By John Guy LaPlante
Turning 90 can be a quite rare and intimidating experience, believe me. Really worth celebrating.
You may live to find that out for yourself. I hope you make it to 90, too. In decent shape, of course. Like me. Lucky me.
I got nice presents. One of the nicest was receiving good advice.
The more good advice I get, the happier I am because I’m better off for it. You’d feel the same way.
Well, what’s interesting is that some of the folks who thought up these tips and comments became famous not became of their wisdom about growing old. But what they did for a living. You’ll recognize them. Some preferred to remain anonymous. Not sure why. Oh, well.
But you are not getting any younger either. Would you like me to share some of the comments and tips I got?
I assume you do. So here they are. They’re all short and sweet. Some will make you chuckle.
Old age isn’t so bad when you consider the alternative. Maurice Chevalier
Men do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they quit playing. Oliver Wendell Holmes
The idea is to die young as late as possible. Ashley Montagu
Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes. Anonymous
Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional. Chili Davis
You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely. Ogden Nash
None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm. Henry David Thoreau
Everything slows down with age, except the time it takes cake and ice cream to reach your hips. John Wagner
There is still no cure for the common birthday. John Glenn
No man is ever old enough to know better. Holbrook Jackson
Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young. Theodore Roosevelt
I don’t use alcohol anymore. Anonymous
Old age is always 15 years older than I am. Oliver Wendell Holmes again
You are not old as long as there’s a little bit of whipper left in your snapper. Anonymous
Don’t let it get you down. It’s too hard to get back up. John Wagner again
Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of 80 and gradually approach 18. Mark Twain
It’s a matter of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. Anonymous
Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest. Larry Lorenzoni
As you get older great things happen. The first is your memory starts to go. And I can’t remember the other two. Sir Norman Forgetful
People ask me what I would most appreciate getting for my 87th birthday. I tell them, a birthday suit. George Burns
Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been. Mark Twain again
Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many. Anonymous
Now the next two are by persons especially close to me. I’m keeping their names private if you don’t mind.
Ninety! Oh oh oh! Looks good on you, John! A dear Somebody
Thank you, John, for showing me how 90 should be done! Another dear Somebody
Now here is one by me. Yes, yours truly.
Take it from me. The most wonderful thing about turning 90 is turning 90. And starting your 91st year, still smiling! JGL
And now if I may,
Which did you like best?
Do you have a bit of advice for me?
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