Aging — and dying — may be an inevitability, but it need not be a tragedy. Just ask octogenarian Bernard Otis, the author of “How to Prepare for Old Age (Without Taking the Fun Out of Life),” who has learned through personal experience, extensive observation and interviews that aging with dignity and joy is a choice.
In real life, an infectious grin stretches across his face, and joy radiates down to his strong and lively handshake. Although he originally started his blog, Senior Moments With Bernard Otis (seniormomentswithbernardotis.com), and his book as a way to deal with the loss of his wife, Anna, the reactions he gets from readers of all ages have given him renewed purpose and great personal satisfaction.
“I drew the conclusion that when people weren’t prepared for death, they weren’t necessarily prepared for life, either,” Otis said. “They were not living their lives in a way that counted, and not aware about what was happening around them. Many people have a misconception that they will retire at 65 and that will be the end. However, the truth is that life goes on, no matter what stage of it you’re in. You need to embrace it.”
Otis, 86, currently lives in a senior residence in Los Angeles, but he is still a man about town. He maintains his blog and recently found romance with a woman visiting one of his fellow residents.
His book, put out by Incorgnito Publishing Press in May, touches on a lifetime of lessons that he has acquired. It is made up of chapters, which he playfully calls “Senior Moments,” filled with stories and observations that cover “the journey of life, the boulders in the highway and how to get around them,” according to Otis.
This article was reprinted from the L.A. Jewish Journal. To view the full story, visit www.jewishjournal.com.