Amazing! Uncle John gets a driver's license at 100 years old.

He definitely was young at heart!!

 

Have you ever noticed that when older people get together, most of what they talk about is their health, their doctors, or what they can do or can’t do? This kind of conversation can become not only boring, but depressing at best. So, what to do about it?

 

There are several suggestions that we might consider:

First, CHANGE THE SUBJECT

Second, Tell a long story about something more interesting.

Third, Excuse yourself and leave the room.

 

But what about friendship? Doing any of those things may leave friendship in ashes!

Yes, that is true, but do you want to live the rest of your days in a downward spiral? Depression will do that to you, you know!

 

Let’s come up with some other suggestions:

Try these on for size:

First, say... “Tell me about the most exciting thing you’ve ever done in your life.!”

 

Second, If the exciting story turns out to be the least exciting thing you’ve ever heard, try this.

“Did you ever think about traveling the world, just for the heck of it? If so, where? If not, think of some place and tell us what you know about it.”

 

Maybe by this time, my suggestions are also getting boring. Therefore, we’ll get back to the real subject:

What are the benefits at being YOUNG AT HEART regardless of your age?

 

Usually the young at heart laugh more than others.

 

They take things in stride and remember that a grey day, or even a stormy day, turns out sunny sooner than we think. That is unless you live where it is “cloudy all the time.”

My Mother used to say, “Now, I know why I left grey North Carolina and moved to Florida, I just got depressed when we had weeks without a sunny day.”

“Thanks, Mom, the day you picked up and moved, I was 17 years old; just finished high school and didn’t know anyone in Florida!”

Nevertheless, I don’t dwell on that because it is water under the bridge and I lived through it.

In fact, I think it made me stronger and gave an ability to face life regardless if it fit my likes or emotional fits.

 

Let’s look at some words of wisdom from those who have now gone on, but left their talents for us to enjoy:

“The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” – Lucille Ball

 

“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” – Walt Disney

 

Well, Lucille, had her share of troubles, but she made people laugh. Walt’s creation of Disney Land and Disney World gave them the slogan of “HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH.” and "THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE ON EARTH."

Whether you believe that or not, but surely they are one of the most expensive!

 

Getting serious, I also believe that age and being “young at heart” is a state of mind. It is the grateful heart. For the Christian, it is the walk with God. Not just at church time, but every moment of the day. I’ll give an example that may seem extreme to some. When I get in the car, I pray for safety and that it will not raise my blood pressure if some irrational younger person honks the horn and yells,

“Old lady, can’t you go any faster? Expletive !!!! Expletive !!”

I just smile and keep on driving 35 in a 35 mile per hour zone. Let him get the ticket if a police man is sitting near by. God bless the police…for they put their lives on the line every day they go to work.

 

This story is to bring home the point that being “Young at Heart” is being sensible and not part of the pressure keg that is waiting to just pounce and steal your self worth, self confidence and more. What do I mean by that? Let’s take a look.

Let’s say, you are 87 years old, which I am at the writing of this book (and blog), but the world and perhaps relatives, have already decided what I should be able to do or not do. My next door neighbor has just had her 90th birthday and today she has been out pulling weeds, loading them in a plastic bag and carrying them to the street to be picked up. She also drives herself to various places. She has never had an accident even though her son said in a loud voice, “Mom, you must be crazy!!!”

I also have a friend, who at 90, had a dream to produce  a book about her 100 plus year old church and she did it. 

 

A funny story is when my Uncle John, shown in the picture above,  was 100 years old, he wanted his picture made showing his new driver’s license that came in the N.C. mail. The license said he could renew it in 10 years!  No driver's test or anything.  Unfortunately, he didn’t live to renew it because he passed away at 102. Obviously, a  younger person at the office didn’t bother to look at the birth date!

" Love you, Uncle John. You were playing golf and riding your mower when others would have suggested that you go to a nursing home.”

Your much younger niece, Nancy

 

Another way to keep young at heart is to not take yourself too seriously. Do you easily allow your feelings to be hurt?

 Some things are just untrue or too ridiculous to waste your time. My son once said, "I won't allow him to take away one day of my life by making me think about it.  So, I blocked him from my phone."   So very smart!

 

My cousin, Glenna, has a term she says when she doesn’t like something said. “OH, PISH POSH!” 

She doesn’t lose sleep over whatever was said! This is how she keeps young at heart.

Believe me, she has had years of trials and yet, is one of the warmest, most loving people I know, with a ready laugh.

 

So, you don’t know what “PISH POSH” means. According to the Webster Dictionary, it is an old fashioned British word meant to be dismissed as NONSENSE, TRIVIAL, OR UNIMPORTANT. Some may think it “rubbish” or not worthy of consideration….even baloney.

 

So for all you who think older people should just sit around or stay where they belong,  I reply, “PISH POSH!”

 

Smile , bring out your “Young at Heart " shirt and have a super good day.

 

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