Most people don’t value the elderly as much as other cultures. We’re too busy trying to make ends meet and get ahead, so we don’t have (or take) the time to glean the richness that comes from those who have lived a lot longer.
That’s unfortunate. Older people are filled with life experiences. They’ve been where we want to go, and know the route and the potholes to avoid. If we don’t ask, we miss out.
We end up making avoidable mistakes.
Several publications have interviewed people that have made it to 100, then captured their advice. Here are some gems:
“Don’t look at the calendar. Just keep celebrating every day.”
“Vitamins? Forget it. And I don’t encourage going to a lot of doctors, either.” (said by a doctor)
“Make time to cry.”
“Travel – don’t worry about the money, just make it work. Experience is far more valuable than money will ever be.”
“Do one thing each day that is just for you.”
“Choose the right parents.”
“I drink the faucet water.”
“Be satisfied. You don’t have to be happy all the time, you need to be satisfied.”
“Love people. Find something to like about the person – it’s there – because we’re all just people.”
“Don’t give up and die just because you feel like it.”
“Be positive. When you think negatively, you’re putting poison on your body.”
“There is no need to ever retire, but if one must, it should be a lot later than 65.”
“When a doctor recommends you take a test or have some surgery, ask whether the doctor would suggest that his or her spouse or children go through such a procedure . . . I think music and animal therapy can help more than most doctors imagine.”
“Take the stairs and carry your own stuff.”
“Find a role model and strive to achieve more than they could ever do.”
“Pay off your mortgage. Then never get into debt again. Ever.”
“Listen. You learn a lot more listening to others than telling them what you know.”
“Never run out of responsibility.”
Next time you’re with an older person, slow down and listen. Make eye contact. Hear their heart – it might change yours.
Good advice? Comment below . . .