What are your thoughts on getting older?

Since I’m celebrating my 75th birthday this week, I’ve been reflecting on what getting older means to me.

Research findings vary in terms of classifying older people into different segments. The approach that makes the most sense to me is the following:

  • People 60 – 74 are young-old
  • People 75 – 84 are old-old
  • People 85+ are the oldest-old

Seeing that I’m leaving the young-old category and moving into the next one is sobering. Over the last few years, I’ve had a few more aches and pains. Yet, I’m very fortunate to have good health in general.

In addition, my mental capabilities are working fine, or as I like to say, “I’ve got my wits about me.” Since some of my relatives had dementia in their later years, I’m incredibly grateful to have these capabilities.

10 Best Things About Getting Older


When I googled “positive aspects of getting older,” one of the top listed items was: “10 Best Things About Growing Old.”

Here are the 10 best things:

  1. A happier outlook
  2. Grandchildren
  3. More time for loved ones
  4. Opportunity to pursue your dreams
  5. Participation in civics and volunteering
  6. Wisdom
  7. Better social skills and more empathy
  8. Guaranteed minimum income – Medicare and Social Security
  9. Senior discounts
  10. Sense of accomplishment

The two that especially resonate with me are “opportunity to pursue your dreams” and “sense of accomplishment.”

My Reflections on Turning 75

It is just this month that I’ve come to realize that turning 75 means I’ve lived three-quarters of a century. That’s a long time! In addition, I’ve got a good chance of living another quarter of a century. Two of my aunts lived into their 90s, and an uncle died right before he turned 90.

In keeping with the concepts of pursuing your dreams and having a sense of accomplishment, here are a few more observations:

  • You can start a new venture at any age. I started my Boomers’ Social Media Tutor business when I was age 61 and went full-time with it at age 64. It’s so rewarding to be thriving in this business at age 75.
  • Celebrate your accomplishments. For example, in March 2023, I had an online party celebrating being full-time in my business for 10 years.
  • Remember to give back to your community. Find out what the needs are where you live, and then see where you feel called to serve.

About Joyce Joyce Feustel holding her logo mug

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 55 and up, to become more effective using social media, especially LinkedIn and Facebook. She works with business owners, business development professionals, business consultants, job seekers, and more – ranging from entrepreneurs to people in large corporations. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.