How time flies! It doesn’t seem that long ago that I began writing this blog, but it has been 11 years since I began at age 70. As I age, each day seems more precious. Each day I feel blessed.

This month I’ve been having a good time using my birthday rewards at various places. As I show my reward at the time of my purchase, I am often wished happy birthday. My favorite time happened when a very young person asked me if it was my birthday on that day. I said, “In four days, but today is my 61st wedding anniversary.” She looked puzzled, so I said, “I know for someone your age that number is probably hard to comprehend.” She nodded. I said, “ Well, it’s hard for me to comprehend as well.”

Also, I must say, so is 81 years.

Because I am 81 years old, I try to see what I must do to stay healthy and active. I look to others who are seniors because they can be an inspiration to me. I listen to podcasts, take classes, and read articles about what is important for healthy aging.

I would like to share some things that I have learned. Lately, I’ve read that we need hope (a purpose)-something to look forward to each day. It could be a project, a meeting with someone, a volunteer job, or even a book to read.

We need socializing with others. As we age, it may be harder to keep this up. I’m really working hard at improving on this. I have made friends at the local senior center. I go to meetings at organizations that I have neglected attending, I meet with retired teachers that I have worked with in the past. I try to stay longer after church and talk to other members. I have added to my volunteer work beyond being a Master Wellness Volunteer. This year I have added volunteering at an elementary school and becoming an advocate and ambassador for AIM (Alzheimer’s Impact Movement) and a community educator for Alzheimer’s Association.

I have really tried to push myself beyond my comfort zone. I even went to Washington, D. C. by myself to attend the AIM Forum. I was nervous, but I was also proud of myself. For the first time I traveled alone with a tour group. Always before I traveled with at least one friend or family member.

All of these are things that I never felt confident to do when I was younger. I’m not sure why I feel more confident as I’ve aged-maybe as one person told me we don’t worry as much about what others think. I think for me it’s the people that I have met who say “Hey, you can do this.” Since others have confidence in me, I have confidence in me.

Of course, there are other things we can do to improve our lives. These are the usual things I learn about: exercise (walking is good), proper diet (lots of vegetables), moving about (don’t sit too long), and always learning new things (learning to play a musical instrument).

I look for joy each day. I even keep a “joy” journal, so I can write down at least 3 things that bring me joy each day. It helps me stay positive. I smile and laugh more. I look for people to smile at and they usually smile back at me.

Look for happiness each day. There is always something no matter how small.

A few jokes to make you laugh or think:

You’re not getting old; you’re becoming a classic.

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind getting older, then it really doesn’t matter.

Old people are just young people who have been alive for a very, very long time.