No matter how one celebrates birthdays, some “special” birthdays loom difficult, particularly those that end in a zero or a five.

Universally, age ten brings elation. For the first time, the birthday child moves into “double digits,” ending their childhood decade and advancing into adolescence, with its perception of increased freedom and friends.

Contrariwise, age twenty becomes more sobering, as the teen years ebb and the adulthood milestone appears. Adulthood introduces responsibility for one’s actions and future. The third decade of life expects attainment of maturity and a life plan. The sobriety fades quickly with the promise of happy times ahead, yielding a temporary reprieve from serious thought about life’s direction.

Age thirty presents a pivot point, necessitating a serious life direction and often introducing the “Quarter-life crisis,” a feeling of despair, being locked in an implacable position, sensing an urge to build a new life while recognizing that change is impossible. Life becomes more serious, exerting pressure to settle down, to establish deeper relationships, to build a long-term career. The slogan of the tumultuous 1960’s reminds: “Never trust anyone over thirty” — a dark reminder of moving into a different, more serious space.

Age forty, “the old age of youth” (Victor Hugo, 1802-1865), is unwelcome, as friends hold their nose and mispronounce it with an “ah” vowel sound. The infamous “Midlife Crisis” may arise, particularly if a life review reflects unfavorably and prompts a drastic change to improve the future. On the other hand, if a look back results favorably, life continues on a pleasant path.

Age fifty becomes “the youth of old age.” (Victor Hugo); and by age fifty-five, the birthday recipient reaches the “speed limit” of life, a time when some people contemplate slowing down to enjoy themselves more.

Age sixty introduces a decade of potential health decline, usually resulting in some reduction in aerobic fitness, physical activity and cognitive skills. But if one emerges through their seventh decade in relatively good health, birthdays no longer matter as much anymore.

By age seventy, maintaining good health and sound mind becomes most important. If one is fortunate to reach age eighty and beyond, one can almost get away with anything, because most people regard octogenarians as irresponsible as teenagers.

Through all the birthdays, one should recall the adage: ‘You are as young as you feel.” So, as they say in Brooklyn: “Fah get about it!”