Reaching the age of 70 marks a significant milestone in life. From any perspective, those over 70 are regarded as elderly. At this stage, the beautiful sunset of life begins to dip below the horizon, signaling the twilight of an eventful journey. Official statistics reveal that only 44% of individuals make it past 70 and embark on the path toward 80.
The decade from 70 to 80 is arguably the most challenging phase of life, filled with many trials and tribulations. During this period, the aging process accelerates, with all bodily organs undergoing irreversible degeneration, much like a machine nearing the end of its useful life but still slowly operating.
This decade also marks a critical period for health, as the body’s immune system weakens and becomes more susceptible to diseases. Minor illnesses become a daily occurrence, while major health issues can arise unexpectedly. The body's slowed reactions and diminished limb flexibility increase the risk of accidents, such as dizziness, choking, collisions, and falls, each potentially carrying severe consequences.
Adding to these physical challenges is the emotional toll of losing contemporaries—relatives, friends, colleagues, and classmates. The social circle shrinks, leaving fewer confidants and increasing feelings of loneliness.
More concerning is the possibility of severe physical and cognitive decline, leading to hearing loss, memory problems, and even the inability to perform daily activities independently. This not only subjects individuals to prolonged suffering but also places a significant burden on their children.
Unpredictable events during this period can drastically alter one's life. Growing old is undeniably a tumultuous journey, as depicted in many classical operas that convey the bitterness and desolation of old age.
As I pen these reflections, my comrades, classmates, and I find ourselves navigating this arduous road to 80. Adopting a calmer mindset, fostering a positive spirit, reducing aspirations, lowering expectations, moving more deliberately, maintaining a steady pace, exercising regularly, and eating less become essential practices.
Some believe that reaching 70 and stepping onto the path toward 80 signifies a fortunate life, as more than half of one's peers have not made it this far. Reaching the age of 75 is considered an achievement, as it means you have traversed half of this challenging decade. At this point, fewer than a third of your peers remain alongside you, and you have reached the national average life expectancy. At this symbolic milestone, you can glimpse the end of life’s journey.
If you manage to persist and complete the journey to 80, you are deemed a true victor in life. You have reached the pinnacle of life’s climb, where you can reflect on your stormy journey with satisfaction. Beyond this, the goals of reaching 90 or 100 years old become secondary. You can choose to continue forward or rest, letting fate guide your remaining days.
In the dictionary of life, there is no more time to come. The only thing we can control is to not regret the past, not wager on the future, but cherish today and live each day to its fullest.
(Original article is in Chinese)
原文
古稀之年是人生的一个重要节点，无论从哪个角度来说人过七旬也算是真正的老人了，至此绚丽的夕阳已接近地平线，多彩的人生亦近尾声。据官方的公开数据，在所有自然人中只有44％的人能跨过古稀的门坎，从而转身走在奔八的路上。
七十到八十这是人生最艰难的十年，是晚年生活的多事之秋。
这个区间要经受衰老的加速，各部器官都在不可逆转地退化和损耗，就象一台即将报废的机器还在缓慢运转。
这个期间是多种疾病的爆发期，由于人体免疫能力的降低和变异，再难有效抵御病菌病毒的侵袭，小病天天有，大病随时来已是常态现状。
这期间由于头脑反应减慢四肢不再灵活，头晕、噎呛、碰撞、摔跤等各种意外也会随时发生，而每一次意外都会带来难以承受的后果。
这期间还要经受失去亲朋、战友、同事、同学等同龄熟人的痛苦和悲伤，社交圈子越来越小，可倾诉的挚友越来越少，孤独寂寞感不断增加。
更危险的是这期间还会有一些人失聪失忆甚至失去自理能力，不但自己要忍受长期臥床的煎熬，也给子女增加了沉重负担。
这期间还会随时发生许多难以预料的事情，一件不经意的失误也能彻底改变你的人生。
谁的晚年都是一场血风睲雨，这绝不是危言耸听。
一曲老来难的古典戏曲道尽了老年人的辛酸凄凉。
当我写这些文字的时候我和我的战友、同学及许多朋友都已走在艰难的奔八路上，心态平一些，精神好一些，追求少一些，标准低一些，行动慢一些，步伐稳一些，锻炼多一些，吃饭少一些，都是我们应该遵守的行为准则。
有人说你能越过古稀踏在奔八的起跑线上你就是一个非常幸运的人，因为有一多半的同龄人已经掉队失去了奔八的资格。
如果你达到了75岁，那你就是一个人生赢家，因为最艰难的十年人生路你已行程过半，能和你比肩的同龄人绝对超不过三分之一，你的实际寿命已达到了全国平均预期生存年限的平均值。在这个里程碑式的加油站里，你只要抬脚翘首就可以隐约看到人生终点的那块标志牌了。
假如你一路坚持终于完成奔八的任务，那你就是一个人生十分完美的胜利者。因为你已经圆满到达攀登人生顶峰的大本营，可以躺平回味你的风雨人生路了。
接下来你可以对90岁、100岁那些缈茫的目标不屑一顾，随时随地可以决定前行或放弃，一切的一切都顺其自然、听天由命啦。
在我们的人生字典中已经没有了来日方长，我们唯一能够主宰的是：不悔昨天、不赌明天，珍惜今天，过好时下每一天。
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