In "Girl in the Mirror" by Cecelia Ahern, the old man's life is not as empty as it might seem on the surface. Instead, it is richly intertwined with memories and experiences that have shaped him over the years. The notion that a life can be considered void or lacking is challenged by the presence of these haunting memories, which are vivid remnants of his past.

The quote emphasizes that even when a person appears lonely or isolated, their past can still have a profound impact on their existence. The old man's life is depicted as overflowing with the echoes of his former experiences, illustrating that one's history can create a sense of fullness and continuity, rather than emptiness.