Reflecting on the future as I start year 72.

As I celebrated the completion of 71 years yesterday, I viewed the world with new eyes. It wasn’t a naive optimism but a clear realization that I have reached an advanced age. This awareness has brought about unexpected changes in me, particularly as I ponder what lies ahead.

For decades, my guiding principle has been, “You are never too old to become who you want to be.”

I’ve successfully reinvented myself every decade, embracing each new chapter of my life. But now, I find myself wondering—what will my 70s bring?

Here’s a brief overview of the various stages of my life. At age thirty-three, I became a mom and dropped out of school. I started my temporary legal agency by providing attorneys with the needed staff. At age 45, I began work as an Advocate and Education Consultant. At age 50, I pursued a PhD. I resumed my work until retiring on January 1, 2024. Throughout this journey, I was fortunate to have friends’ unwavering encouragement and support and the ability to hire help when needed.

Since turning 70 and constantly hearing the media debate what is considered “too old,” my perspective has shifted.

I now realize and don’t laugh, that this age is too advanced to take on the role of President of the United States. I mean that I’ve reached a point where the demands of such a significant responsibility and managing a large-scale, multi-year project would be too much. My energy isn’t what it used to be, and I’ve become more aware of my occasional forgetfulness despite my best efforts to stay on top of things.

Over the past year, witnessing my aging process alongside that of Biden and Trump has solidified my belief that we need age limits for the Presidency and the US Supreme Court justices.

Unfortunately, when individuals hold significant power, it can be difficult to step down; even when their health fails, their energy wanes, or their effectiveness has notably declined. George Washington set a remarkable precedent by refusing a lifelong presidency, reminding us that no one is irreplaceable. With this in mind, I appreciate Biden’s decision not to seek another term.

In addition to imposing limits on government positions, we must create greater flexibility and more diverse options for most jobs. A common misconception about aging is that a person’s worth or ability is defined by the number of years they’ve lived. Instead, we should recognize the significant differences in competence among people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. It’s essential to evaluate individuals based on their capabilities rather than their age.

Our work-related regulations and rules were established when people had much shorter life expectancies.

When the Social Security Administration set 65 as the retirement age, it matched the life expectancy—according to the CDC, life expectancy in the United States increased to 77.5 years in 2022, up from 76.4 years in 2021, showing a recovery from the decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite this increase, many still believe that 65 is the standard retirement age, even though many older adults wish to continue working. On the other hand, some find working until 65 to be a significant challenge.

In her book Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, Reimagining Life, Louise Aronson argues that we must create a better balance between learning, leisure, and work throughout all stages of life. I share her perspective. She points out that we reserve most learning opportunities for the young and expect the bulk of work to be done by adults between 25 and 65. Meanwhile, older adults, who might live another 40 years after retirement, are often relegated to the sidelines, focusing primarily on leisure.

Many adults, if not most, are overwhelmed and overburdened. Many struggle to juggle multiple jobs, raise children, and care for aging parents. On the other hand, those over 65 are often expected to embrace full-time leisure. Yet, many older adults enjoy working and strongly desire to continue contributing to society. We also take great pleasure in learning.

Aronson suggests that young people would greatly benefit from gaining more work experience and enjoying additional leisure time.

For adults, the focus should be reducing work hours, allowing more time for learning and spending quality time with their families. Those over 65 would benefit from more options for part-time work and learning opportunities, making their later years more meaningful and fulfilling. This vision of flexibility and support for each age group isn’t just a romantic dream.

One promising initiative is the 32-hour workweek, gaining traction in the US. For example, in the fall of 2023, San Juan County adopted a 32-hour workweek (32HWW) to maintain fiscal stability amid rising wages and inflation, improve employee recruitment and retention, and prioritize the community’s well-being.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), announced on March 13, 2024, that he would introduce legislation to establish a standard 32-hour workweek in America with no reduction in pay—a critical step to ensure workers share in the massive productivity gains driven by artificial intelligence, automation, and new technology.

The five-day workweek has been the standard since 1940 when the federal government mandated overtime pay for workweeks exceeding 40 hours.

At 71, I live more fully in the present moment than ever. I believe it’s because my future feels more limited. With this in mind, I occasionally organize my files and papers to ease the burden on my trustees when I’m gone.

When I experience a headache or a stomach ache, I sometimes wonder, “Is this the beginning of something serious with my health?”

However, these thoughts are usually brief and pass quickly.

Despite losing many friends over the years, I find joy daily. I keep myself active by writing this blog and am the editor-in-chief of an online digital magazine.

I find myself embracing a quieter lifestyle these days. I’m reading more, and after years of adventurous travel and work, I feel more at peace staying home.

My joys now include gazing at the moon on a starry night, spending time with friends, and taking walks with Aspen.

A friend recently reminded me of an astrologer’s prediction that if I reach 70, I could get to age 90.

With that in mind, I worry even less about what might be “too old” for me.

I continue making new friends, seeing my dermatologist yearly, keeping up with my dental appointments, and occasionally treating myself to a new piece of clothing. My focus is on being fully present in my life.