8 Vital Life Lessons from My Mother

 

My mom is now 89 and you’d be hard-pressed to find a fitter, more adorable, and adroit senior citizen. “I can’t believe her age!” is a line I hear often. And although having sturdy Irish genes never hurt, there are eight non-negotiables in my silver-haired mother’s life, which I believe help her stay fit, strong, and yes, young…

Eat healthy — One of my mother’s favorite sayings is, “Food is medicine.” Before she came to live with us eighteen months ago, my diet was healthy most of the time, but could stand improvement. Now, thanks to her influence, I have a nightly side salad and raw vegetables with my sandwich at lunch. Not surprisingly, I’ve seen a change. And yes, Mom’s human. Her big indulgence is ice cream each night for dessert, but most of the time, she eats smart and it shows.

Move – She loves to walk, whether by a river or along our local beaches. With white visor and colorful knapsack, Mom walks briskly. Sometimes I’ll go with her and as we walk, we talk… about everything. I love these times, solving the world’s problems, but also getting exercise. Mom takes several classes a week that include weights, chair yoga, lots of ladies — and the occasional outnumbered man. “Use it or lose it,” is among her favorite sayings.

Go outside – Nature has always called to my mother. She knows the name of every bird species in our yard, from the goldfinches to the downy woodpeckers. She watered and fertilized all my outdoor flowers this summer and our hibiscus, geraniums, and roses never looked more beautiful. She notices and appreciates the big and small things, a particular iridescent green on a hummingbird or the majesty of the poplar trees in our backyard. Nature gives her strength.

Keep reading and learning –As a child, many times after school, I’d find a new “Dr. Seuss” or “The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking” on my bed, much to my delight. My mother was an avid reader and still devours books today, classics, mysteries, the latest best seller, anything that strikes her fancy. We’ve always shared that love and I believe it helps keeps her young. Reading spurs curiosity and that’s what makes life interesting.

Know what’s going on in the world — Despite a gentle, reserved nature, Mom can be politically astute. She’ll sit there at dinner, taking in the news in her own quiet way, but when asked her opinion, will give a well-thought out, insightful, and sometimes unique answer. She reads several newspapers daily on her I-Pad, including some foreign, and sometimes, to my embarrassment, knows what’s going on in the world sooner, and more thoroughly, than I do.

Stay current with medical check-ups – If I mention that I don’t feel like going for a particular medical screening, but am overdue, my mother will chastise me. “It’s important to know your numbers and where you stand,” she’ll say. “Keep up with that stuff.” And she’s right. She taught me that staying medically up to date is a form of self-care and one of the reasons I believe Mom is in such good shape. She takes her health seriously.

Get connected – One of the first things she did when she came to live with us was join the local Y. It’s there, Mom takes her exercise classes. Plus she joined a monthly book group, which she loves. Some of her fellow students are her age, but many are younger. “Its nice to have people to say hello to and connect with,” she says often after a class or novel discussion, and although shy, Mom has made friends in her own way, in her own time. I see how that makes her happy.

Have gratitude – I asked her recently how she feels about turning 89. “Grateful,” she answered. And what more could anyone want? She knows she’s lucky. She had a long, happy marriage with my father and three healthy kids. She’s enjoyed good health most of her life. She knows to appreciate and see the simple beauty in every day living. She doesn’t sweat the small stuff.

Damn. Just when you think you’re too old to learn anything more from your parents, they prove you wrong.

I have to raise a glass to my mom. She shows me everyday how it’s done and for that I’m proud…and grateful.

Do you have a wonderful, older role model? Comments are always welcome and if you like, please share.

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