I've thought frequently about the differences between people my age, or a bit younger, or even older, who are alert, interested, optimistic, and healthy on the one hand and those on the other hand who act like the end of the world happened years ago. Of course, some health issues are beyond our control, but what is under our control is how we deal with the issues, how we make sure we have the best quality of life for each day, each hour, no matter how miserable we are and how much pain we are in. Some of the most outstanding accomplishments by people have occurred during their most difficult times.
Here are a few suggestions:
- For heaven's sake, get a computer and learn how to use it. I'm sick and tired of hearing old people say "I'm too old to learn how to use a computer and I don't want to bother. I'm o.k. the way I am." The best thing we oldsters can learn to do is stay alert, and to keep learning. We need to have our networks of friends and to keep in touch with family and friends. We need to remain excited about the wonders of the universe. Get off your duff and spend $400-$500 for a computer and get your ten-year old grandchild to teach you how to use it. Only 20 people out of my Class of '49 high school graduating class, out of about 50 surviving, are using computers.
- Turn off the stupid TV unless you are watching documentaries, or something useful, like sports. If you can afford it, get an HDTV, the pictures will blow you away and give you a whole new perspective on the wonders and beauties of the earth. Stop saying "this one will do me." I'm sick and tired of hearing "this one will do me" (till I croak). If you have one day left, or a couple of thousand, enjoy each day to the max and take advantage of technology.
- Do some exercises. Even chair exercises help. If you would just get a computer, you could check
Amazon.com and find some exercise books and CD's for all ages and all stages of defunctness. Studies show that people even in 80s and 90s who have been wheel-chair bound are up and moving around after just a few weeks of basic exercise. Ask for help and get off your butts and turn off the stupid TV. Dancing with the Stars won't get you anywhere except getting a massive headache. - Pay attention to your finances. Fortunately, my wife takes care of ours. I have asked her to outlive me for this reason. Get the help of a financial adviser if all this seems beyond you. Find an adviser through a bank or elsewhere who will be willing to work with you no matter what your financial status is.
- Write your life story. If you die without telling your story, you will have done a great disservice to your descendants. Write even a page a day. That's 365 pages in a year. Knock off the usual excuses like "Nobody cares about me" (pity, pity me); I can't remember anything (stuff will start flowing into your brain when you start, and you can ask others who know stuff to help you). For heaven's sake, leave some life legacy behind you that will be treasured for generations.
- Get a cheap point-and-shoot digital camera to use with your new computer. Too many people are far too lazy in recording the events of life. A camera helps you connect with nature, with your family, with family history, and with what is going on in the world.
Well, there are lots of other things to help us golden-agers keep chugging along with an interest in what is happening in our lives. We haven't mentioned things like volunteering at the hospital or the nursing homes or the care centers; helping kids learn how to read; visiting homebound friends and neighbors; and the list goes on and on. The point is, do something! If you do one thing, you are more likely to get more interested in doing other things. So I don't want to see you sitting on your butt for endless hours watching mindless TV, no matter how miserable and defunct you are. I could find you countless people who started out more miserable than you are and who are more defunct than you are who are living purposeful, meaningful lives.
How much are we suffering...How much must we endure..but becomes..How can I make the most of each day that I have left..