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On Getting Older

 Recently, I attended a neighbor's fiftieth birthday party--and there was a kind of false ebullience. "Fifty and fearless, gurl!" said one guest. "The best is yet to come!"

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  1. Adolfo ProfumoMarch 5, 2026 at 11:18 AM

    When I turned 60, Dan, I proudly said to my sons: "I have entered the third and last chapter of my life !" And I have wonderful news: July 10th I will turn 70 and I have never felt better in my life. Yes, my back hurts when I have to stand up, but Pilates, tennis, long walks, and a judicious diet, have helped my body age well-enough. And when I think of death I do so, of course, with an appropriate measure of anxiety, yet also with as great a measure of curiosity. In sum: "I am ready for my close-up, Mr. Barrett :-) "

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  2. ReaderMarch 5, 2026 at 11:25 AM

    I think it's possible to feel fine with aging. But I think Nora Ephron captured the truth, which is complicated. "I feel bad about my neck. When I want to antagonize myself, I look in the mirror at my neck.....Yes, I've gained wisdom and maturity with aging....and the ability to recognize what matters in life. And what matters in life is my neck."

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