Senior citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not try to blame others.

HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point out that it was NOT senior citizens who took:

The melody out of music,

The pride out of appearance,

The courtesy out of driving,

The romance out of love,

The commitment out of marriage,

The responsibility out of parenthood,

The togetherness out of the family,

The learning out of education,

The service out of patriotism,

The Golden Rule from rulers,

The nativity scene out of cities,

The civility out of behavior,

The refinement out of language,

The dedication out of employment,

The prudence out of spending,

The ambition out of achievement or God out of government and school.

And we certainly are NOT the ones who Eliminated patience and tolerance in personal relationships and interactions with others!

And, we Do understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember those who have fought and died for our country.

Just look at the Seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts, as they stand at attention with their hand over their hearts, as the American Flag passes by in a parade!

YES, I'M A SENIOR CITIZEN!

I'm the life of the party.....Even if it lasts until 8 p.m.

I'm very good at opening childproof caps.....With a hammer.

I'm awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.

I'm smiling all the time, because I can't hear a thing you're saying.

I'm sure everything I can't find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.

I'm wrinkled, sagging, lumpy, and that's just my left leg.

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

I'm a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life!

Now if I could only remember who sent this to me, I wouldn't send it back to them. Or, maybe I should send it to all my friends anyway. They won't remember, even if they did it.

Spread the laughter

Share the cheer

Let's be happy while we're here.

Author unknown

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Finding Strength

14 October 2002

Eat a well-balanced diet. Even when it is difficult to eat, choose foods that provide the most nutrients.

Do things that make you happy. Balance your activities between those you love and those you must do.

Prioritize. Limit your activities to those that are most important. Save the other activities for days when you have more energy.

Manage your stress. Relax. Take a moment to put things in perspective.

Create a daily routine and stick with it, but don't feel you have to keep up with your normal activities.

Sit down and rest whenever you need to, even if you're in the middle of doing something.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your body eliminate toxins.

Wear shoes and clothing that are comfortable and easy to put on.

Try to get some form of exercise every day. Check with your doctor to see what is right for you.

Don't wear yourself out. Avoid unnecessary bending and stretching. Keep frequently used items within your reach.

Plan activities with children that you can do around the table. It will give you a chance to rest while you participate.

When bathing, use a moderate temperature water vs. a hot temperature to help conserve energy.

If you have trouble sleeping, avoid caffeine late in the day.

It's okay to ask for help. Don't be shy. Let people know if you're feeling too tired to do something.

Let your friends and family do things for you. When they offer, take them up on it.

Author unknown

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The Daily Practice of Thriving

Focus on and expect only good.

Be kind, courteous, and generous to everyone.

Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit each day, as part of a varied, balanced diet. Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

Surround yourself with positive, supportive people for whom you feel mutual support and respect.

Exercise daily, as often as possible, outdoors.

Love what you do for your livelihood, but don't mistake it for your identity.

Take time to cultivate meaningful friendships.

Stay in regular contact with God.

Forgive yourself for past mistakes; refuse to feel guilty - you did the best you could.

Forgive others who have "wronged" you, and refuse to hold resentment, knowing they did the best they could at the time. Live fully in the here and now.

Keep growing and trying new things.

Let love rule all of your dealings.

Acknowledge others for their specialness. When you feel bad, give of yourself to someone else. Don't be afraid to ask for help and support when you need it.

Handle money joyfully and wisely.

Let your true self shine - express your ideals and your creativity in all you do.

Continually challenge yourself to see the new, to live a higher quality of life today than in the past and to rise to ever higher awareness of yourself and others.

Realize that the circumstances in your life are your "training ground," and that they reflect your beliefs and thoughts. Be open to learning the lessons they present, and to accepting your part in creating what happens to You.

Author unknown

Interesting observations.

I asked a friend who has crossed 70 & is heading towards 80 what sort of changes he is feeling in himself?

He sent me the following:

1 After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.

2 I have realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.

3 I have stopped bargaining with vegetable & fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.

4 I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.

5 I stopped telling the elderly that they've already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane & relive their past.

6 I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.

7 I give compliments freely & generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. And a small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn it down, just say "Thank You.”

8 I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.

9 I walk away from people who don't value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.

10 I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat & neither am I in any race.

11 I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.

12 I have learned that it's better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas with relationships, I will never be alone.

13 I have learned to live each day as if it's the last. After all, it might be the last.

14 I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be!

Why do we have to wait to be 60 or 70 or 80, why can't we practice this at any stage and age?

Author unknown

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Old Age, I decided, is a gift

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my father!), but I don't agonize over those things for long.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.

I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avant-grade on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 am and sleep until noon?

I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50 & 60's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandonment if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it)

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER! Author unknown

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Old Age...Oh MY !!

Last year I joined a support group for procrastinators. We haven't met yet!
I don't trip over things, I do random gravity checks!
Old age is coming at a really bad time!
When I was a child I thought Nap Time was a punishment ... now, as a grown up, it just feels like a small vacation!
The biggest lie I tell myself is .. "I don't need to write that down, I'll remember it."
Lord grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can & the friends to post my bail when I finally snap!
I don't have gray hair. I have "wisdom highlights". I'm just very wise.
My people skills are just fine. It's my tolerance to idiots that needs work.
Teach your daughter how to shoot, because a restraining order is just a piece of paper.
If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would've put them on my knees.
The kids text me "plz" which is shorter than please. I text back "no" which is shorter than "yes".
I'm going to retire and live off of my savings. Not sure what I'll do that second week.
I've lost my mind and I'm pretty sure my kids took it!
Even duct tape can't fix stupid... but it can muffle the sound!
Why do I have to press one for English when you're just going to transfer me to someone I can't understand, anyway?
Lord, Give me patience and give it to me NOW.
Of course I talk to myself, sometimes I need expert advice.
At my age "Getting lucky" means walking into a room and remembering what I came in there for.
Wouldn't it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes; come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller!
Author unknown

Family Rules

Author unknown

Why I Like Retirement!

            Question: How many days in a week?
            Answer:   6 Saturdays, 1 Sunday

            Question: When is a retiree's bedtime?
            Answer:   Two hours after falling asleep on the couch.

            Question: How many retirees does it take to change a light bulb?
            Answer:   Only one, but it might take all day.

            Question: What's the biggest gripe of retirees?
            Answer:   There is not enough time to get everything done.

            Question: Why don't retirees mind being called Seniors?
            Answer:   The term comes with a 10% discount.

            Question: Among retirees, what is considered formal attire?
            Answer:   Tied shoes.

            Question: Why do retirees count pennies?
            Answer:   They are the only ones who have the time.

            Question: What is the common term for someone who enjoys work and refuses to retire?
            Answer:   NUTS!

            Question: Why are retirees so slow to clean out the basement, attic or garage?
            Answer:   They know that as soon as they do, one of their adult kids will want to store stuff there.

            Question: What do retirees call a long lunch?
            Answer:   Normal.

            Question: What is the best way to describe retirement?
            Answer:   The never-ending Coffee Break.

            Question: What's the biggest advantage of going back to school as a retiree?
            Answer:   If you cut classes, no one calls your parents.

            And, my very favorite....
            Question: What do you do all week?
            Answer:   Monday through Friday, NOTHING. Saturday & Sunday, I rest.
            Author unknown

SERENITY

Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked,'How old was your husband?' '98,' she replied.... 'Two years older than me'. 'So you're 96,' the undertaker commented.. She responded, 'Hardly worth going home, is it?

Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman:'And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?' the reporter asked... She simply replied, 'No peer pressure.'

The nice thing about being senile is you can hide your own Easter eggs and have fun finding them.

I've sure gotten old! I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes. I'm half blind, can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation; hardly feel my hands and feet anymore. Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92. Have lost all my friends. But, thank God, I still have my driver's license.

I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor's permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over.

My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be.

Know how to prevent sagging? Just eat till the wrinkles fill out.

It's scary when you start making the same noises as your coffee maker.

These days about half the stuff in my shopping cart says, 'For fast relief.'

THE SENILITY PRAYER:

Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.
Always Remember This: You don't stop laughing because you grow old, You grow old because you stop laughing!
Author unknown

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