Hello, dear readers. In this issue:

• How 70 can be your best chapter

• Reality check: Yes, things change

• The unspoken benefits of your 70s

• How to face it with joy

• POV: Only you can design your best life

70 can be one of your best chapters

The day I turned the big seven-oh, all I could think was, "Yesterday, I was in my sixties." I've never been one to dread a milestone birthday, but for some reason, this one threw me for a loop. I felt like I was in mourning and concerned about the future. 

And then I sat down with these feelings and gave myself a pep talk. And a session with a therapist.

Here’s what I came away with: turning seventy is not something most of us spend our forties dreaming about. It’s years away, after all. Forever, really. 

We plan for retirement, sure. We may buy sensible shoes a little earlier than we expected. They feel good. But this big, slightly imposing number has a way of showing up on the calendar before you know it. It announces itself like an uninvited houseguest who, upon closer inspection, turns out to be great to have around.

The truth is, 70 is a milestone worth celebrating … loudly, joyfully, and with a healthy dose of perspective. Getting older is a privilege, and 70 years of living means 70 years of accumulating wisdom, resilience, love, and the hard-won ability to care a heck of a lot less about what other people think of your outfit. Or you.

The reality check: yes, things change

Nobody said aging was all fun and games. Bodies develop stronger opinions now. Knees weigh in on staircase decisions. Doctors' appointments multiply like rabbits. And somewhere along the way, "a good night's sleep" became the most exciting plan for a Saturday. These issues are real, and they deserve acknowledgment – not with despair, but with the same realism we've applied to other challenges thrown at us.

Part of that is taking preventive care seriously. Track and manage your cardiovascular health and schedule cognitive screenings. Schedule those yearly wellness visits with precision – it’s one of the smartest acts of self-love at this stage. Your future self will thank you.

Pragmatism is one of the great gifts of this age. At 70, you've earned the right to ask for help, to say no to things that don't serve you, and to build a life that genuinely fits. That's not slowing down. That's making things easier and helping us get smarter.

The unspoken benefits of the 70s

Research consistently shows that older adults report higher levels of emotional well-being and life satisfaction than younger generations. Read that again. People who have lived longer, who've experienced loss, hardship, and uncertainty, tend to be happier.

It turns out that time has a way of simplifying what matters: relationships, purpose, presence, and maybe a really good dessert after a totally decadent meal.

At 70, you know who your people are. You've stopped performing for anyone who’s never deserved a front-row seat. You have stories, real ones, with texture, color, and hard-earned results. That isn't nothing. It is, in fact, everything.

How to face it with joy (and a little strategy)

So how do you step into this decade with grace and dignity? Here are a few ideas from people who are actively doing it:

Stay curious. Learn something new. I'm learning a new language and went back to college – an Ivy League school, no less. Others pick up an instrument, create a recipe inspired by a country they've always wanted to visit, or try pottery or painting. Take an enriching class to challenge your cognitive abilities. Your brain loves novelty at any age, and keeping it engaged isn't just fun … it's protection.

Move your body. Regular movement – walking, swimming, yoga, dancing in the kitchen, pickleball – protects brain function and works wonders for stress. It doesn’t mean pushing yourself to Olympic-level results, but rather celebrating what your miraculous body can still do. It all counts.

Invest in connection. Loneliness is a very real health risk; friendship is a genuine elixir. Call someone. Show up. Join a book club or walking group. And consider making intergenerational friends; younger people can help you see life from a fresh perspective and reenergize your routine in ways you might not expect.

Plan ahead, then let go. Get your affairs in order. That includes the practical stuff, the important conversations you need to have, and then living freely. Preparation is an act of love for yourself and those around you. Part of that freedom is embracing the power of "no" – letting go of social obligations or expectations that no longer bring you joy. You now have the freedom to curate how you spend your time.

Embrace the number. Wear it proudly. It represents seven full decades of living, loving, adapting, and persevering. Part of embracing your age means accepting the physical changes that come with it by shifting your focus away from youth-based standards and toward health, comfort, and wisdom. Even laughing at it.

Incorporate gratitude into your life. Try starting your mornings by writing down what you are thankful for, or, as I do, meditate on gratitude for everything that went well that day. This simple habit grounds you in the present and fosters a more peaceful, positive outlook.

POV: Only you can design your best life

Seventy is a remarkable vantage point. It’s high enough to see how far you've come, and wide enough to spot all the good that's in front of you. So go ahead. Blow out the candles, eat the cake, and greet this decade like the sweet adventure it really is.