Senior Citizens! Gray Panthers! Vintage Valuables! That’s my age group now. Not sure I like it, but as my husband’s grandfather used to say, “It beats the alternative.” I’ve discovered in order to get through this age bracket you need to have a really good sense of humor. You need to look at the world through your rose-colored trifocals in a new and unique way.

One concept I have been reading about is called crystallized intelligence. Basically, it just means you’re really good at what you know or have learned. So, since my husband was in IT for his school district, every time something goes wrong with someone’s computer….. who do they call? No, not The Ghostbusters! Dennis! If you’re in our house it may be PopPop with a panicky face in the middle of Spanish class during remote learning. So, people in our age group are valuable for their knowledge.

Have you noticed how nice most older people are? They smile and wave. They let you go first in the line at the grocery store. Many older people are perceived as being grumpy. Not so! Scientists have proved that older people are happier and less inclined to get angry. We are emotionally in control of our behavior. No tantrums for us!

Sadly, our hormones change. Women get little hairs on the chinny chin chins, upper lip, and even some will pop out here and there on their faces willy nilly. Men, on the other hand, may lose their hair on their head. My husband has resorted to wearing a hat almost 24/7 because his head is always cold.

Another sad feature is our memories. The other day I walked straight in the laundry room to put the milk back in the dryer. I did realize what I was about to do and put it in the washer instead. Yes, unfortunately, we must keep our memories sharp with reading, puzzles, and active conversation to create the arborization of dendrites. That just means your branches of learning and remembering are growing like a tree.

Our physical selves happens to be another story. We have ailments, medications out the wazoo, and lots of doctors to see. That can get a little depressing. Being with friends and family, keeping as gently active as you can, and not eating that last cookie will certainly help. My husband always eats the last cookie just as I’m always reaching for dark chocolate. I try not to whine, either. I’d rather drink it.

Take aging with the best attitude you can. As Jimmy Buffet says, “Wrinkles will only go where smiles have been.” So, continue to smile, even through pain, and life will smile back. I think this goes along with the quote, “It’s important to have a twinkle in your wrinkle.” With that, what’s your secret to help you get through the aging process?