Should I grow old gracefully – or disgracefully?

Now that I’m about to turn 70, I’m wondering: shall I grow old gracefully, or disgracefully? Everyone I know, young and old, tells me that I must go disgracefully (and that’s how they plan to go, or so they say). It seems that growing old gracefully has gone out of style – especially for women – but maybe it’s time for a revival?

What’s the difference between the two? Growing older gracefully is about letting go of the pleasures of youth – sex, drugs, rock ’n’ roll or whatever vice you prefer – for the more restrained and dignified delights of maturity. You dress, act and talk in an age-appropriate way. No trainers. No jeans. No attempts at appearing young.

And no fun either, or so the school of growing old disgracefully would claim.