Granny Years - a note from Dad

Some time back, in a discussion on aging, the concept emerged that in our family age should not be viewed in the same way that others view it. At least not on the same scale. To compare our chronological ages with those outside the family is to ignore a fundamental difference. A year to family members is less significant than to others due to the “Granny Factor”. Whether genetic or acquired through osmosis, this factor leads to longevity approximately 34% greater than for the general population. When measured in “Granny Years” ones age can then be safely and accurately compared with others. This has the added benefit of allowing age to be expressed in terms that are socially more acceptable while at the same time maintaining our integrity and avoiding any hint of deception.

As the chart below shows, each of us has attained an age, in Granny Years, that we can be comfortable with and which is more in keeping with our own perceptions.

Granny's current age 99
Life expectancy at 99: 106
Normal life expectancy: 79
Granny Year Ratio 134%

Age in
Chronological Granny
Age Years

Granny at 99 (in Granny Years) 74
Dad at 60 (GY) 45
Mom at 59 (GY) 44
Jeff at 41 (GY) 31
Dedra at 36 (GY) 27
Robert at 38 (GY) 28
Amanda at 32 (GY) 24
Jennifer at 38 (GY) 28
Richard at 39 (GY) 29
Allison at 30 (GY) 22

Whether this is fully appreciated by others is debatable, however, among ourselves it is a settled issue.


Note: Children, under the age of 21, are not listed in this presentation as they might understandably be offended by the result.

Today's word in Hawaiian is Kahiko (kah hee' koh) means old.