From Colossus Inklings No.120
A reader recently wrote in to tell us that she was 20 years past threescore and ten. Why didn’t she just say ‘fourscore and ten’? I suspect it’s because the prescribed lifespan of an average person was purported to be threescore and ten’ 70 years old. And she was telling us that she was proud to have cheated that prediction by reaching 90 years old.
In the Old Testament, Psalms 90 has the line:
‘The days of our years are threescore years and ten.’
- Although we expect to live past 70, the average life expectancy of the world nowadays is only 66.12.
- According to United Nations estimates for 2005-10, Australia’s life expectancy at birth is ranked fifth among the world’s nations for men and sixth for women.
- In 2008, the average life expectancy for Australians is 80.73 and for New Zealanders 80.24.
I would love to know how many of our puzzlers have beaten three score and ten?
We received a wonderful response to the longevity question. I’m thrilled that so many of you lively and alert readers over threescore and ten write in and give inspiration to us all. Here are some of the letters:
Eureka, I have beaten the Cryptic. Yes, the first time! Even if I dont win a prize, to me I have won. I enjoy all your puzzles and have withdrawal symptoms if I havent a puzzle on the go. To me an eighty year old puzzles, reading and embroidery are more stimulating than TV. Keep up the good work.
Barbara OConnell
Napier, NZ
In reply to your request for puzzlers over three score years and ten, I offer the following details. My husband Leslie will be 93 years old on the 16th April and has been doing your puzzles for over thirty years not only Colossus but The Works collection. We do not have a computer so can’t use the Internet, just a thesaurus and a large Collins English dictionary (which was a prize he won in one of your competitions many years ago). He maintains that the puzzles keep his mind active and are a source of great enjoyment, for which he thanks you. I am 85 and a puzzler too!
Joan Whitehorn
Vincentia, NSW
Thanks Joan, your letter is more proof that puzzles really do keep your minds active – CL
On my next birthday in April I will be 88 years old. My doctor expects me to get to 95. I have a cousin who is 93. No one else in our families has done this. We are the sole remaining members of our family. I was the youngest. I was a shorthand typist for the National Bank of Australia. I was called in to see the manager and asked if I would learn to be a teller to let a man go to the war. I did. Females were not allowed to do that job before then and I was one of the first female tellers. I do my own housework but need help with taxis to get out. I have 13 great-grandchildren and my cousin has 33. My happiest days are when the postman leaves a book from you in my letterbox. My doctor says I will never get Alzheimers disease. Good!
K Marshall
Hillarys, WA
You know what they say – A puzzle book a day keeps Alzheimers away – CL
You were wondering about the age of some of your puzzlers. Well I feel I must tell you about my mother. She lives in her own unit, looks after herself, keeps herself busy by reading, playing darts and cards, and catching the bus into Perth to meet friends for lunch.
But most of all she must have one of your MEGA! puzzle books handy to keep her brain active. She is 98!! We are so proud of her.
Noreen Hastie
Kingsley, WA
What a woman! I thought I had a busy life, how does she keep up? I can only say I hope I have half her energy if Im ever lucky enough to be 98
CL
I have just picked up Colossus 120. I must have bought the first issue in 1982 after retiring at the end of 1981 aged 60. So I am now three score and seventeen. I have one addiction crosswords, and in due course one book every two months was not enough. I soon added BIG. I dont always compete in the competitions, but have sent in many over the years no winners! But then I have never won anything drawn out of a barrel. I have been lucky in other ways good health, always smooth flying on all my trips around the world on the way back to my native land, Switzerland. I have very limited resources, no computer and I dont go to town to find out answers. Occasionally I manage to finish a Giant Cryptic, never a Baffler, Stinker or Demon, but I have a go at everything. I buy the pocket cryptic which is useful in the handbag. I dont always see the connection with questions and answers but I like the challenge. Thank you for your varied offerings. I wish you all the success you deserve.
I Gugger
Rockdale, NSW
I love your positive attitude and youre right winning prizes is good but its so food to have good health, or an active mind – CL
I have been doing your puzzles for quite a few years now and always enter the competitions. I have won a few prizes now and again for which many thanks. In this months Colossus edition you asked for people over the age of three score and ten to write to you. I have, on the 19th December 08 turned 85. So Ive beaten three score and ten by 15 years! Your crosswords quite obviously keep my brain active I also do a lot of reading. My sister Mrs Doyle from Christchurch NZ will be turning 94 in March. She also does a lot of reading and crosswords and walks once a day to the shops! Good, eh?!
Mrs P L Delahoyde
Ocean Reef, WA
Please pass our birthday greetings to your sister Mrs Doyle for this month for turning 94. I marvel at how you readers keep getting sharper as you grow older! – CL
I love your crossword puzzles and have done for many years. Also I am a lefty. To grant your wish about age, I will be 90 in March.
Harry Allen
Geraldton, WA
I turned 80 in December and wish to tell you how much I enjoy your crosswords. Although my body feels its age with spinal difficulties and arthritis, my brain still seems to tick on and your puzzles certainly help, even if I can only complete Baffler and Stinker by a miracle. The miracle didnt happen this time
Pat Pattison
South Windsor, NSW
Good to know your 80-year-old brain is still puzzling away, Pat. Glad to hear our puzzles help – CL
You were wondering about the age of some of your puzzlers. Well I feel I must tell you about my mother. She lives in her own unit, looks after herself, keeps herself busy by reading, playing darts and cards, and catching the bus into Perth to meet friends for lunch. But most of all she must have one of your Mega! puzzle books handy to keep her brain active. She is 98!! We are so proud of her.
Noreen Hastie
Kingsley, WA
What a woman! I thought I had a busy life, how does she keep up? I can only say I hope I have half her energy if Im lucky enough to be 98! – CL