Sincerely, Scotty – 21 RULES FOR A GOOD OLD AGE…..Part 1

I turned 80 years old not long ago so I know a bit about old age. First, “it ain’t for sissies”. The biggest problem I have is I don’t recognize my limitations. My wife continuously reminds me I’m no longer 20 years old.

I recently ran across an article on old age. It was too long for one column, so I’m breaking it into two parts. I have reworded it, but the thought is still there; it is good advice……….
1.  It’s time to use the money you saved up.  Use it and enjoy it.  Don’t just keep it for those who may have no notion of the sacrifices you made to get it. Enjoy the present moment. The sand in the clock may run out at any moment. “I’m spending my kids’ inheritance” is good to remember.
2.  Stop worrying about the financial situation of your children and grandchildren. You’ve taken care of them for many years, and you’ve taught them what you could.  You gave them an education, food, shelter and support.  The responsibility is now theirs to earn their way.
3.  Keep a healthy life with moderate exercise (like walking every day), eat well and get your sleep.  It’s easy to become sick, and it gets harder to remain healthy.  Keep in touch with your doctor; get tested even when you’re feeling well.  A visit to the doctor is like a weekly outing.
4.  Always buy the best, most beautiful items for your significant other.  The key goal is to enjoy your money with your partner.  One day one of you will miss the other, and the money will not provide any comfort then.  Enjoy it together.
5.  Don’t stress over the little things.   You’ve already overcome so much in your life.  You have good memories and bad ones, but the important thing is the present.   Don’t let the past drag you down or the future frighten you. I try to live for today, but, God willing, we do plan future activities together.
6.   Regardless of age, always keep love alive.   Love your partner, love life, love your family, and love your neighbor, your surroundings, your country.   We are never old as long as we have intelligence and affection.
7.  Be proud, both inside and out.   Don’t stop going to your hair salon or barber.  Do your nails, go to the dermatologist and the dentist.   Keep your perfumes and creams well stocked.   When you are well-maintained on the outside, it seeps in, making you feel proud and strong on the inside.
8.  Don’t lose sight of fashion trends for your age, but keep your own sense of style. There’s nothing sillier than an older person trying to wear the current fashion among youngsters.   You’ve developed your own sense of what looks good on you – keep it and be proud of it.   It’s part of who you are.
9.  Read newspapers, watch the news.   Go online and read what people are saying.  Make sure you have an active email account and try to use some of those social networks.  You’ll be surprised which old friends you’ll meet.   Keeping in touch with what is going on and with the people you know is important at any age. 
10.  Respect the younger generation and their opinions.   They may not have the same viewpoints as ours, but they are the future and will take the world in their direction.  Give advice, not criticism, and try to remind them of yesterday‘s wisdom that still applies today. In today’s world, that is hard to do, but try anyway.

Next week, I’ll provide the remaining 11 thoughts on old age living. See you in church.

Sincerely,

Scotty

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