Turning 60 celebrating Beddian birthday
Posted on by Debbie

Happy Beddian Birthday to those of us born in 1960!

What’s a Beddian Birthday?

A Beddian Birthday is when the age a person is turning is the same number as the last two digits of their birth year. Apparently, the Beddian birthday is named after NYC firefighter Bobby Beddia, who noted this coincidence.

So someone, say me, born in 1960, will experience their Beddian Birthday when they turn 60. If you were born in 1912 then your Beddian birthday would have been when you turned 12. If you were born in 2000 then your Beddian birthday will be when you turn 100.

Get the idea? So it’s feasible that many people may not actually get to celebrate their Beddian birthday. Have you had yours yet?

I remember commenting on this phenomena when my husband turned 57, as he was born in 1957. I looked into it and found that it is sometimes called a Golden Birthday or a Beddian Birthday. Have you ever heard of it before?

Calling all 1960 babies

So here I am celebrating my Beddian Birthday, along with many others who were born in 1960. I wonder if they are aware of this special year too?

ageing gratefully quote
ageing gratefully quote

So far this is the oldest I’ve ever been

I am feeling a bit odd celebrating my birthday this year, as it’s not been a great year in lots of ways and we lost my mother-in-law just a week ago, so we’re not really in a celebratory mood.

But 60 is a milestone so it has to be done! And Ruby would have wanted me to celebrate.

If you’re interested in finding out exactly how many days old you are then this link will help – it’s a fun exercise: How many days old are you?

Bowie ageing quote
Bowie ageing quote

It seems I have written a birthday post every year since I started blogging, it’s now become somewhat of a tradition.

My post 12 things to do before turning 60 and the more recent updated version tell more of the story. I’ve managed to tick most things off my lists, except for the travel items – maybe in another few years!

I love the BBCTV show Mum, especially the episode where Cathy turned 60. Have you seen it? I took this shot from the show and edited it with my name – just for a laugh. I know my family won’t do me a birthday banner 🙂

Debbie is 60
Debbie is 60

Plans? Surprise!!

I had a few days away organised, Santa photos with my granddaughter and lunch out with my daughter and her growing family (the new baby is due in about 7 weeks time).

All very nice…

BUT THEN – my youngest daughter and 9 month old grandson surprised me by flying down for the weekend. My whole family was in on it and they ‘got me’ well and good – I had no idea it had been planned for months! But wow did it lift my spirits!

My daughter in England sent me a text saying ‘Surprise mum, open the door’ – I knew it was impossible for her to be here given the current international travel restrictions, but it made me laugh 🙂 She will be with us in spirit and on Facetime during the weekend.

Back when I turned 50 I had two of my three daughters living in the UK, and they both came home and surprised me for my birthday celebrations! It meant we were all together for the first time in years.

Again I had no idea – my family and friends are very sneaky I’ve decided. But they certainly know what makes me happy 🙂

  • Surprise!!
  • Granny Debs playing games

I just happened to have my hair done for the birthday celebrations and I loved the addition of some curls for a change.

Getting ready to leave my 50s behind!

BUT THEN (take 2) – an update

Another slap in the face from 2020 – the year that just keeps giving!

Turning 60 made me sick – literally! The night before my birthday I woke feeling unwell and promptly vomited my way into the dawn of my 60th year. I had caught a stomach bug and felt awful for a full 24 hours – on my special day of all days! Thanks for the memories 2020!

I rallied with the WonderWoman strength I’m known for and managed to make the pre-booked Santa photo shoot with 2 of my grandchildren.

Santa Photo 2020

Out of all of us, including Santa, I was the only one smiling, because although I felt awful, I knew this was a moment to treasure.

To be fair, the grand-babies weren’t too sure about the whole Santa experience, but they were happy enough to wave at him from a distance and accept the little presents.

I managed to make the lunch that had been planned and opened my wonderful presents from my wonderful family. I then lay in the sunshine and promptly fell asleep. In fact the kids have photographic evidence of me sleeping my way through most of the day – and it wasn’t even a hangover sickness!

My lovely daughters had this made for me
My lovely daughters had this made for me

The next day I woke feeling better and we managed our planned breakfast before taking my youngest daughter and baby grandson to the airport for the flight home. They were all pleased to see me feeling better 🙂

birthday group
birthday group

Despite the year we’ve had there are things to be thankful for and I have much to look forward to. I am happy we are able to get together with family, I am fit and (reasonably) healthy, I am in pretty good shape and I am lucky to live where I live. I have people who care about me and support me when times aren’t so good. I am truly fortunate and grateful.

Life is good!

Happy Beddian birthday to all the 1960 babies 🙂

Deb xx

Sharing for Denyse’s #lifethisweek

Birthday Girl – 2013

Birthday thoughts – 2014

I just needed to crunch some leaves – 2015

Bring on 2017 – 2016

What makes the birthday girl so special – 2017

A birthday letter from me – 2018

A birthday letter to myself – 2019

You can also find Deb’s World in lots of other places – stay in touch by clicking any of the buttons below.

Everyone has a story to tell!

Debbie - mother of a 40 year old

Deb is a young-at-heart & active 60+ blogger/retiree, after being made redundant from her 22-year career managing education programs in a men’s correctional centre (jail). She now spends her time reading, blogging, riding her ebike and travelling. Deb was awarded a Bravery Award from the Queen when she was 17 after a tragic accident – a definite life changing moment! She is married with 3 grown-up daughters & has 4 grandchildren. You can read more of Deb’s story here

Copyright © 2024 debs-world.com – All rights reserved

42 Replies to “Happy Beddian Birthday to those of us born in 1960!”

  1. Oh, my goodness – well – if I make it – mine will be when I’m 71. Great stuff! For the most part, I don’t have an issue with aging, except those aches and pains that weren’t there before. I see things that I can’t do any longer. But I’m aging with the man I love, and we laugh together. We appreciate the Wisdom it brings. Feel free to visit my site too – so we can share this aging thing together for support! Have a good day!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. This is the first time I have heard of the word “Beddian.” As I read further, Deb, I have heard of the concept, yet, I did not know it had a name. I have not watched “Mum.” Funny about the sign. The best gifts spending time with your (growing) family. What a nice surprise. I suspect it was a great deal of fun for your family to plan it all. Your daughter in England’s text made me smile. Humour always helps. I love all of the photos. You still look great in the Santa photo, despite not feeling well. The love leaps from the page.❤️xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Erica, I think my family had a great time planning the whole surprise, knowing how much I would enjoy it! They gave me stunning thoughtful gifts which I will treasure. I’m so glad you can feel the love from my words xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  3. You have introduced me to a new word. I have no idea when/what mine is!!

    I thought you were pretty quiet on your actual birthday …now I know why and that is awful. What a shame.

    The gift from the family is amazing. So many details like your daughter’s hand on her pregnant belly. Love that it surprised you so much too to have your Qld daughter and grandson arrive.

    Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek on my blog. Next week it’s the final week for 2020. I have appreciated the bloggers who visit regularly to link up and to comment on my post as well. Next Week: 51/51 Own Choice. 21.12.2020
    #LifeThisWeek Returns on Monday 4 January 2021. May the festive season be kind to you and yours. Denyse.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Isn’t it funny, my sister said she thought I was very quiet on my birthday too! It wasn’t very pleasant I can tell you but we enjoyed our time together. They are very caring and love surprising me 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. I’d never heard of a beddian birthday before and to be honest, I wonder if I’ll make it to mine (71!) So much to be grateful for in this post (apart from the tummy bug of course,) and how lovely that the family surprised you – hope it won’t be to long before the travel restrictions are lifted and you can see your UK based daughter and family. I love the family portrait – what a treasure!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Sammie, it was really interesting to find out about Beddian birthdays! The surprises and gifts were fabulous and I’m so lucky to have such caring daughters and family, love them to bits!

      Like

      Reply

  6. A very Happy Birthday to you, Debbie! I am so sorry to hear about your Mother-in-law. The older I get, the more I understand the work bittersweet, I think it is a word born out of time and experience. My Beddian birthday is a few years off since I was born in 1963. How fun. I had never heard of this before 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Deb, I am so sorry to read about your Mother-in-law. I can understand why you were not in a celebratory mood. Happy Beddian birthday. I had never heard that term before. Thanks for teaching me something new. I had my Beddian birthday 6 years ago same as your husband! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Belated Happy Birthday, Deb. How wonderful of your family to surprise you and for your daughter in England to participate. So sorry you woke up sick on your birthday. Wonderful picture of you and some of your grands with Santa. BIrthday blessings, Michele

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. I remember my 49th birthday for the dose of salmonella – on a Saturday birthday too! And my 50th birthday which I spent packing the Sydney house up with Sarah and Grant already moved up north, so yes, regardless of what’s going on, you have to celebrate. Love the surprises and the joy on your face. Happy birthday my friend…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Jo, the surprise was fabulous and they really got me!! I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one to suffer like that on a major birthday although I feel sorry for you at the same time!

      Like

      Reply

  13. Hi Deb – many happies for this special birthday and I’m looking to you to forge the way ahead into our 60’s and beyond. I feel like this may be the decade where we truly focus down to what’s important and meaningful and discard all the dross from the decades before. It’s going to be great to see where the next ten years takes you (and me!) xx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hi Leanne, thank you for your birthday wishes. Enjoy your last year in your 50s, it’s a great time in our lives. I wonder where we’ll be in 10 years time 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  14. Happy Birthday Deb and beautiful memories from your thoughtful family. Such a lovely surprise to have at least two of your three daughters together and of course the grandchildren just add to the joy. My Beddian birthday was when I turned 57. Welcome to the 60s club and for me turning 60 was even better than turning 50. Have wonderful celebrations and yes a curl always makes a girl feel special. xx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  17. Happy Birthday to you! I had never heard of a Beddian birthday…. and this was my year as well. I turned 60 as well, but given the Covid-19 situation here, it was decidedly uneventful. It was wonderful to hear your’s had some nice surprise visitors. It finally hit me the other day when I had to answer 60-64 on a survey – I’m 60!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  18. Happy birthday, Debbie! I just hit 62 this week. A few more aches and pains, but l can’t complain. Too many blessings in my life to feel anything but happy.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  19. Happy 60th Birthday Debbie! Thanks for sharing about a Beddian birthday. I have not heard of it till now when I read your post. Have a terrific celebration with family and remember, 60 is the new 50! Have a fun time and cheers to good health, a loving family and a may 2021 bring you all things good. Garfield hugs and blessings.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  20. Happy birthday Deb! I had never heard of a Beddian birthday, mine will be when I turn 66. It must be a good month for surprise birthdays because we’re having a surprise one for my mother-in-law tomorrow. Torrential rain has changed our plans a bit – it will be inside rather than a garden party. My sons surprised my dad for his 80th by flying over to NZ. That was lovely. Hope you enjoyed your day

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  26. Denver this is a great fun post for your Beddian Birthday. I’ve never heard the term but wish I’d known it when I turned 54. I couldn’t resist going to your link to find out how many days old I am. 24422! At first glance it looks like a lot of days but when you think of a whole life, it’s really not many. It made me realise we should make the most of every day. Sounds to me like you have fun times coming up to celebrate. Have a very Happy Birthday Deb.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  27. I haven’t heard of a Beddian birthday…..and I’ve had mine! I always thought your Golden birthday was when you are turning the same age as the day…e.g. 29 on the 29th. Same idea! We have much to be grateful for ….even this year! Happy birthday! 🎈🎉🎈🎉🎈🎉

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

Let's keep the conversation going...

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Blog at WordPress.com.