So go already. I'm a few months short of 80, and life remains fascinating and rewarding to me. I may not have a lot more to contribute in terms of career, but I'm thrilled to contribute loving support to my wife, kids, and grandkids. I learn new things every day, about the world and about myself, and I try to show loving kindness by word and by deed. When it's time for me to go, I'll do my best to exit gracefully, but I'm not in a rush. I'm not so proud to think that I, rather than the Universe (or God, if that's your thing), know when that will be.
The article is 10 years old. I wonder how he feels about it today, as his "due date" approaches.
I've heard that 80 is the magic number when your life gets harder due to old age. The body starts breaking down much faster after that. Does anyone have any sources to back that up? I know that people I've known seem to have more health problems as they get into their 80's. Any way you look at it, life is short.