Older Maybe, But Never "Old"

My husband, R.J., and I have a mantra for our lives: we may have to advance in age by calendar years, but we don't believe we have to get "old." We both want to live healthy, continue to be self-sufficient, and conquering new challenges when we are 100-plus in our measured lifetimes.

Being lucky enough already to have creative careers with no retirement limits, we also enjoy a life where one day is never the same as the previous one, and each tireless effort has its own unique reward. This is true whether we're writing, working on an art project, acting and directing in theatre, meeting new people, travelling, or simply spending time with family and friends. We don't over schedule ourselves, and we are optimists who enjoy whatever's around the next bend, and meet it head-on.

In a global world totally alien from what we knew in our younger years, we are constantly in a learning state. That keeps our heads and our hearts young. We will never be senior citizens who only associate with peers, and deride what's new in favor of "the way it was". We believe we learn and experience by engaging with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Two of my favorite quotes are constant reminders of our resolve. The first is by the actress, Helen Hayes: "You rest, you rust." The second is by C.S. Lewis: You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

There is a third quote I laughingly use sometimes when asked my age, (I believe it was the actress Billie Burke who said it): "Age is only important if you are a cheese."

It's flattering to have people say to R.J. and me, "You don't look your age" or "I don't know how you do it all", but we don't persist in our lifestyle to elicit such remarks. We happily persevere because it keeps us feeling good, both physically and mentally, and we wake each morning eager to see what the day will bring. It's just the best kind of ride!