The Platinum Jubilee: Celebrating 70 Years of Life
While the 70th birthday is commonly referred to simply as the “seventieth,” its more formal and celebratory name is the platinum jubilee. The tradition of using precious metals and gems to denote significant anniversaries, borrowed from wedding anniversary conventions and royal celebrations, adds a layer of grandeur to this milestone. Platinum, known for its strength, resilience, and precious nature, serves as a fitting symbol for seven decades of life, experience, and wisdom.
The term gained significant public recognition during the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's 70th anniversary on the throne in 2022. For an individual's birthday, a platinum jubilee marks not just the completion of a set number of years, but the endurance and value of a life well-lived. This celebration is a time for family and friends to recognize the profound impact and enduring legacy of the septuagenarian, the term for a person in their 70s.
The Septuagenarian Decade: The Formal Term for Your 70s
Beyond the celebratory name, the formal term for a person aged 70 to 79 is a septuagenarian. This word, derived from Latin, helps classify this period of life and is part of a longer list of decade-based names, including sexagenarian (60s) and octogenarian (80s). The term is often used in writing or formal contexts, highlighting the prestige of reaching this age group. Being a septuagenarian today often signifies a period of newfound freedom and vitality, contrary to older societal views of aging. Many septuagenarians are retired, exploring new hobbies, traveling, and enjoying time with family, making this phase of life a fulfilling and exciting chapter.
Exploring the History and Tradition of Jubilees
The concept of a jubilee has deep historical and cultural roots, stemming from ancient biblical traditions and extending to modern monarchical celebrations.
- Biblical Roots: In the Hebrew Bible, the Jubilee Year occurred every 50th year, during which debts were forgiven, and enslaved people were set free. This concept of a time for liberation and restoration has influenced the modern interpretation of a jubilee as a grand celebration.
- Royal Tradition: Monarchs have long marked milestone anniversaries of their reign with jubilees. Queen Elizabeth II notably celebrated her Silver (25th), Golden (50th), Diamond (60th), Sapphire (65th), and Platinum (70th) jubilees, popularizing these terms and their associations with precious materials.
This historical context adds weight and meaning to a 70th birthday celebration. Rather than simply another birthday, it becomes an occasion to reflect on a long and meaningful life, celebrating personal achievements, relationships, and the journey taken over seven decades.
How to Celebrate a Platinum Jubilee Birthday
Celebrating a 70th birthday is a deeply personal experience, but some popular ideas can make the occasion special and memorable.
- Gatherings with loved ones: A classic family gathering or a larger party with friends and family is a wonderful way to honor the individual.
- Focus on memories: Create a personalized photo album or video montage compiling cherished moments from their life.
- 70 Things We Love About You: Have friends and family contribute 70 special memories, stories, or reasons they love the person, which can be compiled into a keepsake book.
- Legacy projects: This milestone can inspire the person to write their life story, create a family tree, or pass on a special skill to a younger generation.
- Experiential gifts: Instead of material items, consider a trip, a class, or a special experience that the person has always wanted to have.
These ideas focus on celebrating the individual's life and wisdom, emphasizing the meaningful connections they have made throughout their journey.
Comparison of Milestone Birthday Names
This table provides a quick overview of the names associated with major milestone birthdays, highlighting the tradition of linking specific years to precious materials or significant events.
| Milestone Year | Informal Name | Formal/Traditional Name | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | Fiftieth | Golden Jubilee | Golden years, a time of prosperity and wisdom |
| 60 | Sixtieth | Diamond Jubilee | Rarity and lasting strength (also used for 75th) |
| 70 | Seventieth | Platinum Jubilee | Precious, enduring, and resilient, marking a significant, rare milestone |
| 80 | Eightieth | Octogenarian | Designates a person in their 80s, highlighting the decade reached |
| 100 | Hundredth | Centenarian | Reaching a century, a truly rare and honored achievement |
Embracing the Healthy Aging Mindset
The 70th birthday is also a perfect time to embrace a proactive approach to healthy aging. This isn't just about celebrating the past but about looking forward to the future with vitality. Health and wellness during the septuagenarian decade and beyond are often about maintaining an active lifestyle, staying socially engaged, and prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Focusing on these aspects can help an individual thrive in their later years. For more guidance on this topic, a reputable health resource like the National Institute on Aging offers valuable information on healthy aging practices. https://www.nia.nih.gov/
Conclusion
In summary, while a what is a 70 year birthday called question might seem simple, the answer holds a rich history. A 70th birthday is called a platinum jubilee, a term reflecting the longevity, resilience, and preciousness of a life reaching this significant age. As a milestone, it's an opportunity to celebrate a septuagenarian’s wisdom, reflect on their journey, and look forward to the future with purpose and joy. Celebrations can be meaningful, personal, and focus on honoring the life and legacy of the individual being celebrated.
