Serene Karplus, Nederland.  May is Older Americans Month, a national celebration of the best of longevity. This year’s theme is “Engage at Every Age”, emphasizing that we are never too old, or too young, to enrich our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It celebrates the many ways in which older adults make a difference in our communities, sharing time, experience, mentorship, and wisdom.

In the spirit of this event, we offer comments we have heard over the years from our local friends about the joys of living for several decades. Quotes are not attributed, as many are echoed by multiple folks and others are from conversations a while ago:

* Now I am older, I savor a cup of coffee at sunrise instead of gulping it down to race off to something someone else thinks is more important.

* When I am at a store, restaurant, or traveling, I no longer have to ask, “How old do you have to be to get your discount?” because I’ve already made it to the top age group.

* Love is richer and deeper than when we were younger and needier.

* Recognizing I can’t solve all the world’s problems, I go for a walk in the woods to ponder how I can help with just one or two that are important to me.

* Medicare is actually pretty good insurance at a reasonable price. Now we just need more doctors who study aging and health preservation instead of the current wait-‘til-it-breaks-then-repair or-replace system.

* I’m sorry for the mistakes I’ve made that affected the ones I love, and I’ve apologized, but I now realize I don’t have to live in regret and can move on to better ways of being.

* Seeing all the changes in just my one lifetime, I am excited for what the next generations will achieve, even if I don’t get to witness it.

* I smile more affectionately now at my wife’s foibles that used to irritate me because I realize how much I’d miss her if she weren’t around.

* I finally let all the old childhood hurts go so I can forgive others and love myself. What a relief!

* When I retired from the daily grind, I discovered a whole new world of fun things that other people do on weekdays.

* I used to fear that people criticized me for being out of fashion or out of date, but now I’m old enough to know how trivial that is and just be myself.

* I finally learned to stop and really listen - to birds, the breeze, other people. It really isn’t all about me.

* I love getting discounts everywhere, even if I have to swallow my pride a little and use the “S” word [Senior] to ask for them.

* I treasure everyone more because I’ve learned how fragile life is.

* My new volunteer work is better than my old career - I meet lots of types and ages of people in different settings and I put my energy where I live.

* After a lifetime of losses and heartaches, I figured out that I’m the survivor and all the tears just made me stronger and more compassionate.

* I save a lot of money not having to get my hair highlighted - the silver is so sparkly!

* Grandkids are great - all the fun and not so much responsibility.

* Finally, I am making time for old hobbies and new creative pursuits, learning how to ski moguls, paint watercolors, and I joined an amateur theatre group that is like family to me.

* I get to wear what I want and be comfortable. I gave away all the shoes that looked elegant but were horrid on my feet.

* Retirement is vastly underrated. I love controlling my own schedule.

* My spouse and I love each other more deeply with every passing year.

* Being older helps me see that every moment is precious.

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All ages of adults are welcome at all events, attended mostly by folks over age 50. Sign up for all meals and events at 303-258-0799 or Meetup.com/Mountain-MidLife-Social-Group or by email at NederlandAreaSeniors@gmail.com. Meals are served at the Nederland Community Center. Please call two days ahead for lunch reservations (more for dinners and breakfasts if possible). Missed the deadline? Call anyway. Costs listed show first the over-age-60 requested anonymous contribution, then the under-age-60 price. Please note that all over age 60 are welcome at meals regardless of ability to contribute financially.