I was today old when I...

[R. C.]

In an effort to really tighten up my words, I found this:

"In writing, always consider whether you should use the passive or active voice. It will depend on what you, the writer, want to convey: if you want to draw attention to the doer, use the passive voice; if your intent is to put the focus on the action, then you should go for the active voice."

From: British Council

How I did not know this before getting old is a conundrum.

R.C.

[Crystal]

Passive voice is not a common issue in fiction writing. It's more often a problem in PR (and everyday conversation), when actors are trying to eschew responsibility.