In two days I hit birthday number 85.
I have arrived at “elderly.”
I love it.
A friend of mine–Dr. Bill Murfin–used to joke, “I’ll tell you how to live to be a hundred!” Pause for effect, then he would say, “Get to be 99, then be real careful.”
Both my parents lived to be nearly 96. Dad died in 2007 at 95 years and 7 months. Mom died in 2012 at 95 years and 11 months. So, I have a while to go.
It would be highly presumptuous for me to claim the right to tell anyone how to live to be my age or my parents’ ages. There are so many variables.
–When you take the surveys about longevity, it usually asks if you are smoking and drinking and using drugs. If you check ‘no’ to each of these, there’s still no guarantee. The survey will go on to ask if you are exercising so many minutes a week, walking, etc., if you are eating leafy green vegetables, that sort of thing.
You know and I’m going to state the obvious here: Just because you give all the right answers, there are no guarantees.
–Your genes have a lot to do with these things. Some people–I’m thinking of my wife of 52 years, Margaret Ann Henderson McKeever–inherit a mixed bunch of genes that almost guarantee the individual a lifetime of health problems. Not for any bad choices they made, but just because their bodies contained time bombs (for want of a better way of saying it) that they had no control over.
–What I suggest for those wishing to be strong and energetic and capable in their elder years…
- Get your exercise each day. The human body was made for movement. We were never meant to lie around watching TV all day or playing with laptops or computer games. Stay active.
- Eat right. And no, I am not going to tell you what that means. Different things for different folks, I would surmise. Four years ago I became a Type One Diabetic, and boy, that is a life-changer. But this week, speaking at a senior adult revival an hour from here, at lunchtime I could not resist those desserts. Monday it was a large banana pudding and a peach cobbler to die for. So, I took my insulin and enjoyed these incredible gifts. Tuesday, it was cakes galore and some kind of chocolatey thing that I loved. Am I eating right? I think so. I’m watching my weight–somewhere between 175 and 180 each morning–and trying to be faithful.
- Keep the mind active. Whether that means reading books, working puzzles, or a hundred other things, stay at it. The mind needs stimulation.
- Keep your doctors’ appointments. Things happen which we have no control over. Those regular visits with the “health care professionals” can make a big difference. I like to say that no one arrives at this advanced age unscathed. I’ve had cancer several times, numerous surgeries, and other challenges. But at this moment, as far as I know I’m as healthy as I’ve ever been. The other day I bumped into my endocrinologist in the grocery store. That week was Spring Break for schools, so she had taken the week off work. Her small daughter was in the grocery basket. The doctor introduced me as “one of my patients.” I told the child, “Your mother is such a wonderful doctor, I’m alive today because of her.”
- See you in church. All the surveys and studies confirm that those who are active in solid Christian churches with great fellowships enjoy fuller lives and in most cases longer lives.
- And there are other factors, depending on which experts you consult. I’m no expert, just an “elderly” (ahem) preacher/cartoonist who loves that I can still drive hundreds of miles in one day and preach a couple of times and sit at a table for three hours sketching people. I am indeed blessed.
- Pray. And by that I mean, tell the Lord what your situation is–like He didn’t even know, right? Matthew 6:8 comes to mind. Ask Him to bless your health, to bless the exercise and nourishment you are getting, all with the aim of using your strength and energy to serve Him.
I said to the seniors at Carthage this morning that they should never complain about “getting old.” It’s a privilege denied to many. “After all,” I said, “you have won the lottery!” Then I explained…
Think of all the millions who were born on the day you arrived on earth. Well, you have now outlived most of them, right? And your high school classmates, you’ve outlived most of them. We try to have our reunions now and only a dozen show up. Don’t complain about getting older, my friend. Rejoice in it. Revel in it.
And use these years for His glory.