What should I have accomplished by 78?
See what remarkable builders and entrepreneurs achieved at age 78
Your Position
Notable Achievements at Age 78
Died of pancreatic cancer at St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut
Mateschitz died following a long period of treatment for pancreatic cancer on 22 October 2022; he was 78.
SNL remains ongoing (executive producer through 2022+)
Michaels continued as creator/executive producer of SNL (created 1975; producer 1975–1980, 1985–present), overseeing five decades of the show and its talent pipeline.
Died in Paphos, Cyprus (severe asthma attack)
Died suddenly while on holiday in Paphos; early reports of heart attack; autopsy confirmed death by severe asthma attack.
Controversial suggestion for 70-hour workweek
In early January 2025 Murthy faced backlash after suggesting youngsters should work up to 70 hours per week to increase India's productivity; widely reported and debated.
Visited Argentine Antarctic Marambio Base; stranded in storm
In March 2023 Jeff spent his 78th birthday snowed-in at Marambio Base in Antarctica for eight extra days; he received a helicopter tour and was called the oldest person on the base.
Suspended 2020 presidential campaign
Ended his presidential campaign on March 4, 2020 after winning only 61 delegates; endorsed Joe Biden.
Received Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
Tomlin was honored with the SAG Life Achievement Award in 2017 for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.
Serious brain injury in Hanoi (motor scooter accident)
Struck by a motor scooter at the 17th ICMI Study conference in Hanoi; suffered a large brain injury and underwent emergency surgery in Hanoi before air transfer to Boston.
Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom
Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously by President George H. W. Bush on July 6, 1989.
Awarded Nobel Prize in Literature
Received the Nobel Prize for his many published works, particularly his historical and war writings.
Suspended 2020 presidential campaign; endorsed Joe Biden
Suspended his campaign after Super Tuesday (March 4, 2020); subsequently endorsed Joe Biden and donated to DNC activity.
Personal: Married to Julie Sussman; hobbies and memberships
Married to Julie Sussman; bonded locksmith; watchmaking and amateur telescope-making enthusiast; life member of AWCI; member of ATMOB, MWCA, ARRL.
Elected to National Academy of Sciences
Elected as a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, recognizing her lifelong scientific contributions.
Emergency surgery and medevac to Boston
Underwent clot removal surgery at French Hospital in Hanoi and was airlifted by Swiss Air Ambulance to Boston for intensive care (~4 weeks).
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa signed into law
Signs one of the world's most progressive constitutions guaranteeing fundamental rights and establishing democratic governance.
Blackstone AUM reported at $1.2 trillion (June 30, 2025)
Blackstone's corporate profile lists $1.2 trillion Assets Under Management as of June 30, 2025.
Net worth reported by Forbes (May 2025)
Forbes reported Schwarzman's net worth as US$43 billion (May 2025).
Forbes net worth estimate: US$5.0 billion
Forbes estimated Narayana Murthy's net worth at US$5.0 billion as of January 2025.
Announced retirement from television
In December 2024 Tarrant announced his retirement after 50 years in television, stating the COVID-19 pandemic caused him to reconsider priorities.
Reported global travel milestone: 57 countries & all seven continents
By 2023 Jeff had visited 57 countries and completed travel to all seven continents, including Antarctica.
💡 What this means for you
At age 78, you're at a pivotal point where many successful entrepreneurs made their breakthrough. Whether you're building your first company or scaling an existing one, these examples show what's possible with focus and execution.
Share Your Results
🎯 Challenge a Friend
See how your friends and colleagues compare at their age. Share this tool to start a friendly competition!
How Do You Stack Up?
Compare your achievements at age 78 with industry leaders and see where you stand.