Here are five recommendations for life in the mature years, so you’ll feel like celebrating rather than wearing a black armband on your next birthday:
*Forget everything you’ve heard about aches, pains, problems and inability as you age. They’re old wives’ tales, mythology, erroneous stereotypes. No one ever died from old age; most mature adults will never live in a nursing home; and most aches and pains come not from age, but from too much inactivity.
*Remember the happy years and times when your children populated your home and life; but now rejoice with your newly found freedom to chart a new life and opportunity. And, you’ll find you enjoy your grandchildren all the more.
*Forget those things, people and events you don’t want in your new mature lifestyle. You’re now in control of 100 percent of your life.
*Remember that age is an advantage wherever and whenever you shop. Don’t be insulted when most businesses still call them “senior discounts”; if 55-plus, ask for the discount.