slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, after 60 years of age, believing a diminishing importance is given to them and their opinions. But, it need not be so, if only we understand the basic principles of life and follow them.

Here are ten mantras to help you age gracefully, to make life after retirement more pleasant, to enjoy and treasure the elder years of wisdom and intelligence.

1. Never say 'I am too old'

There are three ages, chronological, biological, and psychological. The first is calculated based on our date of birth; the second is determined by health conditions, and the third is how old you feel you are. While we don't have control over the first, we can take care of our health with good diet, exercise and a cheerful attitude. A positive attitude and optimistic way of thinking can reverse the third age.

2. Health is wealth

If you really love your kids and kin, taking care of yourself and your health should be your priority. Thus, you will not be a burden to them. Have an annual health check-up and take the prescribed medicines regularly. Take out health care insurance coverage.

3. Money is important

Money is essential for meeting the basic necessities of life, keeping good health and earning family respect and security. Don't spend beyond your means, even for your children. You have lived for them throughout, and it is time you enjoyed a harmonious life with your spouse. If your children are grateful they should take care of you. But never take that for granted.

4. Relaxation and recreation

The most relaxing and refreshing forces are a healthy and religious attitude, good sleep, music and laughter. Have faith in your religion, learn to sleep well, love good music, and see the fun side of life.

5. Time is precious

It's almost like holding a horse's reins. When they are in your hands, you can control them. Imagine that every day you are born again. Yesterday is a paid check. Tomorrow is a promissory note. "Today is ready cash; use it profitably. Live this moment".

6. Change is the only permanent thing

We should accept change; it is inevitable. The only way to make sense out of change is to join the dance. Change has brought about many pleasant things. We should be happy that our children are blessed.

7. Enlightened selfishness

We are all basically self-interested. Whatever we do, we naturally expect something in return. We should definitely be grateful to those who stood by us. But our focus should be on the internal satisfaction and happiness we derive by doing good for others, without expecting anything in return but the warm glow we get, which in the end, is what we really want.

8. Forgive, then Forget

Don't be bothered too much by others' mistakes. It is certainly hard in the heat of the moment to turn the other cheek, but, for the sake of our own health and happiness, let us forgive and forget as soon as we can. Otherwise, we will only be increasing our blood pressure.

9. Everything has a reason; a purpose

Take life as it comes. Accept yourself as you are, and also accept others for what they are. Everybody is unique and right in their own way.

10. Overcome the fear of death

We all know that one day we have to leave this world. Still, we are afraid of death. We think that our spouse and children will be unable to withstand our loss. But the truth is that no one is able to to die for you; though they may painfully mourn for some time. Time heals everything and they will carry on. Remember, no one leaves this world alive.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

Carol Kelly

Very important points and all very wise. I've begun thinking about birth in connection with death. How? You come into this world as a stranger and you go out the same way, into an unknown. Number 2 is the driving force in my life. I want to leave a world for my descendants in better shape than the world of today.

Quakerwidow Loc: Chestertown, MD

shared; thank you

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

You are more than welcome.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I would hope that all of us wish for that, Carol.

badbobby Loc: texas

good post Slat
but let me add
there is no aging gracefully
you just get older and older
there ain't nothing you can do about it
Its like that ol sayin
"Life sucks,and then you die"
meanwhile I'm gonna live as long as i possibly can.
spending my kids inheritance
is important to me

malachi

Don't miss this: Jesus died for our sin so we can make it to heaven on his terms. He said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one come to the Father but by me."