By David Tepera, May 24, 2026

I’ve been active my entire adult life hoping to hang on to youth as long as possible. But, sometimes, there are reminders of getting older.

Recently, Tina and I were guest speakers at a health symposium. Once we left the stage, a couple came up to us and stated “you guys are an inspiration for all the old people”. Another young lady told Tina that she hopes to look her when she gets old. Yep, that compliment didn’t sit well with Tina, especially because I couldn’t stop laughing.

I’m turning 65 in July and can’t believe I’ve become a senior citizen. The only time I feel old is from the guy staring at me in the mirror.

You know you’re getting old if you injure yourself while sleeping. How many of you know the rain is coming because your arthritic knees are hurting?

When you hang out with your friends, do you talk about the next vacation or the last doctor’s appointment? Does your back go out more than you do?

Why do old men lose their hair, but the eyebrows, nostrils and ears grow hair? 

Another sign of getting older is that sneezing can be dangerous. The other day, I dropped something on the floor, I kept kicking it towards the trashcan because I didn’t want to bend over to pick it up.

I realized things I buy now probably won’t wear out. Also, my family and friends know to not call me after 7:00pm because it’s bedtime.

Another perk of getting older is that you can go out in public and not worry about what you’re wearing.

One perspective that makes me smile is when I encounter younger adults and they address me with “sir”. That’s a reflection of their parents teaching them to be respectful. My parents taught me the same and I passed that along with my children. All elders deserve our respect because they earned it.

Listen, in the end, Father Time will win the battle, but don’t ever throw in the towel and accept being old. We are only on this Earth for a short time, so make every day the best day.

Get off the recliner, grab your walker and limp your way outside and enjoy life. Why not because no one pays attention to older people unless they are in the fast lane driving slow.