learn from your elders

sunset at thunder cove - mrl 2011

I've been teaching a felting course to seniors (the youngest is about 50, oldest is 99) at a day program (meaning these folks still live at home & come for the day) for the past several weeks.  Some of them have pretty serious ailments/pain/disabilities/degenerative illness etc. and some are just in their 'golden years' and starting to wind down a bit. 

In the past I've mainly taught kids & teenagers, occasionally adults, but recently I've felt called to work with our elder population.  Maybe because I'm getting older myself, maybe because I'm curious about what it's going to be like to get really old.  At any rate, they are teaching me a lot about life & how to be good at it.  Here are some of the prime lessons I've gathered from them so far:

1.  If you think you have a problem, really what you have is an attitude problem.  A good attitude can get you through anything.  Anything.
2.  As you get older, you will become more and more yourself.  Your personality will become amplified.  Therefore, if there is any quality, trait, or part of yourself you want to work on, cultivate, or let go of, start right now. 
3.  Have a great sense of humour.  Putting a smile on the faces of those around you is one of the best gifts you can give. 
4.  Be open to new things.  Be interested, not afraid. 
5.  Keep your mind sharp.  Solve puzzles, play games, read often, engage in conversation with people who challenge you. 
6.  When they say stay young at heart and you won't get old, it is 100% true.  Be playful, stay loose, laugh, have some fun!
7.  Cultivate and nourish your friendships.  These will be the people you will spend the most time with.  You will need each other.  Be kind and don't take each other for granted.  Never hold a grudge. 
8.  Love your life.  Befriend your soul.  Enjoy yourself!