And now I'm 78. Jeez. I didn't think I'd live this long.

[trof]

As a fighter pilot in my 20s I figured I'd go down in a blaze of glory(?) somehow or another. It wasn't that hard to do back then. I lost some friends.

Don't misunderstand, I'm glad I did make it this far. I got to see and enjoy my daughter and my son-in-law and experience their perfect wedding. ($$$$
And be with my grandson and granddaughter.

Miz t and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary this year with a trip to Savannah.
Savannah is like New Orleans, but for grown ups.
Beautiful city and great restaurants.

When you're 78 and you read about people dying at 77 and 78 and 79 you start to wonder.
When does my number come up?
I feel OK. A few minor health issues, but controlable by pharmaceuticals (more than I would like).

So anyway...here I am at 78, still perkin' along, long past my predicted sell by date.
WooHoo!

[guillaumeb]

1. Congratulations.

As a near baby of 68, to be 78 seems unimaginably.....seasoned.

My daughter asked what I consider to be old. I said that for me, "old" is like the horizon that can be seen but never reached.

[trof]

3. 78 is OLD.

There's just no way around that.
The average life expectancy for a white male in my county is 75.6 years.
So I'm already past my due date.

[FakeNoose]

15. Yes but there are lots of people who make it into their 90s

The male expectancy age is lower only because some men serve in the military (or else they live recklessly) and die young. But everyone who's made it past the danger point can expect to live to a ripe old age.

I hope you have many good years left, trof.

[GeoWilliam750]

30. Something I learned some decades ago

Never bet against old people

Not only do you usually lose, but it seems a bit rude, as well.

Wishing you and your perfect partner many more healthy, happy years.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

44. 78 doesn't have to be old.

Especially if you take care of yourself.

And you are confusing life expectancy at birth with life expectancy was you've lived however many years. In fact, at this age your life expectancy is another 9 plus years. So no, you are not past your due date. Really, you aren't.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

51. Yes, old, but old is not what it used to be. Plus that figure prob for born 2018.

What you need to look at is expectancy for somebody age 78. If you get to 78, you've proven you've got more of what it takes to survive than people who only got to 72 or only to 32 or 12.

[qazplm135]

57. a male in the US at 60

who doesn't smoke and is relatively healthy can expect to live until 84 on average.
And those who live until 84, can expect on average to live until 92.5.

So given he is 78, and I hope don't smoke, the numbers suggest he might easily be able to live another 14 years or more.

Which I mean 14 years doesn't feel like a long time, but to make it to the 90s is a pretty good life.

Still...it's always too short! I long for the days when we live hundreds of years healthy.

[Srkdqltr]

2. Good for you.

I wish you many many more years.
I'm 77. I have seen many younger friends gone too soon and wonder how I survived.
Good for you!!

[trof]

4. Well, I'm still glad to be here.

On the green side of the turf, so to speak.

[blm]

5. And you're a favorite around these parts, trof

[trof]

6. Well thank you! Do you mind telling me something?

trof = the retired old fart.
What does blm = ?

[blm]

9. When I started here I was already known as

bushlvsmoonies at bartcop and mwo, but, I nicked myself as blm. I was trying to highlight the fact that Rev Moon’s media empire was directing a large part of the propaganda being used against Democrats and against democracy. FOX was broadcasting ‘news’ reports that usually traced back to Moon’s publications.

[trof]

7. Oh yeah.

My guess is black liberal male.
No?

[Arkansas Granny]

8. I hear ya. My 2 siblings and I are all in our 70's and it just doesn't seem possible.

High school reunions next month, my brother's 60th, my 55th. They're a day apart so we're attending both together. It should be interesting. We've neither one kept track of classmates. I'm taking my Senior yearbook and will get new autographs.

[procon]

10. Having a positive attitude and a zest for life

certainly improves your life expectancy. Couple that with a closely aligned support network of loving family, furbabies and dear friends, and you're beating the odds.

Older folks can easily fall into the downward spiral of illnesses, loneliness and depression. For many of us it's a constant struggle to fight off that deadly trap.

Live long and prosper.

[Karadeniz]

11. Happy birthday!❤

[Moostache]

12. Happy Birthday!

Once you're past the proverbial "sell by date", its all gravy, so enjoy every minute!
Here's to many more trips around the burning ball of gas that warms us all!

[solara]

13. "How terribly strange to be seventy"

[KT2000]

14. 78 is the new 58!

In the town where I live you would be considered a kid! Happy Birthday!

[japple]

16. Sending positive energies to you for many, many (as many as you want) more years to

come. I'm in my upper 60s and never thought I would last this long! In my earlier life, I never thought much about aging. Now that I am aged, I think about it a lot. I don't ever want to be a burden to anyone and hope I have my affairs in order to avoid that. I don't want to suffer pain and prolonged medical issues and I hope that I have planned for that as well. In this day and age, you can't be too sure.

[Danmel]

17. 78 is the new 50

I'm pushing 60. I look at pictures of my parents when they were my age and they took so old. I don't look 30 but I look quite a bit younger than they did at my age.
That said, I've had a much easier life than they did.
Anyway, happy happy birthday and happy Anniversary to you and your beloved.
To better days for us all.

[world wide wally]

18. Did you say 38?

[LisaM]

19. Happy Birthday, and ditto on Savannah!

Went there in April, absolutely loved it. I plan to try and get back.

[trof]

67. Check out the Thunderbird Motel.

It's a fun retro circa 50s/60s motel.
Free coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts every morning.

[Skittles]

20. "If I had known I would live this long I would have taken better care of myself"

I think the great Mae West said that

[trof]

68. Too true.

I did finally quit smoking 3-4 years ago.

[Skittles]

70. oh that's great

I know it's hard, I smoked for 30 years but now I don't even think about it.....although, I do still love the smell of tobacco smoke

[appalachiablue]

82. You rascal! Congratulations, Happy Birthday & Anniversary!!

Savanah is beautiful, like Charleston and New Orleans, wonderful cities!

[Auggie]

21. My mom is 90. I took her to the new Tarantino film.

She loved it and loved discussing it after. Age is relative as long as you stay engaged. Happy to hear health issues are minor. Best wishes you keep them that way.

[trof]

69. Just saw it today.

Man, that last 5 minutes if SEVERE.

[Auggie]

75. Yeah. But I was really squirming when Pussycat asked Cliff ...

if he wanted a blow job.

I was with Mom, you know ...

SPOILER


.
.
.
.




But as we were walking out of the theater, I was thinking the ending was kind of satisfying. Where else do you ever see the Manson Family get the crap beat out of them? It was happy ending, all things considered.

[trof]

81. That's a tough movie to watch with your mom.

I'd have felt the same way.

[PatrickforO]

22. Happy Birthday! If it was your birthday...

I'm happy for you, particularly since you're still in good health. That is a good thing.

[Lulu KC]

23. WooHoo

[UpInArms]

24. Hang in there, friend

We have so much more to do

[PatSeg]

25. I've been into genealogy for 20 years

and I tend to keep track of the ages of when my ancestors died. I have now outlived my parents and both sets of grandparents. I also noticed the ages of when famous people died. Clearly I've reached my expiration date, but many things can go past their expiration date, right?

Congratulations on reaching 78! Hopefully we'll live long enough to see the end of the Trump presidency.

[joanbarnes]

26. Many More trof!

[chowder66]

27. Happy Birthday!!

[True Dough]

28. I had to re-read the first line of your OP

I thought you wrote "as a fighter pilot in the '20s..."


Figured you were flying one of these:









HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TROF!

[JohnnyLib2]

29. Happy 78th!

Just a few months behind you, so keep on perkin' and make it look good!

[at140]

31. Go for 22 more BD's!

My next BD will celebrate 80, and unless I fall off the discipline wagon, aiming for 95.

[George II]

32. I turned 70 last year and some mornings I wake up and wonder....

Congrats on your 50th, we don't see that much anymore.

A month before we lost my father, he and my mother celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary! They still went for Sunday drives and shopping trips together.

[IADEMO2004]

33. Sounds like a life well lived. Well done.

Savannah's Vic's on the River's Shrimp and grits sounded like such a simple plain dish but the menu said it a Signature or House Special something like that. Very glad to this day I asked for Shrimp and Grits. Beautiful City.

You two keep perkin' along.

[Piasladic]

34. WooHoo!

I want to be like you.

[Ohioboy]

35. Don't worry about any "sell by date". Break all the records for longevity or at least die trying!

That's what I say. Stay strong and keep perkin'. We need wisdom and encouragement in this world. Just reading your post was encouragement for me. Thanks!

[CottonBear]

36. Happy birthday!!

All best wishes.

BTW, I love Savannah! Did you drive out to Tybee Island?

[trof]

71. We did!

Tybee Island reminded me of 50s/60s Gulf Shores, AL.
Before the condos came.

[calimary]

37. Happy Birthday, trof!

Only 66, but gotta admit, I think about that EVERY day. "When does my number come up?"

[H2O Man]

38. Happy birthday!

(Recommended.)

I'm glad that you are alive and kicking. Our society needs responsible Elders. Reaching this point is an honor that you have earned.


I remember back when I turned 60, my youngest daughter asking me how I felt? I said it was curious to realize my life was half-over.

[panader0]

39. Good for you trof! Happy Birthday.

[localroger]

40. Happy Birthday

You're roughly the same age as my father, who will turn 80 in December. He also didn't expect to live this long, and was tragically surprised to outlive my mother, who was the love of his life. Today we meet at a theater about midway between our homes (we live 80 miles apart) to see movies every other Sunday or so.

I'm only 55 and already feel like a decrepit old fart. So more power to us decrepit old farts, I say.

[MLAA]

41. The formula for determine if you are old

Old = current age +10

[flotsam]

42. Happy Birthday!

I moved to New Hampshire back in '94 at least partially because of an obituary I saw. It read "Suddenly, So and So age 72" and I thought "Well at 72 it shouldn't be a shock" but it was this line that sealed my decision-"Survived by his father....". I'm 65 now and have never regretted my decisions and neither should you Sir.

[chillfactor]

43. I will be 78 the 10th of September.....

you sound like you have a great life! Wish I had as good a life.

[lillypaddle]

45. Hell YEAH you're old!

and quite salty as near as I can tell. I turn 72 in December, and I think 78 is going to be out of reach for me - those pesky health issues, ya know, including heart failure.

Good for you - keep those years rolling on by.

[Rhiannon12866]

46. Congratulations! And wishing you the Happiest of Birthdays!

[Ohiya]

47. You make me feel so young!

[Lochloosa]

48. Congrats on the BD. Sad about Johnny Harris closing. I'm going to miss that fried chicken.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

49. Life exp born 2018 is 76 m, 81 f in USA; 80 m, 84 f in Canada

See the terrible toll that Medicare for all is taking on the Canadians, ... Oh, never mind.

By the way, Canadian health care costs about half per capita compared to US health care.

Perhaps US gun laws and corporate greed (overwork/underpay) are having a toll? Hmm. Can't have any socialism! It's too healthy!

[Bernardo de La Paz]

50. Congratulations. According to CDC tables, at 78 you might expect about 9 more years.

(extrapolating data between age 75 and age 80)

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr68/nvsr68_07-508.pdf

[underpants]

52. Happy Birthday 🎁🎈🎂

[asiliveandbreathe]

53. Congrats - 78 years of age..but young at heart....no small fete....

[Maeve]

54. You've got 92 rec's for this thread

May you live to at least that age (and happily!)

[donco]

55. When you

get into eighties as am...reading the obituaries is meaningless BECAUSE, in my case there...

[dawg day]

56. You have to live long enough to see Trumps in jail

All of them. Not the youngest ones.

[bobbieinok]

58. Will be 80 in Jan. When young, I found it hard to imagine being 65.

60 was maybe imaginable, because as soon as I was old enuff to understand the significance of the yr 2000 I was pleased I might live to see it!

[whathehell]

59. Having been to both, I can say that Savannah is nothing like New Orleans..

at any age...Happy birthday, though.

[trof]

72. I found the architecture and the ambience very similar.

And the food, somewhat.
I've spent a lot of time in NOLA, both in and out of the quarter.
But you're sure entitled to your opinion too.

[Mr.Bill]

60. I think it was Jack Benny who said

"If I knew I was going to have to live in this body for so long I would have taken better care of it."

[barbtries]

61. happy birthday!

fellow virgo

[trof]

73. Uh, I'm a Leo, but thanks.

[barbtries]

77. if your birthday is August 26,

as is mine, you're a Virgo.
and you're welcome

https://www.astrology-zodiac-signs.com/zodiac-signs/virgo/

[trof]

78. I don't believe I mentioned a date, but it was on the 22nd.

It ain't what you don't know that gets you in trouble.
It's what you DO know that ain't so.
And you're welcome right back.

[barbtries]

80. aha!

i wrongly assumed you posted it on "our" birthday. have a happy!

[BumRushDaShow]

62. Happy (belated) birthday!!!

Hell... These guys went for the century mark!!

[defacto7]

63. Some people just keep on and on....

Congratulations. Just last night I was at a musical/art/ballet premere at the United Nations NGO International Conference where Robert Redford did a monolog on global warming. He's 83 and he looks and sounds great. Though he needed a little help walking on and off I was really amazed to see him still performing. We just have to keep on having the will to do and a fight to fight.

[ornotna]

64. Congrats trof

[Joe Nation]

65. The best age to be trof....

...is the age you are.

[Ferrets are Cool]

66. Go enjoy the beach my friend.

I hope you get to see many more Alabama sunsets.

[trof]

74. Many thanks for all the kind wishes and HBDs.

[Kablooie]

76. I had a friend a decade or so ago who remained active and mentally sharp until 96.

He was an artist and died with a heart attack at his work table trying out a new art technique using water and pastels.

Carl Reiner is still sharp and he's 97.
Kirk Douglas is still kicking at 102.

It's not impossible to have another 20 years or more left in you.

[gademocrat7]

79. Happy Birthday!

Celebrate!