I enjoy your posts! Btw on the death and others not remembering you comment… I would invite you to rethink that. I hold the memories of my relatives who have passed very close to my heart. They are forever part of me - not forgotten. Not even close.
Seconded. My aunt passed when I was... 8? 11? I think of her everyday and wonder how she can be gone when she mentally effects my thoughts and decisions daily.
I turned 81 in October 2025. I quit drinking nearly ten years ago, and even sober, it took me another two years to breakaway from my addictive mindset. It was after I seriously confronted my character flaws and soulful remediation that I began to live a life of virtue and morality. The Stoics say that you must clearly understand what you do not control, like death, behavior of others, or who wins the Super Bowl and center your life around the thing you do control, like your thoughts, your actions, and your responses. It makes living simple and easy.
Thanks Gary - at 78 I still relish a challenge. I spent half the day today trying to set up a new website and e-mail address. It's for a new venture that launches 1st March. I could have asked my son or daughter to do it for me. But where's the fun in that? When you lose your dreams, you grow old, ready for the knackers yard.
With 69 just around the corner this summer, this was an interesting read. My parents both suffered from dementia, which did not allow them to pass on the wisdom of this age. But what I did learn from watching and caring for them was that kindness went a long way towards inviting other people closer, and that whatever showed up—could still contain love, connection, and beautiful, shared experiences. I don’t know what my future holds, but I have decided not to retire until it happens organically. I love my work with teenagers too much, and have also started writing a book about building a bridge into the next world through kindness and compassion practices. I’m grateful that I found your words this morning. What an uplifting way to begin my day. Thank you fellow traveler, for pointing the direction on a path worth savoring.
As someone in her 50’s, so much food for thought about how I want to ‘be’ as the years unfold, more importantly how I can cultivate my ‘now’. Thank you for your wisdom.
A powerful, powerful essay—perhaps your best yet. My partner and I (both in our 70’s) are currently experiencing a few major health problems. Yet our zest for living, our many friends and their support, and our own commitment to each other keeps us upbeat and positive. Thank you, Gary, for sharing your great insights and deep wisdom. Very much appreciated!
Gary, that was great. loved the cadence in which you write. keeps moving me ahead quickly before my mind has a chance to change the subject. Loads of good points.
Your words are comforting. Thank you. I do hope you plug in all those bits of technology that will allow you to make guided meditations. I would like to join you in the listening.
I enjoy your posts! Btw on the death and others not remembering you comment… I would invite you to rethink that. I hold the memories of my relatives who have passed very close to my heart. They are forever part of me - not forgotten. Not even close.
Seconded. My aunt passed when I was... 8? 11? I think of her everyday and wonder how she can be gone when she mentally effects my thoughts and decisions daily.
Wow Gary. I will read this many times. Thank you.
I am only 74, but this resonated with me, except for "But I fear what my children, my wife, my family, and friends will do without me when I’m gone.
I truly want to go first before my life partner - totally selfish. I don't want to be on my own.
These are great lessons, Gary. Thank you for sharing them. Great post.
Wonderful words from a beautiful soul. Thank you Gary
I turned 81 in October 2025. I quit drinking nearly ten years ago, and even sober, it took me another two years to breakaway from my addictive mindset. It was after I seriously confronted my character flaws and soulful remediation that I began to live a life of virtue and morality. The Stoics say that you must clearly understand what you do not control, like death, behavior of others, or who wins the Super Bowl and center your life around the thing you do control, like your thoughts, your actions, and your responses. It makes living simple and easy.
Thanks Gary - at 78 I still relish a challenge. I spent half the day today trying to set up a new website and e-mail address. It's for a new venture that launches 1st March. I could have asked my son or daughter to do it for me. But where's the fun in that? When you lose your dreams, you grow old, ready for the knackers yard.
I needed that. Thanks, Gary.
I throughly enjoyed reading your article. Well written with facts and humor describing old age.
With 69 just around the corner this summer, this was an interesting read. My parents both suffered from dementia, which did not allow them to pass on the wisdom of this age. But what I did learn from watching and caring for them was that kindness went a long way towards inviting other people closer, and that whatever showed up—could still contain love, connection, and beautiful, shared experiences. I don’t know what my future holds, but I have decided not to retire until it happens organically. I love my work with teenagers too much, and have also started writing a book about building a bridge into the next world through kindness and compassion practices. I’m grateful that I found your words this morning. What an uplifting way to begin my day. Thank you fellow traveler, for pointing the direction on a path worth savoring.
Love this ! Thankyou 🙏
As someone in her 50’s, so much food for thought about how I want to ‘be’ as the years unfold, more importantly how I can cultivate my ‘now’. Thank you for your wisdom.
At the age of 88 I pretty much agree with your thoughts.
A powerful, powerful essay—perhaps your best yet. My partner and I (both in our 70’s) are currently experiencing a few major health problems. Yet our zest for living, our many friends and their support, and our own commitment to each other keeps us upbeat and positive. Thank you, Gary, for sharing your great insights and deep wisdom. Very much appreciated!
Gary, that was great. loved the cadence in which you write. keeps moving me ahead quickly before my mind has a chance to change the subject. Loads of good points.
Your words are comforting. Thank you. I do hope you plug in all those bits of technology that will allow you to make guided meditations. I would like to join you in the listening.