This outburst of “Surely not” wasn’t said out loud. But for all that, it did make a significant impact. My granddaughter was talking birthdays and innocently asked me, “How old are you Granddad?” To which I replied “How old do you think I am?” She did her diplomatic best saying “Oh, 69-70”. When I told her that I’m 77, she said with some amazement, “You’re nearly 80!”
I would not be surprised if my dear granddaughter was wondering how come all those years had slipped by and all of a sudden Granddad is old. I thought “Don’t rush your years my dear, old age has much to answer for”. Generally, each generation is living longer but I recognise just how chronically complex life gets for those of us who are entering the “2nd age of the dinosaur”.