Vintage Chicks Rock!

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Looking at my circle of friends, most of whom are in their 50s, 60s and 70s, I am amazed at their youthfulness.

Apparently, age is a state of mind, not just a state of saggy skin. (Although, admittedly  when I climb out of the tub and see myself in the bathroom mirror, my state of mind takes a rapid spiral dive to the floor to join my thighs.)

Think about the last high school class reunion you attended (unless you are one of those who can’t stomach reunions, then think about looking up that high school bully who led you down this anti-social path, finding out where he/she lives and filling their car with packing peanuts.) Some people look just as they did decades ago; others look as though they are 10 to 100 years older than they are. Why is that?

I asked my vintage chick friends and family about this and here’s what I got:

1. Eat healthy, real food whenever possible.
2. Get your ZZZZs at night;  take a nap during the day.
3. Exercise. If you’re too intimidated to work out at a gym, choose an activity you enjoy, like walking — no special instruction or clothing needed. And — bonus! — you can drop off those bills that you’ve procrastinated on mailing. Yay! Electricity for 30 more days!
4. De-stress. Try meditation, a spiritual retreat or (my sister’s fave) an All About Me, Me, Me day.
5. Babysit for your grandchildren‡‡ (see No. 3).
6. Eliminate as many toxins and as many toxic people from your life as possible. If it happens to be your significant other, well, that’s a topic for another time.
7. Stay informed on current news events, books, movies, social media and pop culture. You may not care for some of it, but hey, it will give you new level of understanding, knowledge and hopefully, empathy.
8. Always have a Plan B, just in case. (see second sentence in No. 6)
9. Make a list of places you want to visit and things you’d like to do. (OK, OK – a friggin’ Bucket List!) Even if you don’t accomplish everything on the list, it will motivate you to check off  before you check out, so to speak.
10. Don’t try to look young — that ship has sailed, honey — but always think young. Never start a sentence with “I’m too old to …” (unless it’s roller skating and I have the shattered wrist scar to prove why this is a bad idea after age 60).

But overall the number one thing to stay young? Laugh, laugh, laugh.

As the late Bob Marley said, “Don’t worry, be happy.”

‡‡Footnote: … only if you don’t have a record with Child Protective Services.