[A Sip of Books] In Their 60s, Actually Better

Some sentences encapsulate the entire content of the book itself, while others instantly reach the reader's heart, creating a connection with the book. We introduce such meaningful sentences excerpted from the book. - Editor's note

The author, in his 60s, who lived intensely in his youth but now plans to live joyfully. At the age of 40, he survived a life-threatening crisis due to aplastic anemia, pioneered the wave of divorces at a time when divorce was socially taboo, endured an unstable life while moving with two children all over the country. Now, he spontaneously goes alone to Malta in the Mediterranean for language study, enjoys reading by visiting wonderful libraries everywhere, and dates several men through marriage apps. The author fascinatingly unfolds the reasons why being in your 60s is ‘actually better.’

People often say, “A mother-in-law loves her son-in-law.” It was probably a phrase condensed from the old mothers-in-law’s wish for their daughters to be treated well. But that saying is actually outdated. What’s so important about a mother-in-law? If the two like each other and live well, why does a mother-in-law’s love matter? - From Part 1 ‘In Malta’ | A Mother-in-Law Loves Her Son-in-Law?

On the contrary, I divorced early and don’t even know what living with in-laws is like. I never had a proper household. My older sister always has a big family. There’s a brother-in-law, sister-in-law, siblings-in-law, aunt-in-law, and more, so it’s bustling and they take care of and meddle with each other. I’m always alone, so sometimes I envy my sister. When my mother-in-law calls and says, “Emiya, when will you come home?” I find that so enviable. I thought it would be nice to have someone who takes care of me like that. But people who live with their in-laws say they get scared just hearing the word ‘Emiya.’ - From Part 1 ‘In Malta’ | My Special Companion

I am the type who tires men out. I was a naive person who only craved love. How exhausting it is to maintain love throughout life. When deciding to marry, I only thought of one thing: my love for him. Isn’t that natural? But later, I was really afraid my daughter would resemble me. It’s quite ironic. - From Part 2 ‘In Korea’ | That Person

How should one age? You can make your appearance look younger. In fact, our appearances have become so youthful that it’s hard to guess our age. It’s difficult to know age just by looking at someone. It’s important to think and act in accordance with your youthful appearance. Time passes quickly. I thought I was 60 just recently, but next year, no, next month, I will be 62. - From Part 2 ‘In Korea’ | I am Park Heekyung

In Your 60s, Actually Better | Written by Park Heekyung | Sideway | 224 pages | 15,000 KRW