Tuesday was my 61st birthday and, compared to last year, the day was pretty mellow. Last year I entered a new decade cruising on a fancy yacht, watching the sun set over Miami’s Biscayne Bay. This year I spent the morning on my couch, sipping coffee and thinking about the years ahead. According to the Northwestern Mutual Life Expectancy Calculator, I’ve got 34 more to go, which means I could be old for a very long time.
Obviously, this number is a probability, not a guarantee. There’s no way to know what life has in store. I lost one of my dearest friends in a car accident last fall—so I don’t take living to a ripe old age for granted. But since the odds are in my favor, it’s probably wise to consider the possibility.
Playing around with an aging filter suggests I might look like this down the road. (Not sure my eyes will turn blue, but whatever.)
The idea of living until the year 2058 is mind boggling. I mean, 34 years ago I was 27—single, working in marketing, I’d just started dating Liam. Wow, have I changed and grown since then. I’m so much more confident and capable. I’ve had accomplishments and experiences my younger self wouldn’t have imagined. Why shouldn’t this growth continue in the decades ahead? When I consider the women around me, I think it will.
On Wednesday, my lovely Florida tennis pals took me out to dinner. We range in age from mid-50s to mid-70s. I asked each person to share something positive about getting older that surprised them. Their answers included the delights of grandchildren, time for new pursuits and financial security. But a consistent theme was the joy of expanding friendships. I think as we move past raising kids and crushing our careers, there’s real pleasure in having time to spend time and connect with other women.
As an example, just look at this gorgeous Paris-themed birthday cake Ellen made me. It demonstrates her incredible baking talent, but also her thoughtfulness and generosity. She designed and created this intricate, girly cake in the theme of one of my favorite things—what a gift! And it was as delicious as it is pretty.
We’re always being told that of getting older means going into decline. We’re supposed to fear it, fix it, hide it, ward it off. What a waste of our precious lives! I really feel as engaged and excited at this age as ever. But maybe that’s because I’m not old yet. If I’m going to live to age 95, then 61 is prime time. Anyway, that’s how I’ve been thinking about my age on my birthday.
Whatever the number, let’s celebrate it. Here’s to more birthdays, more friendship, more fun, more growth and more CAKE!
Fully Fabulous 