For my 66th birthday, here's 66 tips on how to live this long
I'm kidding....I'M KIDDING....I'M KIDDING!!!
I wouldn't even read anything that long. I just liked the title and after all, yesterday was birthday so there's that.
However, I think making it to sixty-six is kind of interesting. It's a good number to celebrate and to be a little reflective. I remember hitting age sixty and thinking that's really up there. Six years later, I'm now closer to seventy than sixty and besides wondering how the fuck did that happen, I'm also thinking that's really old and sixty sounds pretty good.
Another however is that I do know quite a few people who didn't make it to this age so I'm grateful to still be here and thriving, so I'll wear this age proudly. Besides, you don't really have a choice. It's either that or the alternative...so I'll gladly take this.
A third however is when you do reach this age, you've learned a few things. So while the number of tips won't be sixty-six, I'll pass on some of them:
1. Find a good doctor that you really like: At this age, you have some health issue. It might be a big one or it could be something as small as aches when you get out of bed. Get a primary care physician that you trust, develop a relationship with him/her and have an occasional appointment. Even if it's just a tune-up for your own peace of mind.
2. Walk: Living in the city without a car, I'm forced to walk places. Just getting up off your ass occasionally keeps your body from atrophying. I'm now taking a dedicated walk of a mile each day. Yeah, I stop for coffee or an ice tea at the halfway point but it's better than sitting in a chair, watching tv and having that same drink...although there's nothing wring with doing that on occasion. Moderation, kids.
3. Listen to new music: I know most people think my musical taste begins and ends with The Beatles or the 60's/70's.....and that's somewhat true. I do pride myself on finding something new to listen to every year or so. Granted the band or artist might have been around for a decade, but they're new to me. Really, it's not that hard to do. Check out what your kids or even grandkids are playing. Honestly, it's not that bad. You can even go back to the music your parents played. Yeah, I may not be down with Ethel Merman or Steve & Eydie but I love Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, The Dorseys and old Blue Eyes. Just keep an open mind...and talking about your mind....
4. Work your brain: A lot of people exercise their body and forget about their brain. There are things you can do to keep your mind sharp. Crossword and jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, reading, listening or playing music, and all kinds of games work the brain. Does it really improve memory, keep you sharp and help you ward off diseases like Alzheimer's? I don't know but experts say it can't hurt so why not try? By the way, I started writing this last Saturday afternoon and by Saturday night I was in a hospital with a little brain/memory episode. The doctors can't figure off why and say it was most likely a one off thing. I guess it's true the brain really is a mysterious thing so like I said a paragraph ago, why not try things to keep it healthy? More on this later in the week.
5. Get out of your comfort zone: Do things you've never done before. Go somewhere you've never been. Find a new challenging hobby. Make a new friend. Write that book. Learn that musical intrument. Try something different. Maybe even scare yourself a little. You see the photo of the tattoo at the top. That was my birthday present to myself. Yeah, sure....it's only henna and it will be gone in a couple of weeks but I've wanted one for awhile so why not. Baby steps!! The point is at this age, we're closer to the end than the beginning, so if not now, when!! DO IT!!!!
and 6th (seems like the appropriate number for this day) and finally....
6. Talk to someone: Yeah, in this age of smart phones, it's simple to just send texts, messages, tweets, etc. But every so often, and I mean daily, it's good and necessary to hear a live voice. Make that call, see your friend, go to a gathering or even just talk to the cashier at the grocery store. Put down your device and talk to someone. It makes you feel good.
I think that's enough for now. Since six seems to be the magic number for today, we'll cut it off there. Sure I can mention other things like sex, having grandchildren, avoiding mah jong and never moving into a senior building but we can save those for birthday number seventy...and yes I plan to be around then.
But until then, happy birthday to me. Bring on the cake. Easy with all those candles.
Related Post: The denial of aging
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