Anonymous, Age 70
I turned 70 recently, and that thought visits me more often than I would have expected. Neither good nor bad, it just jumps into my consciousness, and makes me stop and reset my head, so to speak.
I’ve been retired for a number of years, am in good health, though the body is aging in all the ways you might imagine. Got a new knee last January – an imperfect fix to say the least, but my physical stability is restored, and I can hike easy trails without pain again.
70 is supposed to be old. I don’t feel old in my mind. Maybe a little slower, but a lot wiser is all. I am a child of the 60s, and have maintained a progressive, intellectual outlook all this time. I know that people see me as older, but I just don’t care. Like most women, I noticed that I was invisible to men once I moved into my 50s. Their loss. Now, I have many younger friends and family members ranging from 7 to their 30s. I love them all, enjoy their company, and give them every opportunity to keep me up to date on the world they inhabit.
I divorced young after a nightmare marriage. No kids, which is really the only regret I have from my life besides that marriage. Personal freedom, solitude when I want it… I love this life at 70 more than I did at 50!
Right now, at 70, I am looking for more to do. I volunteer with kids, run book, hiking, and progressive discussion groups, and belong to a couple of others. Also have a little eBay shop. However, I still have a bit too much spare time. (No grandkids leave lots of time!) I’m open to suggestions!!!
Unless one has very poor health, I think our 70s are the gift of a lifetime! Freedom, wisdom, time to spend with loved ones-human and animal, our beautiful earth, listening to music, reading good books, and so much more.
Hi Rita,
I am glad the 70’s are good to you so far. I too have no grandchildren. My
brother has so many…he shares them with me. I do have 2 sons, living
far away. I am turning 70 in Feb. I think about it a lot. A friend told me
“we are where we are today. we have to get on with it!” Growing old is not
for wimps. Not sure what to do…soldier on. I am thankful-take nothing
for granted-may go tomorrow. O help! No…carry on!
Don’t laugh – I’m also 70 but I am thinking about changing jobs or career. Currently in the legal profession just too much pressure then there’s the commute. Everyone talks about medical billing and coding. Any suggestions?
I turned 71 this year. Like the writer of the article, I have no grandchildren or children to keep me occupied. I am still employed part-time and don’t know how I would handle retirement because I believe that my job keeps my mind agile. Trying to keep occupied with visiting homebound and nursing homes but sometimes that really gets me down. People I’ve built relationships with are sinking into mind problems. I get tired and maybe jealous of my friends talking non stop about their grandchildren. Trying to keep my mind and not sink into a deeper depression. Any suggestion? Am willing to give out my email address.
Hi to a fellow 70 year old,
Please be glad you are that age as you know many at this age are not above ground. Actually my 60s were the worst; forced into retirement, lost both parents, daughter divorced, husband sick and then passed, faced with a mountain of unknown bills, sold the house, family estranged etc. so the 70s are very peaceful. I am now settled in a condo, bills gone, can do what I want, love volunteering and giving back to the community, choosing new friends, and looking forward to each day. I will be positive as long as possible and thank God I have what I have. Perhaps you too have many aspects that are favorable at this odd age.