BY KYLE LOVERN
As we get older it seems like we look at things a bit differently. My dad was older when he and my mother brought me into this world. I remember him telling me when I was a young teenager that if he had one wish it would be for good health.
Of course, being young, active and in good health myself, I questioned his thought process. Like many others might have, I asked, “Wouldn’t you want a million dollars?”
He told me, “One day you’ll understand.”
He was correct. That day came a few years back. I started to understand.
Sure, being wealthy would be nice. We would not have to worry about bills and other issues. We could help our children and grandchildren.
But having a roof over your head, food in your belly and simple transportation is enough for many of us. Of course times have changed, and most of us would have to have internet and access to a computer and cellphone.
But were those simpler times with a black-and-white television and three channels to watch so bad? We did not know of anything else and had no idea what we were missing.
As we get older our aches and pains in the joints get worse. It seems like if you get a cold or suffer from allergies, they are even tougher to get over than a few years ago.
Statistics show the human life span has increased, so the likelihood of living longer is a fact. But with that comes the chance for disabilities and long-term illnesses. In general, an increase in births 60 years ago has resulted in an increase in the population of older adults.
Our region has an elderly population.
Maybe we should not only listen to our parents – if we are blessed to still have them around – but also to other “old timers” and the wisdom they can share.
I’m sure we will all agree that our parents were wise. We can look back now and think of many occasions when we should have listened to them even more than we might have at that younger age.
We all have made mistakes as we went through those early years. I have certainly made more than my fair share.
Those statistics show that a typical person lives longer and that the population of older adults has increased. So maybe as we get older and have learned from our mistakes, we should share some of our thoughts and advice to the younger generation.
Granted, many may not want to listen. But you never know. Looking back, I realize I paid more attention to my parents, especially my dad, than I thought I did.
I always enjoyed listening to elderly neighbors and their stories. Some of them had a little humor, while others were totally serious. But taking in and soaking up some of that knowledge has stayed with me.
Like our parents before us, over our lifetime, just like a sponge, we accumulate a vast amount of knowledge.
Many factors influence health as we age. Some of these, such as genetics, are not in our control. Others, like exercise, having a healthy diet, going to the doctor regularly, and taking care of our mental health, are very important for us to continue.
I joke that we help make the drug stores and pharmaceutical companies richer and richer. We have a direct line to our doctor.
Many of us mellow out a bit as we get older. That’s a good thing. Worry, even though it is human nature, is not good for us.
I’ve always been sentimental; however I think I’ve gotten more so with age – especially when it comes to family and old friends.
“God wants us to remember that life is short (James 4:14) and that the beauty of youth is soon gone.” (Proverbs 31:30; 1 Peter 1:24).
So having good health is worth a million dollars. Thanks for the advice, Dad.
(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now a retired freelance writer and columnist for the Mountain Citizen.)