Supernatural.
Questions & Answers
© 2019 Dora Weithers
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Comments
AUTHORThank you, Rachelle. I appreciate you sharing the information and i will check out the link.
It seems that today, 70 is the new 50! But, somehow we should have known that the Baby Boomer's and early Generation Xers are not simply going to go quietly into the night... btw, have you checked out the YouTube channel, Sixty and Me? She's almost reached 100K Subscribers and her channel is full of helpful and entertaining info:
https://www.youtube.com/user/sixtyandme
Take Care!
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Thanks, Samuel. You have my permission to download the article and print it. You have the option to print it without the images.
This work is wonderful. It is not only educative but therapeutic to aging, especially with those who think themselves worthless at such age. If I could have a had copy, its worth acquiring as a resource materials for encouraging our aging and aged neighbors. I appreciate your work, Mommy Dora.
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Thanks, Eboni. That's something for us to remember. I'm working on it.
This is good. A good attitude toward aging will keep you looking and feeling good no matter how old you are.
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Sharon, hopefully you could. Just one day at a time, walking toward your goal will get you there.
I love this hub. It's very inspiring. Hopefully, I could write the same thing in the future.
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Manatita, I appreciate your input. Catching up? Good luck with that. I like Sri Chinmoy's "Old age is a new Page." There is so much we can enjoy during these precious years.
I do talk less sometimes. I read less too. Perhaps because my soul don't like the munane too much. It longs to fly!
I'm nearly there. 3 years short and catching up and as for your list, some of mines are different but they are so many I sometimes feel alone. Guruji and others teach that selfless service is in fact a ticket to heaven.
"To serve and never to be tired of serving,
Is Love." - Sri Chinmoy.
Great Hub. The Joys of aging! "Old age is a new Page" - Sri Chinmoy.
Hey, I really love your tulips. Exquisitely magnificent!!
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Thanks, Tamara. Your comment is encouraging.
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A lovely post, Dora, and one that will be looked back at with each passing generation. ❤️
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Alyssa, I love your zest for life, no doubt inspired by the lives of the very active seniors in your family. Best to you in that skydiving event.
Oh this is so inspiring, Dora! My grandfather (great grandpa, truly, he would be 94 this year if he were still with us.) always stayed active. He would go for a walk every day around our small town, would be out and about, and stayed up to date on current affairs. (He was very active in the political and government realm, as he was a WWII veteran.) My husband's grandfather also stays very active, working on his farm and hanging out with friends. I aspire to do similar things. I told my husband that on my 80th birthday, I want to go skydiving. I fully plan on living life to the fullest every day. :)
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Rajan, I share your views totally. Learning and doing something new now has my interest.
I have always believed age is just a number we feel in our mind. By remaining active both physically and mentally we can feel and look much younger.
Yes, seventy is a good age not only to look back on life and share life experiences with the younger generation but also keep doing/learning something new.
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Way to go Sherry! I love the idea of learning, beginning something new at seventy. Seems to me that's a probable reason for being alive--something we didn't do before.
Last year, at seventy, I started learning the ukulele with an online teacher. It is a slow learning curve, but it has been so enjoyable. I can go at my own pace and access the lessons anytime I want.
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Devika, thanks for weighing in. There is a lot of personal history and writer-friends like you are part of it. I couldn't be more grateful.
70 a age of wisdom and so much to look back on great experiences and all what got you here in this me.
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Al, it made my day just seeing you here. Hope all is well. Thanks for your kind sentiments. Praying to continue in obedience to God who gives me life. Wishing to see more of you.
Hi Ms. Dora, your writing is always inspiring. You are full of wisdom. You are an example of the goodness that God can do for someone that obeys the good Lord. Continue to enjoy life. Happy Birthday Month and may you have many, many more.
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Thank you Miebakagh. Happy to be 70. It would make me happier if this is your last comment on this article. I appreciate your understanding.
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Thank you, Yves. I'll take the chicks status. Sometimes I feel like it. Planning to take the advice in this article, to keep on living joyfully. We can do it!
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Thanks, Nell. You'll probably feel excited, not really weird when you get there. Enjoy the journey.
Hello, Dora, as you are now 70? Congratulations!
Well...as you well know, a fair amount of people living in Loma Linda maintain active lifestyles up to age 100 and beyond. That means you and I are just a couple of young chicks. Hahaha.
But seriously, this article has excellent information regarding growing older with grace. I especially like the part about talking less and listening more.
Happy belated birthday, Miss Dora. You're looking good, girlfriend!
Congratulations on your birthday! I am heading for 60, so that is pretty weird lol!
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Thanks, Bill. The messages you share on HP and your support of mine have added and will add to my enjoyment.
Congratulations, young lady! It looks like you're set for the next decade. Enjoy it much!
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Chitrangada, whenever you get there, you'll enjoy it. Yes, keeping busy is a big help; it makes us feel useful. Thanks for your kind comment.
Excellent article and I totally enjoyed going through it.
I agree with you that the general mentality of aging people has changed. People are finding new ways to keep themselves busy and engaged. Thanks to the technology, which provides many interesting options.
I am not yet there, but I love the spirit of the 70 years young people. Would love to follow your advice.
Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks, Dianna. "Another level of adventure" sounds like it could be the title of another article. Thanks for sharing your insights.
Seventy is just another level of adventure for today's woman. Those who keep healthy and active will certainly live out wonderfully. Thank God for all the work options we have today to fill our desires. Good writing, Dora
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Glen, "extract as much pleasure as possible from the time that remains" is the best punch line. Thanks for sharing your positive aging attitude, despite the limitations to which we can all relate.
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Linda, your response to the group labels is the same as mine. Older, wiser, happier sounds like a good combination.
Dora, I very much admire your positive attitude. I am 71 now and I have found it difficult reconciling myself to the physical and mental limitations associated with growing old and the inevitable passing of loved ones. I’m constantly bewildered by how quickly the years have passed and plan to extract as much pleasure as possible from the time that remains.
Thank you for sharing the information and the inspiration, Dora. The age group labels were very interesting to see, especially the ones for females.
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Marlene, your approach is excellent. The age we accept is not only determined by the number of years we have lived, but the number we imagine we have left. Thanks for introducing that concept into this discussion.
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Liz, it seems that the fashion designers forgot about the very old, or are forcing everyone into the same styles. Either way, it's thoughtless. And having old people who willingly wear inappropriate clothing does not help. Yes, there is a market for clothes becoming to morally-minded, decent older women.
I absolutely adore that quote at the beginning about not knowing how to act my age because I have never been that age before. I tell people I'm going to live to be 120 years old. I figure if I act as if I have a lot of years left to live, then I won't start feeling and acting old.
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Lori, I have a friend named Arthur and because of your reference to Arthur Itis, I'm tempted to accost him on our behalf. We have to smile in between the bouts of pain, don't we? You seem to manage that really well. Praying that your cataract surgery goes well and as comfortably as possible. Continue to enjoy the Y and your grandson.
My auntie used to complain that she sruggled to find age appropriate clothes when she was in her 70s. It sounds like there is a gap in the market.
This was wonderful, Dora. I am 62, so I have a few years to go but this touched me. My great grandmother looked very old even at age 25, mostly due to her matronly attire.
I was diagnosed with cataracts and macular degeneration a couple of years ago, neither at that time actively affecting me yet. Next month I will have surgery to remove the cataract. What? I'm not old to have those eyes conditions. Arthur Itis has been rude to me for a number of years and I am like, "Hold on just a minute, I'm not supposed to deal with this until I am old." And I'm not old, but I have a few infirmities that senior citizens get. I partake in "senior" activities where few look senior. I find myself no longer referring to people much older than me as elderly. It depends on the person and how they've aged. I was uncomfortable turning 60. I love being in my 60s now and recently got a membership to the Y and I am loving the exercise. When I started I went all out and my body said "You're not a spring chicken anymore, take it down a notch. I was highly insulted but I have made some adaptions.
A few months ago I was kidding around with my 17 year old grandson and called myself and old granny. His response was "Nana, don't say that. Most people your age are in wheel chairs." That stung in that he sees me as old when I am not, at the same time, it cracked me up. Happy belated birthday Dora. And thanks for inspiring us yet again.
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Liz, we're on the same page. There used to be clothes for old people, now all ages wear the same style. It is difficult to find clothes which I consider appropriate for me. It might be a good idea for us to make our own clothes. Something new!
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Shauna, that quote was on a guest towel I found in a little curio shop one day before my birthday. It was for me, I thought, so I bought it. Thanks for your kind comments and all the best to you on your way to 70.
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Thanks, Lorna for sharing about your parents. Dancing is highly recommended for older people. Following the example of your parents, look what an enjoyable life you have to look forward to!
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Flourish, thanks for sharing. It is possible, God willing, that you will be even more active than your parents when you arrive at the age are right now. Isn't that exciting? Best to you now and then.
This gives an interesting perspective on being 70. I often reflect on how much times have changed. We are all encouraged to expect more from life and feel young for longer. When I look back a generation or two, behaviour was a lot different. People seemed to dress old for their age. Now the reverse is true.
Dora, this is a beautiful article. Your writing prowess really shines in this one.
I love the verbiage you added to the opening picture. I got a real chuckle out of it.
I'm not yet 70 (just hit 62), but can already relate to much of what you point out. I look forward to 70 and hope by then I'll be retired!
Great article Dora. Both my parents worked and volunteered well into their 70's. They also had a great social life and were keen ballroom dancers. In an age where we are living longer I think 70 could really be the new 60!! Thank you for sharing.
My parents are in their 70s too and it’s lovely to see you relish life and cherish these years. They are very active with family, hobbies, and other aspects of a full and rewarding life. We are all ever aware of time these days.
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Jackie, best to you at the Y. What I do most is walk and swim. Yes, the aches will come, and we are expected to do our best to remain fit. But above all we do, peace of mind and trust in God is essential. You and I know that.
Not there yet but edging up! Not fun fighting the aches and pains of age but look at all we have to fight it today. We know we are the luckiest to near this age for sure!
I just joined the Y and using so many machines to get back in shape, I might just start going the other way. You think? I am hoping! But it really is a calm in aging I think. It is time we can be of help to others and so many ways to do it as you have mentioned.
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Thanks, Miebakagh. I appreciate your contribution because it relates to the article. I do not feel the same way about comments that are unrelated, that comment on or respond to other people's contribution. Thanks very much for your understanding.
Hey, Dora, "70" is actually a new down for both male and female. It is not a sign of old age. At this age, one of my country stateman said on his birthday that he was not old but is 70 years young! That is it. How you felt at any age matters to you.
Actually, by eating nutritious and wholesome meals, plus engaging modern medical discoveries in our daily lives, life span is not only increasing. But the quality of life is being enhanced. I hope my little contribution here helps. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, Denise for expanding on that concept. The fact that Jesus is with us helps us through the pain. Glad you said that.
I like your message, Dora, to "choose life over the alternative." When we are aging and our loved ones are gradually leaving this world, it is natural for us to want to join them. Choosing life sometimes means choosing pain and loneliness, sadness, or even having others help us. Our peace at this time depends upon our closeness with the One who can provide it in a way that no one else can. He is always with us.
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Cheryl, keep that attitude. You'll be excited when you get there.
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Thanks, Louise. I appreciate your encouragement. I'll keep trying to deserve your comment.
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Way to go, Ron. My version (NLT) says "they will remain vital and green." It's one of my favorite verses too.
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Eric, I love your attitude. It's your inspiration rubbing off on me. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, Pamela. I'm gradually learning the limitations, but I'll try my best to keep them to a minimum. I'll keep looking at positive people like you.
Thanks. I look forward to 70
Dora, I found your hub very fascinating to read. I always find your articles very inspiring to read. =)
Dora, you remind us that threescore and ten is indeed a goodly age. As I get older I'm encouraged by Psalm 92:14 - "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing."
Just so you know I spent 2 hours today getting younger. You inspire,
I am in the club! :) Maybe we are only as old as we think we are. I have heard that said many times. However, there are often limitations due to physical ailments.
You wrote of many things we can do as we age, which is good. I found your article to be very helpful.
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Sunshine, I appreciate you letting me know that my 70 years have not been in vain. I'm encouraged.
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Eric, it is my pleasure to have empowering people like you and Bill for company during this season of my life. We are blessed with similar attitudes and with appreciation for each other.
This article taught me a lot..Thanks
Well Dora I love for sure your influence on my life. A nine year old son and I am much younger than decades ago. I work hard on carrying a heavier pack than I could at 50. I cannot do ladders anymore. I make scaffolding.
I think I am kind of like Bill today. life is better than yesterday by our love.
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Bill, your sentiments are mine exactly. I love my age. Thanks for the company and the support.
Compare me, at seventy, to some of my deceased relatives when they were seventy, and it is a startling comparison. They were old at 70; I am evolving at 70. I love the age. I'm not sure I like the physical limitations, but you have to take the good with the bad in this case.
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