Page 82 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2021- Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

THE
Wisdom

OF
SENIORS

by Kristi Townsen

e've all learned at age 77, Minoru Saito,
that the old from Japan, sailed solo
Wsaying, "With around the world. Astronaut
age comes wisdom," John Glenn became the
has profound truth to oldest astronaut to join
it. There is a deep well Space Shuttle Mission "Your time is the nicest thing
of knowledge that comes STS-95 at age 77. you can give someone."
through life experiences. These And my personal
experiences are not always good, favorite is Fauja Singh, who "You don't have to know
but are often comprised of failures, ran in the Mumbai Marathon at age the ending, just live the
accomplishments, work ethic, and 104. This lends credence to the saying, beginning and the middle
interaction with others. There is even "Age is just a number." We may not with gusto."
a biblical reference to the saying all become famous, but often, age
in Job 12:12, "Is not wisdom found contributes to the best version of "Don't go to bed mad at
among the aged? Does not long life ourselves. anyone."
bring understanding?"
Many of you will remember Dick "Don't worry so much; it will
With aging, we often learn how to Van Dyke, the famous actor who is only give you wrinkles."
accept ourselves and others. We can now 95. He once said, "We all need
be more comfortable and satisfied in something to do, someone to love, "You're never too old to learn
our own skin and less obsessed with and something to hope for." These something new."
physical appearance. This makes the are wise words from someone who
aged not only wiser but, in many has lived a long life. Maya Angelou, "You can't control everything
ways, more beautiful. Seniors can another wise senior, concluded, "I've that happens to you – only
often appreciate more of what's on learned that people will forget what how you react to it.''
the inside of a person than what you said, people will forget what you
they see on the outside. It's easier to did, but people will never forget how "A bad day fishing is better
put things in perspective when you you made them feel." than a good day working."
have taken the time to think things
through. Seniors are more likely to My memory is filled with other wise "Life is short; eat dessert
do that because they generally have words expressed by many I have first."
more time for mindfulness. known and loved over the past 25
years while operating an assisted If we listen, we might all learn a
Some seniors have been able to living facility. Some are humorous, thing or two from their years of
accomplish great things. The current some are poignant, but all came experience.
President of the United States is 78 from many years of living. Some are
years old, and our former President original; some are clichés; but all are
was 74 when he left office. In 2011, worthy of our consideration.

82 Lubbock Senior Link