Birthday, a new beginning

Shin Min Daily News, 8 Feb 2025, 生日，新起点

(translated summary)

A friend shared a story with me about her mother who was about to celebrate her 88th birthday. This old lady was looking forward to her birthday and was as excited as a child. She kept calling to confirm her birthday plans. “Are we still going to eat? When will you pick me up?” She was so excited that she could not contain her excitement, and her anticipation was beyond words. For her, this day was obviously not an ordinary day, but a special one filled with anticipation, joy and love.

Birthdays are not only markers of time, but also opportunities to reflect on the past, cherish the present, and build deeper connections with family and friends. Whether it is a lively party, a warm family gathering, or a quiet moment of solitude, this day reminds us to cherish life and our family and friends.

As we approach important birthday milestones—especially those ending in 9 (like 39, 49, or 59)—we tend to think more deeply about our lives.

Scholars Alter and Hershfield (2014) called this phenomenon: the “9-ending effect” and pointed out that people in this age group are more inclined to reflect on the past and set new goals, which is consistent with the “new starting effect” proposed by scholars Dai, Milkman, and Riis (2014). For example, many people decide to get fit, reorganise their lives, or review their social relationships after their birthday.

For older people, birthdays have more profound meaning. Loneliness is a problem faced by many older adults, and birthday celebrations can bring love and companionship, making them feel valued.

Scholar Murthy (2020) believes that spending time with the elderly allows them to find and strengthen social connections, helping to reduce loneliness. A phone call or a simple meal can bring warmth. However, not everyone likes to celebrate birthdays, especially as they age, and some people become anxious about birthdays. It is a reminder of the passage of time, unfinished dreams, and even lost loved ones. For those who live alone, birthdays may be more of a symbol of loneliness.

Scholars Ajdacic-Gross et al. (2012) analysed 2.5 million death data in Switzerland and found that people’s probability of dying on their birthdays is approximately 14% higher than on other days. A 2016 analysis of Japanese mortality data also found that people are more likely to die on their birthdays than on any other day of the year. This “birthday effect” may be related to celebrations, stress and subconscious expectations about age.

Therefore, when celebrating birthdays, we need to pay attention to one another’s feelings. Not everyone enjoys a lively celebration, and some prefer to keep it low-key. A greeting and showing care are often more heart-warming than gifts. A birthday is not just an increase in number but is also a reminder for us to cherish the present, life, ourselves and the people around us.

Whether you are 8 years old or 88 years old, a birthday is an opportunity to stop, experience life, and spend quality time with family and friends. The next time a friend or family member celebrates their birthday, take the initiative to send them blessings, send them a message, call them, or spend time with them. Because birthdays are not just a mark of time, but a time to let them feel your care and warmth.