Living Life on Purpose
I just turned 73 and found myself reflecting on my life, in light of all that’s happening around me. It wasn’t about being dramatic or thinking my life is coming to an end—today. It was simply about taking stock. It was about being aware of where I am and having the courage to ask an honest question: What does it mean to live well at 73 years old? Living Life on Purpose.
Living a Balanced Life, as We Age
Living Life on Purpose. I live in a community where there are many people my age. I notice how differently we each respond to the concept of aging and the passing of time. Some folks slowly shrink their world. They stop caring about their health, their appearance, and anything that requires too much effort. They are not interested in learning anything new and would rather you not ask them to do so. Then there are those over sixty who count the days until retirement with excitement, only to discover that once the structure falls away, there is nothing underneath it. No hobbies. No community. No sense of contribution. And with that, a quiet sadness settles in. I know people who fall into both categories, and it scares me.
What I know is that a balanced life doesn’t happen by accident; it happens by design. It’s like a beautiful garden, something that requires steady, thoughtful tending. If I had waited until 73 to focus on my health, I would have missed the mark. I’m not saying someone can’t play catch‑up, only that it becomes harder. For me, I couldn’t postpone caring for my body, discovering hobbies, nurturing meaningful friendships, cultivating purpose, or finding ways to give back. The answer has always been the same: keep going, keep learning, and keep stretching myself.
Technology Keeps on Changing, Regardless of Our Age.
Living Life on Purpose. I’ve lived through more technological shifts than I can count. I remember when television programming actually went off the air at night, leaving nothing but static until the early morning hours. Today, of course, content streams around the clock.
Growing up in New York, we had three major networks—ABC, CBS, and NBC—and three local stations. I spent countless hours watching Million Dollar Movie on WOR, Wonderama on WNEW, and Popeye & Felix the Cat on WPIX. I was nine years old when The Jetsons first aired, and it felt absolutely mind‑bending. Flying cars? Video calls? The idea that you could see the person you were talking to seemed like pure science fiction. Fast‑forward to now, and we carry devices in our pockets that compress our entire lives—communication, entertainment, information—into something smaller than a paperback book. It still amazes me how far we’ve come.
For years, people have insisted there was nothing left to invent, nothing new that could possibly emerge. Yet the world kept changing. And every time it did, the people who stayed curious, adaptable, and willing to learn found new footing—and often, new joys. The moment we’re living in now is no different, even if it feels louder and faster. Technology is reshaping how people see themselves, their value, and their place in the world. Many respond by checking out mentally, saying, “I’m too old to care,” or “I’m too old to learn one more thing.” I understand the impulse, but for me, that mindset has never led to a fulfilling life—no matter how much time I have ahead of me.
Learning Keeps Us Alive, as we Age.
Learning keeps me alive. Being curious keeps my mind flexible and my spirit engaged. It gives me a reason to feel like I am a part of this world. I have become an active participant in my life not just a visitor observing from the sidelines. This does not mean chasing every trend or reinventing myself endlessly. It simply means not giving up on life just because I am no longer a young person. If we are lucky, we will get old. It doesn’t mean we give up joy, give up relevance, or give up life. A well-lived next chapter is about being deliberate in thinking through the path ahead.
Healthy Role Models, as we Age.
One final thought. Having healthy role models, even as we age, is important. They demonstrate —through their choices, their consistency, and their character—how to live with integrity, resilience, and purpose. A good role model doesn’t have to be perfect; in fact, their imperfections often teach us the most. What makes them powerful is the way they navigate life with intention: how they treat others, how they handle challenges, how they keep growing. When we witness someone living in alignment with their values, it gives us a blueprint for our own lives. It reminds us that we can choose who we become, and that becoming is a lifelong practice.
As I reflect this year on my own aging process, this is what feels most worth sharing. Not fear of aging, but respect for it. Not resisting change but having a relationship with it. Not waiting for life to slow down but choosing to stay engaged.
That, to me, is an Esteemable Act. And it is one we get to practice for as long as we are here.
If these reflections resonate with you, I explore these themes more deeply in my book Esteemable Acts. It is an invitation to live with intention, integrity, and care through every season of life, especially the ones that ask us to adapt and grow. You can learn more about the book and find a copy on the bottom section of my website here. I hope it serves as a steady companion as you continue shaping a life that feels balanced, engaged, and genuinely your own.
Francine D. Ward
Attorney-at-Law, Author, Speaker
Follow Francine:
Don’t miss Francine’s Latest Blogs:
- Living Life on PurposeLiving Life on Purpose I just turned 73 and found myself reflecting on my life, in light of all that’s happening around me. It wasn’t about being dramatic or thinking… Read more: Living Life on Purpose
- Declutter Home.From Chaos to Calm: Why Decluttering is a Gift to Yourself and Your Family Declutter home. How often do we think of decluttering as simply “cleaning up” a messy or… Read more: Declutter Home.
- snapshot of youA Snapshot of YOU! Health and Finance, a snapshot of you. This is another blog addressing Part 3 of the Esteemable Acts Vision and Values Worksheet Series. It is your… Read more: snapshot of you
- Baby Steps to SuccessBaby steps to success is the answer. I am a tortoise. A slow-moving, methodical breed of animal. While I sometimes look like a hare, because I’ve accomplished a lot, every… Read more: Baby Steps to Success
- Health and Finance.Health aNd Finance. Health and Finance, a snapshot of you. This is another blog addressing Part 3 of the Esteemable Acts Vision and Values Worksheet Series. It is your invitation… Read more: Health and Finance.