From septuagenarian to octogenarian (Part One)

In a few days my hometown friends that are my age will get together to share a big lunch at a restaurant located on the East shore of the lake of Montriond to reflect on their fleeting seventies (all of them were born in 1947 – a great year for wine – but many have already turned seventy-nine. That means one last year before turning eighty. 

Wow! While most of us never believed this would happen, that transition from septuagenarian to octogenarian is a profound milestone. It marks an official entry into late-stage adulthood where physiological shifts intersect with noticeable social change and deep emotional resilience, offering a unique blend of wisdom, slower pacing, and personal liberation if we only focus on the good sides of that life stage. 

Of course, it’s hard to accept and see the gradual decline experienced by our bodies in muscle mass and bone density, bringing a heightened emphasis on fall prevention, mobility support, and nutrition. Not just that, but our metabolism slows down, making the conservation of energy and regular, low-impact exercise more important than ever.

True, multiple studies show octogenarians reporting less worry, lower stress, and greater emotional stability than everyone younger than us. Years of fun, sometimes suffering and accumulated life experience create a natural aptitude for emotional regulation, mental stability and a more realistic view of how we see our changed situations. 

Gradually, many of us begin to develop a sharper appreciation for simple, everyday joys, prioritizing peace, appreciation over performance and perfection. Still, our available time is shrinking daily in ways that are so visible that it can be scary at times, as well as a similar shrinkage in our social circles because of natural loss or declining health limitations. 

Now, our connections become highly intentional. Octogenarians often favor deep, meaningful conversations over seeing a quantity of people. It’s also true that both retirement and reduced societal expectations provide the ultimate permission to pursue personal passions, self-discovery, hobbies, and community engagement at one's own pace and this to us also mean a healthy switch to quality over quantity. 

Tomorrow, I’ll try to explain how I prepare for that transition a bit differently...