So what’s up with turning 70?

Business Leader Post, July 20, 2012

Thomas D. Davidow, Ed.D.

Everything! I have been talking for years about the research which states that if one does not begin to deal with the issues of succession before 70, every passing year after that will make it more difficult.

70 is the magical age when the body starts to send you messages that you are moving from denial and anxiety about death to the powerful realization that everyone dies. Now, at my 70th birthday, I can testify that the research is correct. I fully appreciate and understand that it is going to happen to me as well.

But this is my attitude: I find it freeing. Now that I know that I am going to die, I don’t have to worry about whether I will or not. That knowledge frees up a lot of wasted energy. Life can be easier to live in terms of knowing what you want and what and who are most important to you. It forces you to spend your time wisely and to focus on those things that matter the most to you. People who know that they only have a few years or months to live tell us that all the time. It is a good lesson to live by. It is even better if you are fortunate enough to be healthy.