Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart

Aging and Physical Challenges

I've not had to deal with them personally, but over

the years I've always been impressed by people who've

overcome challenges. Last month I golfed with a Sr.

Vice President of a bank, whose one arm had polio. He

was virtually a one-armed golfer. His attitude was

great. He was an elder in the church and a successful

businessman, too.

Dave Bishop, Little Rock, Arkansas

Some physical challenges you just can't handle ...

Know your limits and don't cross the line. While young,

eat properly and exercise so it will become a regular

part of your life. The older you become, the more

difficult it becomes to change habits and create new

ones, whether eating habits, exercise, or whatever it

may be. Keep up a "youthful" spirit, attitude, and (at

least -- if all else fails) a youthful appearance. An 86

year old man told me recently ... "your health is the

greatest battle; if you have good health, the rest will

take care of itself."

Randy Carr, Hetts Summit, Missouri

Learn about aging before you get aged. Look

forward to certain aspects of aging with full knowledge

and acceptance. Learn how to grow old with style -- put

other people's needs first. Don't decide you can't

"serve" because of your age. Be as active "serving" as

you possibly can. (Cards, calls, prayers, smiles)

Kathy Seeber, Newburg, Oregon

Just admit that you can't do what you used to be

able to and accept it. It's painful, but it's a fact of life I

had to face and so will everyone else eventually. Try to