As you read this, I have just turned 80 years old.
That sounds pretty ancient when you say it out loud.
But then you run into people in their mid-80s who are still living full, busy lives and suddenly 80 does not seem quite so old. Even more amazing are the folks who make it past 100 and are still living in their own homes, still driving, still sharp as ever.
Those people are my heroes. And I would like to grow up to be like them.
I come from a large family. There are 11 of us siblings ranging in age from 63 to 83. Amazingly, every single one of them is still alive and none have any serious health problems. That seems almost unbelievable in today’s world.
Clearly good genes help. Our family is a real American stew—Irish, Welsh, English and German all mixed together. My mother lived to be 96 and was still going strong. Had COVID not come along when it did, she might well have made it to 100.
My dad lived to 81. Sadly, a medical procedure appeared to trigger a stroke that eventually took his life.
Still, when you look at the family record, we have been fortunate. So, if you have good genes, you are already starting with a head start. If you do not, then you probably need to pay even closer attention to how you live your life.
Which brings me to the first health lesson I have learned: If you smoke cigarettes, please quit.
I honestly cannot think of anyone I have known who was a heavy smoker and still made it much past 70. Heavy drinking can also cause its share of trouble, but smoking seems to be the real killer.
We recall many friends who smoked heavily and several of them died in their early 60s. That is just way too young. If you want to stick around awhile, cigarettes are not your friend.
On the other hand, I have several clean-living friends who prove that long life is possible. People like Del McOmie in Lander, Chuck Brown in Wheatland and Jim Hicks in Buffalo. These fellows are all in their early 90s and still going strong. They remain active in their communities and stay engaged with the people around them. They are my role models.
Watching people like that makes you realize longevity is not just about years, it is about attitude.
Over time I have boiled what I have learned about aging into five simple ideas.
First: Find what you love, keep doing it.
For me that has always been writing and journalism. I have spent most of my life in newspapers and media, and even after all these years I still enjoy sitting down and writing a column. It keeps the mind active and the curiosity alive.
If you love to travel, keep traveling. If you enjoy books, keep reading and join a book club. If you like to help others, volunteer. Libraries, churches, Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis, food banks and countless local charities are always looking for helpers. Having a purpose makes every day a little more meaningful.
Second: Stay active.
And that means both physically and mentally. Do not sit around waiting for the phone to ring. Reach out to your friends. Go have coffee with someone. Visit your kids and grandkids. Stay involved in your community.
At the same time, be a little selfish about your own interests. Do things that keep your brain working. Read. Write. Travel. Volunteer.
Walk if you can. Move around. Stay curious. Just keep going. Because when people stop moving, that is usually when the downhill slide begins.
Third: Believe in something.
For me, that belief comes through my Catholic faith. But faith comes in many forms.
Some people find their inspiration in church. Others find it in nature, in family, or even in something as simple as the daily rhythm of life.
Find that higher purpose that gives your life direction and meaning. Once you find it, hang on and enjoy the ride. It might carry you a long, long way.
Fourth: Cherish your spouse.
Over the years I have known many widows and widowers. The one thing they all say is how much they miss their partner.
Your spouse is not just your husband or wife. They are your teammate. Your traveling companion. Your best friend. Treat them that way.
And try not to be like the old radio show The Bickersons, where the husband and wife spent most of their time arguing with each other. Life is too short for that. Be kind to each other.
Fifth: Pay attention to health.
You do not need to be a hypochondriac, but you do need to stay alert. Something that barely slows you down at age 40 can become a very serious problem when you are 80.
Fortunately, Medicare gives seniors access to excellent health care. Take advantage of it. Get your checkups. Ask questions. Follow up if something seems wrong.
In other words, be proactive. And yes, be a little selfish about your own well-being. Listen to your body. Turning 80 has made me think about all of this. Mostly it has made me grateful.
Grateful for good health.
Grateful for family.
Grateful for friends.
Grateful that I can still write and share a few thoughts with readers.
And grateful for Wyoming, a place where it seems like every town has a few tough old characters who just refuse to slow down.
If I can follow those five simple ideas—don’t smoke, stay active, believe in something, cherish your spouse and take care of your health—maybe I can stick around long enough to join those 90-year-old Wyoming heroes I admire.
And who knows?
If the good Lord keeps smiling and the Wyoming wind keeps blowing, maybe I will hang around long enough to write a column about turning 90.
Bill can be reached at bill@cowboystatedaily.com
