Aging can be both gratifying and daunting. As we get older, we gain wisdom, experience, and perspective, but we can also face new challenges such as illness or injury. As Bette Davis said, “Getting old ain’t for sissies.”
The 60th birthday has become a distinct milestone on the road of life, a place to stop and celebrate what we have achieved and consider how we want to spend the years ahead. It’s a point of transition into a new phase of living.
Especially considering many of us decide to retire in this decade, turning 60 can be an exciting time filled with possibilities. It may have its uncertainties, yes, but one thing will always be true: You’ll never again be as young as you are today.
Here, we’ve collected 15 of our favorite quotes on turning 60 (and growing older in general) to highlight that ultimately, age is just a number. In the end, the quality of our years matters far more than the quantity, so celebrate, take care of yourself, and enjoy life to its fullest in whatever way is most meaningful to you.
Now that I’m 60, every morning I look in the mirror and say, “I don’t know who you are, stranger, but I’m gonna shave you anyway.”Milton Friedman, presidential speechwriter
I was born old and get younger every day. At present I am 60 years young.Herbert Beerbohm Tree, actor and theater manager
Though it sounds absurd, it is true to say I felt younger at 60 than I felt at 20.Ellen Glasgow, novelist
When you’re 60 you start bragging about your age. How else are you going to get your senior discounts?Melanie White, designer
Getting old is a fascinating thing. The older you get, the older you want to get.Keith Richards
You make me chuckle when you say that you are no longer young, that you have turned 24. A man is or may be young to after 60, and not old before 80.Oliver Wendell Holmes
Now that I'm over 60 I'm veering toward respectability.Shelley Winters, actress
With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.William Shakespeare
The slogan was “Don't trust anyone over 30.” Sixty years later the slogan became, “Don't trust anyone over 90.”John McCarthy, computer scientist
Getting old is like climbing a mountain; you get a little out of breath, but the view is much better!Ingrid Bergman
The secret of long life is double careers. One to about age 60, then another for the next 30 years.David Ogilvy, advertising tycoon
If I had to live again, I would do exactly the same thing. Of course I have regrets, but if you are 60 years old and you have no regrets, you haven’t lived.Christy Moore, folk singer
At 60, I know little more about wisdom than I did at 30, but I know a great deal more about folly.Mason Cooley, aphorist
Your 40s are good. Your 50s are great. Your 60s are fab. And 70 is f*@king awesome!Helen Mirren
Photo credit: HT Ganzo/ iStock via Getty Images Plus
