Honouring Our Age and Staying Young at Heart

70 and Aged to Perfection

This week, I had the pleasure of celebrating my friend Gary as he turned 70. Watching him enjoy the moment with friends reminded me that aging is a privilege and that how we grow older is shaped by the choices we make each day.

The phrase by Clint Eastwood, “Don’t let the old man or woman in,” is one of my life mantras. It reminds us that we can acknowledge our age while choosing to stay active, engaged, and curious. Gary is a wonderful example of this. He continues to be active, stay connected, and keep his sense of humour.

Honouring our age means recognizing what we have learned and who we have become. It invites us to appreciate the strength of our years and the wisdom we carry.

To honour our age is to honour:

• the stories and experiences that have shaped us

• the resilience we have built through challenges

• the friendships and family connections that support us

• the laughter lines that reflect a life fully lived

• the courage that keeps us moving forward

We may move more slowly at times, but there is still so much life to be lived. As we enter our senior years, whether we are 60, 70, 80, or beyond, we get to decide how we show up. Do we let the old man or woman in? Or do we choose to keep moving, keep laughing, keep learning, and keep loving?

I choose the latter.

Gary chooses the latter.

And I hope you do too.

Here is to honouring our age, celebrating our resilience, and living with purpose and joy.

What could you do today to ensure that the old man or woman remains outside of you?