Suggestions on how to embrace life in your senior years

A reader sent me the following article entitled, “Many of us are between 65 and death.” I have edited the article into a two-part series. You may find wise advice here for any age.

1. It’s time to use the money you have 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 earn it. Save enough for possible medical expenses later in life. Warning: This is also a bad time in your life for investments. They only bring problems and worries. This is a time for you to enjoy some peace and quiet.
2. Stop worrying about the financial situation of your children and grandchildren, and don’t feel bad spending your money on yourself. 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 own money.
3. Keep a healthy life without great physical effort. Do moderate exercise (like walking every day), eat well and get enough sleep. It’s easy to become sick, and it gets harder to remain healthy. That is why you need to keep yourself in good shape and be aware of your medical and physical needs. Keep in touch with your doctor and get tested even when you’re feeling well.
4. Enjoy your money with your significant other. One day one of you will miss the other, and the money will not provide any comfort then so enjoy it together.
5. Don’t stress the little things. You’ve already overcome so much in your life. You have good and bad memories, but the important thing is the present. Don’t let the past drag you down and don’t let the future frighten you. Live for today. You will soon forget small issues.
6. Whatever age, always keep love alive. Love your partner, love life, love your family, love everyone. Remember: “People are not old if they have intelligence, affection and tenderness.”
7. Don’t stop taking care of yourself. Keep going to your hair salon or barber shop, 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 confident and strong.
8. Be aware of fashion trends for your age, but keep your own preferences. There is nothing worse than an older person trying to wear the current fashion among youngsters. You know what looks good on you. Keep it and be proud of it. It’s part of who you are.
9. Always stay up-to-date. Read newspapers, watch the news. Go online and read what people are saying and doing. Make sure you have an active email account and try to find some way of keeping in touch with friends and family. This is important at any age.
10. Respect the younger generation and their opinions. They may not have the same ideals as you, but they are the future, and will take the world in their direction. Give advice, not criticism, and try to remind them that yesterday’s wisdom still applies today.
11. Never use the phrase: “In my time.” Your time is now. As long as you’re alive, you are part of this time. You were younger, but you are still alive today, having fun and enjoying life.
12. Some people embrace their golden years, while others become bitter and ill-tempered. Life is too short to waste your days on being negative. Spend your time with positive, cheerful people. Their disposition will rub off on you and your days will be more satisfying and happier. Spending your time with bitter people will make you older and harder to be around.

Continued next week.