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> By the time I reach 75, I will have lived a complete life. The author seems to reach this by asserting that the things he currently values will not be possible when his health declines. How does he know that these values won't change by the time he's 70? The things we value constantly change. As kids, we value playing games, eating candy, making friends, etc. These values change as we become young adults, and seem to change throughout different stages of life. The things the author seems to currently value can be found here: > It (old age) robs us of our creativity and ability to contribute to work, society, the world. It transforms how people experience us, relate to us, and, most important, remember us. Not all people value creativity, and ability to contribute to society equally though. The author seems to be defined by his work and ability to keep up the image as a highly-functional, productive, independent member of society. If this is how you define yourself, then of course old age looks like a loss. > Americans seem to be obsessed with exercising, doing mental puzzles, consuming various juice and protein concoctions, sticking to strict diets, and popping vitamins and supplements, all in a valiant effort to cheat death and prolong life as long as possible. People do this to live a higher quality life too, and the benefits are short-term. Ironically, not doing these things can arguably "rob us of our creativity and ability to contribute to work, society, the world", something the author seems to value more than anything else. |