Maybe, then, the earth IS billions of years old as measured in present year time frame.
I am a creationist but not a young earth one. I follow the teachings of the Vedas, which describe that the earth is billions of years old.
But I have much more in common with young earth creationists than godless mechanics. Big deal whether the earth is young or old, it and everything else in this universe and beyond is a creation or emanation from the Supreme Lord, and He makes His own rules.