“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1

Like much of the nation, the concept of age and time has been on my mind a lot lately.

Watching President Joe Biden struggle at the debate with Donald Trump several weeks ago brought to a head the issue of age.

So how old is too old?

Apparently, age contributed to the president dropping out of the presidential race, which is probably a good thing. I, like most of you, felt embarrassed and sad for the president watching him the night of the debate. That was not the legacy he should have been remembered for, but, unfortunately, it will probably be the thing most people remember.

But is 60 really the new 40?

And, if that is the case, is 80 the new 60?

This fall, I will turn 68. I would like to think my mind is still being well-exercised each and every day, and, certainly, it seems to think the rest of my body has the energy level of a 40-year-old. However, sometimes my knees, legs, and eyes do not always agree.

Am I old?

I do not think I’m old, but, in the eyes of my four grandchildren, I suppose I am, especially in the eyes of the younger ones.

A study published in April provided some interesting insight as to how people view age. The study was out of Germany and basically said that the definition of “old age” varies as we mature.

The study found that most people in my age bracket would define “old age” as starting at 75, but that, the older people get, the later they believe “old age” begins.

This week, my oldest granddaughter — a freshman at Findlay High — had a photo taken of her in her soccer uniform. As I looked at that beautiful young woman, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “When did she grow up so fast from that little toddler in my arms?”

That conundrum about time was also true for granddaughters Hannah and Abby, who both started school this week in Indiana. In their instance, I wondered where the summer went, now that school is starting so soon.

The same is true for Juliet here in Findlay, where summer ends next week, and classes resume.

While I might not totally understand all the nuances of that time question, I do know that time is a precious treasure, and I do not want to waste it.

That is why, these days, I try to spend as much time as I can with family, church, and friends. I want to invest my time wisely into things that have purpose and meaning.

And, since I still believe I have a lot to contribute, I want to stay connected in the community, rather than waste time on idle pursuits.

I know there is only so much time each person has been gifted with which to do things.

Let’s make the most of the time with which we have been blessed.

Bill Speer retired in 2021 as the publisher and editor of The News. He can be reached at bspeer@thealpenanews.com.