Growing old gracefully is a wonderful time of life. It is relaxing, challenging, and can be powerful
years. It’s a time when you take chances and start anew, turning back the clock.
On March 12, I turned 90 years old. I call it 90 “Great”ful healthy and incredible years.
I attribute those great years to growing up in a loving environment as part of an ordinary family of 10 siblings and a very strict mother and father in the small community of Danville, Va.
In addition to having my own wonderful children and taking part in the lives of amazing grandchildren, the best thing was exercise. I feel strongly that exercise is the key to keeping people out of the hospital and from having to take a lot of medication.
I don’t think it’s about how many years you live, but it’s about what you do with the years that you live. I believe that longevity also has to do with taking control of your actions, being responsible for your body and doing whatever it takes to keep it healthy.
Also part of growing older is that it’s a time to live your dreams. It’s a time to find your light and let it shine. It’s a time to find happiness, because happiness is the highest form of health.
I try to wake up in the morning with a smile and a grateful attitude. The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. Sometimes, depending on the atmosphere, attitude is everything.
There are so many things older people around 80 and 90 years can do: playing pickleball (my #1 sport); playing golf (I love that game); and volunteer, as I have at Virginia Hospital Center/VHC Health for more than 15 years. Religious organizations and those serving the hungry and homeless are great ways to get involved, as is the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, which offers so many choices of things to participate in.
To older adults, I suggest getting involved and surrounding yourself with people who are active. Don’t allow your past to upset your future. Turn back the clock.
My motto is: Do what you can, while you can.
