Lessons on growing older

Today my Mother turned 73 and I have to say that we could all learn a few things from her on how to stay young while the years keep coming.

First, stay busy. Retirement is over rated, so take the opportunity of retirement from a job to work in areas of your passion. The benefits of retiring are that you get to have a lot of time to do what you enjoy, rather than what you have to do to put food on the table.

Second, worry less about money. The old saying "you can't take it with you" is so true. Your kids will be fine and it is not your job to provide for their future, so take the money you have and spend it you won't run out and it's yours.

Third, do the things you always said you would do "if you had the time". Travel, bowl, volunteer, start a hobby, relax, go camping, or buy a Harley. You have the time so do things.

Fourth, become friends with your kids. Once kids get inti their 40's I don't think to many of us need parents in the general form. We need confidants, friends, advocates, and role models.

Finally, get your ducks in a row. If you do want to "not be problem" for your kids, take care of your Wills, Power of Attorney, and any other documents you may have. Organize them and create a list of where things are at.

So, all of us kids...start now on getting your own duck in a row. Be more than a friend to your kids, teach lessons, worry less, and live life like you had all the time in the world. You will never regret a life lived!