Thoughts on 60

Happy Birthday to Me

Howdy! I'm Keith Ward, and this is my newsletter about the ups and downs of growing old. If you like it, please subscribe (and pass it along to others, too).

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So, I’m 60 today. I’ve lived 60 years. These words are being typed by 60-year-old fingers (with a touch of arthritis.)

Wow.

You know how when you’re eight, you can’t imagine what it’s like to be 20? When I was 20, I couldn’t imagine what it was like to be 60.

Yet here I am. And I’ve got thoughts.

We’ll start with the obvious: It doesn’t feel any different, at least right now, than 59. I’m not even sure what it means to feel a particular age. My body doesn’t know how old it is.

I do have many physical challenges that I didn’t at 30. The list currently includes:

·      Type-2 diabetes

·      Kidney stones

·      Hearing loss

·      Irritable bowel syndrome

·      Insomnia

·      Heart issues (maybe; that’s still an open question in my mind. Details here.)

Other than that, there’s nothing at all wrong with me!

But I have much more going for me than against me. Here’s a more encouraging list:

·      The best wife in creation, who shockingly hasn’t given up on me after 34 years.

·      Seven children who are simply incredible. I mean it: first, yeah, I actually do have seven kids. And second, they are remarkable people, every single one.

·      I’ve been nearly continuously employed since college. That’s more and more unusual these days. And the work has been fun, for the most part.

I’ve also done some really cool things during my six decades. They include (another list!):

·      Flying, and owning, an airplane

·      Making a movie

·      Writing multiple novels

·      Writing multiple screenplays (including one that took me to Kazakhstan)

·      Acting in many plays

·      Interviewing U.S. governors, senators, congresspeople, and a First Lady

·      Running a half-marathon

·      Cycling multiple 100-mile (and longer) rides

As the immortal George Costanza said, “If you add up all the things I’ve done in my life and condense it into one day, it looks decent!”

So, are my adventuring days done now that I’m 60? Hardly. I’m now exploring things like long-range bikepacking, and Kathy and I are looking into possibly buying an RV and tooling around the country.

One of my philosophies is that “life is for living.” I love trying new things, pushing boundaries, and seeing what’s out there. God has made an amazing world, and I’m familiar with so little of it. The possibilities for exploration are endless.

I have no idea how much time I have left. It’s a cliché that’s also completely true. As I age, the challenges increase, but in a way, that’s a good thing. There’s satisfaction in continuing to set out on new adventures. It keeps me young — another cliché that also happens to be true.

I’m 60, yeah. But I’m as happy as I’ve ever been. And I have the perspective that allows me to enjoy it to the fullest.

How about you? Have you hit 60 yet? Or 70? Or 80 or 90? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Pass along the wisdom you’ve obtained, on both the positive and negative sides, in the comments below. Let’s make this a conversation.