Spry

   It has finally happened, and is now apparently official. Paul McCartney is now old and therefore can be referred to as "spry." At least, that's the term used in a New York Times report the other day. Specifically, the reviewer called him "very spry."
   Why is that reporters, usually young writers, label anyone over the age of 70 who can still walk as "spry"?
   Many entertainers continue to perform well into their 80s. The same goes for people in general. Paul McCartney is 74, so by comparison to other, even older people still active in show business, he is still a "whippersnapper."
   Mick Jagger is now 73, Paul Simon is 74, Barbra Streisand is 74, and Tony Bennett is still singing at 90.
   Are they all "spry"?

   Beyond the entertainment field, there are many thousands of people in business and other areas who are still active and productive. And believe it or not, they can still walk and think at the same time, even as they work in their 70s, 80s and 90s.
   Ronald Reagan was 70 when he was elected President, and served two terms. Many members of Congress currently serving are over 70. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is 74. Sen. John McCain of Arizona is now 79, and will mark his 80th birthday at the end of this month.
   Pope Francis is now 79, and will turn 80 in December. And Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain is 90.

   Are they also "spry"?