Story Library

Rewards for Successful Aging

Backstory

Working on the Council for Aging In Place, I’ve been doing research on how and where people like to age. That led me to the book, Script & Flame by B. K. Haynes. And that led to writing this episode.

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Rewards for Successful Aging – #654

For a century, mankind believed that old age started at 50. Now the aging process seems to be racing on past 80. An example is the author, B. K. Haynes.

An old-time rural land developer, B. K. has written four books, since the 1960s, when he ruled the recreational property development boom.

His last book was written at the age of 80. It’s titled Script & Flame and one segment talks about rewards for successful aging.

The first reward is – Freedom from Fear – Imagine what contentment that would bring. Next is Love of One’s Work. B.K. never wants to stop. Harmony with Others is number 3.

With Good Health and Economic Security, the next two items on the list, B.K. says you should have Definite Future Plans and Hope for the Future. He advises Breaking Bad Habits, adding, “Your objective should be to restore and form good habits and to become a slave to them.”

Sharing with Others is the next step in successful aging. Then Control of Self and A Positive Attitude Toward Life. Lastly – Having an Open Mind and Having Concern for Others.

You’ll find more advice, deeply spiritual observations and downright entertainment in the book, Script & Flame by B. K. Haynes, available on Amazon.

P.S.

What rewards would you add to B.K.’s list?

[Show #654]

Great Moments

Backstory

It’s a spot; a moment in time that is indelible in your memory. It may be a seminal moment – or a simple gesture or word. But it is burned into your mind, to be remembered forever.

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Great Moments – #707

What great moments of your life do you remember?

One of mine, was my Mom’s 75^th birthday. My sisters’ and I wanted to throw a party at a nice hotel. But she wanted a family affair at our farmhouse here in the Shenandoah Valley.

We had just recently bought the house as a weekend retreat. It was over 100 years-old and it needed everything. The plaster walls had cracks, the kitchen had a rickety stove from the 1930’s. We had very little furniture yet, and you just might fall through the floor in one or two of the rooms.

But Mom was adamant that this was to be the site of her big birthday shindig. So, we hung crepe paper on the walls to cover the cracks, sat a door on saw horses as a party table, brought in mix-matched folding chairs, turned up the radio, invited the neighbors and had so much, that 15-years later it still pops into my mind as a great moment.

Just think, something that happens to you today may become the great moment that you’ll talk about 15-years from now.

You just never know what life holds when you go around the next corner.

Ain’t it just great!

P.S.

What great moment pops into YOUR mind? Scroll down and share it, if you can.

[Show #707]

Motorcycle Annie

Backstory

Do you see an action video on Facebook featuring a mature woman and ask yourself, “How does she do that, at her age?” Annie had the same question. And then, something happened!

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Motorcycle Annie – #701

I just saw an intriguing photo – a lovely lady perched on her motorcycle. At 71, Annie has just completed the motorcycle safety course. She is brand new to the bike and she loves it.

Annie wasn’t doing too well a few years ago. She had aches and pains that seem to come along with Social Security. But this lady decided to do something about it. She got into an exercise program that improved her strength and brought back her vitality. She spends it on that motorcycle – among other things.

For YOU to improve your overall physical fitness, what you really need, to start, is just -your FEET. Yep, a program of fitness can start as easily as simply getting out of your chair and on your feet. Walking is easy. As you gain stamina, you add other activities.

Go for the gusto and motorcycle with Annie, Or take a more pedestrian route.

In any case, you’ll be amazed how fast it makes a difference.

P.S.

Even if you never get past the stage where it’s your feet moving you around, the oxygen will pump blood through your veins and will help you thrive.

[Show #701]

Balancing Mind and Body

Backstory

Decisions, decisions. Many of our friends seem to be facing a fork in the road. They are furiously weighing pros and cons as they try to decide – what next. In sympathy, this story was written.

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Balancing Mind and Body – #710

As we move along in life, there are changes to accept. They require a balancing of the images of the mind, with the desires and realities of the body.

The mind can image our standing atop the highest mountain; the knees may not support the climb. The mind may create passionate and romantic interludes; the body may want to take a nap.

A good part of the enjoyment of life in all its stages Is a balance between mind and body. Your vitality probably just needs a little moderation. The hike upward; only with rest stops. But oh the glory of the flag whipping in the wind once you get to the top!

Whether you’ll conquer your mountain in the clouds . . . on the Internet . . . in the kitchen or in the check book, balance mind and body and go for it!

P.S.

As you age, the balance of your life needs to include time to provide support – for friends and relatives who get injured or sick, or for yourself or your spouse. Leave room to be there when someone needs you. It’s not if, it’s when.

[Show #710]

Air Conditioning… Remember When

Backstory

Many modern conveniences are taken for granted. But there are those of us who grew up without them, or before they were invented.

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Air Conditioning – #433

Say its summertime. You have the choice of being outside in the sun, hot and heavy, or inside in the cool comfort of an air-conditioned domicile. Which one do you choose?

I remember a time not long ago when that choice did not exist. It would be as hot in the house as it was outside. My grandmother had her summer routine down pat. When to open the door and windows, when to pull the shades and drapes, when to turn on the big fan that did little more than moving around the hot air. When to hurry and get the days work done while the heat was still bearable, when to sit as still as possible with a big cloth for wiping the sweat.

City kids remember how they’d open the fire hydrant, and everyone would get wet to cool down. In recent power outages we’ve been reminded of how that felt. Young people may never before have had to go days in intense heat with no cooling.

How did you and your family handle it? Did you cry and whine, cursing the power company to hurry up and get us back to normal? Did you give prayers of thanks for all the days when we do not have to go without the cooling comfort of our conditioned air? Did you just ride around in your air-conditioned vehicle until it was all over?

Air conditioning in hot weather, yet another thing for which to give thanks here in America.

P.S.

Remember going to the movies often, because the theater was the only place in town that had air conditioning?

[Show #433]

Called On to Help

Backstory

Being asked or expected to help – It can change your life. And those who are most apt to help are often the least willing to ask for help, when they need it. That can be life changing too. This week’s story explores the intricacies of these life changes.

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Called On To Help – #263

There are times in life when we are called upon to do things that are difficult. They seem to come in threes, these times of challenge. And when they occur, they seem to define us wholly. Instead of being a multi-faceted human being, we start to think we are nothing more than the caregiver, the mother figure, the easily disposable employee.

So many people are struggling today. It is very possible that you may be called on to give help, jump in, provide a safety net or a soft place to land. It’s also possible that you become one of those who needs help.

When suddenly called on to take a difficult new role, it’s important to keep your perspective. You are the same person as before the challenge occurred. You may feel overwhelmed at the beginning, but you can figure things out. You always have.

It’s said that God never calls on us to do more than we can. Pray for strength if that’s where you get spiritual courage. Be willing to ask for help yourself if it gets to be too much. Look around and you may find willing, loving, helpers in places you would not imagine.

Speak out and let the help come forward. You can make it through these times. Easy? No. Doable? Absolutely. God Bless You.

P.S.

Often all it takes to get help is for people to know you need it. In a small town or a giant high rise, help may be closer than you think. It could be from friends, family, neighbors, church community. Reach out and let the help pour in.

[Show #263]

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