FitOldDog’s 70th Birthday Party: Wise Living For A Happy Life As You Age List

Hi folks! Glad you came by!

Life is a battle, or you could say a game, and if you give up it’s over, so take a flowing approach to this struggle for survival as you age, using wisdom instead of force to live your life to the full.

I recently enjoyed my 70th birthday, which we felt deserved a big party, with a tent and everything, just like Bilbo Baggins. And a tent we had, in addition to some great birthday surprises from Deb, including a quartet. This small group comprised two violins (or was it a violin and a viola), cello and oboe, and it was truly wonderful. A great gift, and Deb even baked a huge birthday cake, which I was instructed to cut at the appropriate time. Then to my surprise a friend of mine, Byron, said, “Speech! Speech!”

I came out with some suitable lines, including thoughts on the issue of aging. Here is my list ‘happy aging advice,’ the first of which evoked murmurs of agreement.

FitOldDog’s Live Well List

1. Let go of all grudges.
2. Nurture old relationships, but only if they are good for you, and fire those that aren’t.
3. Build new relationships with people of all ages.
4. Love your kids, whatever happens, for your own sake.
5. Remember that you are never too old to fall in love.
6. Don’t put the keys to your happiness in someone else’s pocket (I read this somewhere).
7. Appreciate what your parents did for you, as it’s too easy to judge them; you made it, which means they probably did a lot for you except in cases of extreme neglect. If you still have a problem, see point number ’1′ above.
8. Contribute to your community and the World.

   FitOldDog, democratist with a tendency towards leftness, with a very kind and staunch Republican, François, who made him this wonderful ‘mandala’ tee shirt, and he helped us A LOT with party organization. Thanks, François!

9. Don’t walk like an old person, it’s not necessary.
10. Get over misoneism (fear of change) or it will creep up on you and become your prison as you age.
11. Stay mentally fit.
12. Stay physically fit.
13. Be your own best health advocate.
14. Smile a lot.
15. Laugh a lot.
16. Don’t drink too much alcohol at one time and never smoke.
17. Do things, which means don’t spend too much time reading or watching TV.
18. Never retire from life.
19. Nurture your sex life.
20. Be generous AND sensible with your resources (time, money, attention).
21. Rescue an animal from the pound or the road when you get a chance.

Most important of all, love yourself, because it makes it much easier for people to love you if you do.

-k @FitOldDog

 Important Note: These posts do not provide medical advice. You should always consult your physician before undertaking or significantly modifying an exercise program.

Copyright © 2010 Kevin T. Morgan aka FitOldDog, Old Dogs in Training, LLC.