Advice From Old Folks On How To Live Longer • 15

If an old person you don’t know suddenly starts talking to you at the grocery store, it is not because they are weird [all right, excluding me]. It is because they have learned that human connection is one of the best parts of life. So they are trying to connect.

Sure, they might tell you a corny joke that you don’t understand. Or talk too long about what kind of bread they like. Or say, “My lumbago is acting up. Can you grab that can of SPAM off the top shelf for me?” What they say doesn’t really matter. They are just reaching out.

If you take time away from the endless “important things” you have to do and get to know them, you will soon discover that they have a lifetime of stories and experiences to share. Stuff that will “add value” to your life. Since adding value seems to be the most important thing these days. [Hint: human connection, love, family, friends. Those are what really add value to life.]

You can always argue about politics or follow your favorite celebrity’s public “personal life” online later when you are not doing important things. But don’t miss the chance to have a conversation with someone who actually lived 85 years of history. Think about it. They don’t need Wikipedia. They were there.

Of course, you could have read a book full of tips that add value (and possibly years!) to your life if publishers had recognized the value of old people’s advice and published my book, Super Useful Tips To Squeeze More Days Out Of Our Meager Human Lifespan.

But they are only looking for generic blockbusters that will pay their country and yacht club fees, not important works with “too-long titles.” So I am posting these valuable tips online. Where people rack up the screen time and ruin their eyes.

Savor each tip. Allow them to soak in and become part of your consciousness. Then incorporate them into your lifestyle.

Here is tip number 15:

Great advice, Ekaja. Pass the peanuts.

Thanks for reading and responding. You make it fun.

Mark