My Papa told me that growing old was not for wimps. When I turned 30 and was bemoaning the fact that it was time to grow up, he also told me, “Lynda, I am 80 and I haven’t grown up. Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional!” Wow- I sure miss my Papa! He would have been 110 this year.

I am not sure how it happened, but I woke up one day to realize that I had aged and didn’t even realize it. All of a sudden, some of my previous activities were not nearly as easy as they had been previously, such as sitting on the floor. I can sit without much trouble. It’s the getting up that is a real booger!

If you were to look at my counter at home, I have a basket FULL of vitamins and things to help me have a great quality of life as I face this new decade and beyond. I will share some of the things that seem to be helping, and I will welcome your comments and ideas as well. I will try to supply the rationale and any research I can put my hands on so that these recommendations have substance, rather than “old wives’ tales.” With that being said, sometimes the ideas from our former generations have some validity to them.

Let’s have fun with this. We are strong… let’s find some joy in this part of our lives. Let’s encourage each other as we continue through this mid-life into our golden years.