| Sunny Side Up Jan.14, 2004 � 2004, Kathleen Gibson Instructions from the evergreens My friend Signe is 'evergreen'. Chic, energetic, incredibly keen, and nearly 100. She can outshop a forty-year old, keeps herself and her apartment immaculate and lays a tea table that the Queen would be proud of. She's recovering from a bout of double pneumonia just now. "This thing could have knocked you out of the race for good," I told her, during a hospital visit. "It must be your good Swedish blood that keeps you bouncing back." She nodded and grinned. "Yes. And the flu shot. Do you get the flu shot? You should." She yanked at her fair hair. Made a face. "Isn't this awful? The hairdresser's coming tomorrow. I'll feel so much better." Leaning closer, she whispered. "They're pampering me in here. I don't know if I want to go home!" "Oh, you have to," I told her. "I need you to teach me how to get old properly." "What?" she squeaked, "I don't know how to do that!" I apologized-after I laughed. She's right. Getting old is something Signe's never done. What I really need to learn are her secrets for staying young. She's not the only one of my older acquaintances who should be giving lessons. There's Anna, well over ninety, still a sought after educator who maintains three dwellings and the schedule of a young professional woman. Doug's eighty five, working on his third book, and setting up a new business. My father, Ben, is eighty now--he's been making everyone he knows (or almost!) a pinewood potato and onion bin. I lost count at thirteen. Esther, at seventy-nine, is evergreen too (and my inspiration). Creativity is bursting out all over at her place-her projects keep her working long past my bedtime. I've been compiling a list of things my evergreen friends have already taught me about fruitful aging. Things I'll need to remember. Here they are: * Place your security in what can't be taken away--the love of God and the hope of heaven. *Pursue meaningful creative activity as long as health and brain cells allow. *As tempting as it is to depend totally on a spouse, maintain some independence. *Don't be afraid to talk to young relatives and babies. *Remember that your children have their own lives, and don't meddle. *As your body fades, make strengthening your spirit a priority. *Say three positive things to everyone you meet. *Think as much of others as you do of yourself. *Purposefully shed stuff before being forced to. *Cultivate new friends of all ages. *Pass on the good stuff life has taught you. *Don't park on memories. *Laugh lots. *Pray much. *Don't sit around waiting for the end--live until you die. Seniors, if you let it, society will stuff you in a musty pigeon hole. Like Signe, refuse 'old'. As much as possible, share your life. Mentor someone younger. Learn something new. Volunteer. Host a Bible study or book club. Remarry, perhaps! (Well, why not?) Embrace 'evergreen'. You can respond to this column at [email protected] |
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