I was listening to the radio last night on the way home, and the program host was referring to an event 17 years ago, in 1990. Some thoughts:
1990 is 17 years ago, or half a lifetime ago.
2007 will be half a lifetime ago in 2041.
In 2041, I will be 68 years old.
many cats can live to 17 years or more
my grandfather (on my mother's side) died at age 68 in 1982.