What’s the Expiration Date?

A new internist suggested to one of us after studying recent lab results that we had, maybe, 10 good years left if we’re lucky. We thought we weren’t due to expire, literally, for at least another 15 or even 20 years! 

Expiration dates confront us every day. At the grocery store, we check the expiration dates before buying almost any item. An apple might feel mushy, so you ask, “How long has this been sitting here?” Expired. Move on. Same with prepared foods, a pastry or loaf of bread. Is it fresh or has its day of freshness expired? Makeup, you check to make sure it’s still okay to use. No one wants to break out in a rash or have puffy infected eyes or lips. There are also expiration dates on warranties for appliances, your car and that fancy camera you just purchased. 

Knowing there’s a shorter expiration date for us puts everything we intend to buy and do in a different perspective of a shorter time frame. 

Too bad we can’t read the tea leaves and know how much time we have left.  It’s something to keep in mind for certain purchases. For example, if you’re about to buy a new KitchenAid standing mixer, does it make sense to buy the bigger, most expensive model with dough hook and ice cream maker when in 10 years it will still be working and you won’t be cooking anything, probably not even standing like the mixer? Maybe it makes sense to go with a less costly hand-held model, a fraction of the price. 

And how about those new knees you hope to get or hips? Will they outlast you or will you need to do the operations again, along with another face lift, more Botox, a new kitchen if yours is dated, a new sofa and even a new smart TV? Should you get a new pet if you’re aging, and the pet might outlive you? Something important to consider. 

Maybe, everything we have is just fine for our remaining time frames. We’re rethinking everything on the to-do list, and Googling AI for the time frames. This is what we read. 
1.    How  long does a new knee last? A new knee replacement typically lasts 15 to 20 years, but can last up to 25 years. Check this off as a smart purchase. 
2.    What about a new hip or shoulder? A hip replacement can last 10–20 years, but some can last longer. The longevity of a hip replacement depends on the patient's age, weight, activity level, and the type of implant used. 
3.    How long does a quality induction cooktop? Consumer-grade induction cooktops are designed to last about 10,000 hours, which is typically around 10 years. However, the lifespan of an induction cooktop is measured in hours, not years. Weigh your options. 
4.    How long does a single-process hair coloring last? A single process hair color typically lasts between 4 to 8 weeks before noticeable fading or root regrowth, depending on your hair type, the color used, and your hair care routine; most people will need a touch-up every 4-6 weeks to maintain the color. Obviously, you’re safe having this done lots and for years.  
5.    How long does a quart of whole milk last? A quart of whole milk typically lasts around 5-7 days once opened and stored properly in the refrigerator; however, it's best to check the "sell by" date on the carton and use your senses to ensure it's still fresh before consuming. 
6.    What about a carton of a dozen eggs? A carton of eggs can last 3 to 5 weeks in the refrigerator. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using them within 3 weeks for best quality. 
7.    How long does a big bag of pretzels last? The length of time a bag of pretzels lasts depends on whether they are hard or soft, salted or unsalted, and how they are stored. Soft pretzels can be frozen which will extend their shelf life. 
8.    How long does a facelift last? The duration of a facelift's results varies depending on factors such as the individual's skin elasticity, lifestyle habits and the surgical technique used. On average, a facelift can provide noticeable results for 10 to 15 years. However, it's important to note that the aging process continues, so some signs of aging may gradually reappear over time. 
9.    How long does a passport last after renewal? A U.S. passport is valid for 10 years if you are 16 years or older when it is issued, and five years if you are under 16 years old when it is issued. 
10.    How long does a driver’s license last? This varies by state. For example, in Maryland, a driver's license is valid for five years, while in Virginia, it's generally valid for eight years. In NYC, it’s good for eight years as well. 
11.    What about a manicure with regular polish versus gel? A typical manicure, using regular nail polish, will generally last around a week, while a gel manicure can last for two to three weeks on average, depending on the quality of the products and how well you care for your nails. 
12.    How long does cataract surgery last? Cataract surgery is a permanent procedure that typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. The artificial lens implanted during the surgery is designed to last a lifetime. However, some complications may require additional surgery or treatment. 

And what about an expiration date on your stuff?  Why hang on to items that you no longer wear, no longer need, no longer use and store in an off-site space? Unfortunately, the years will pass, you will pass, but the bills will continue to mount. Now might be the propitious time to impose an expiration date on your junk. In this case, you hold all the cards.  And we hope this article won’t expire!