By By JEFF WALLACE Columnist,Submitted Photo

Copyright postandcourier

3. Getting older is a mental challenge. I sometimes see a person I’ve known for years, but can’t recall the name. It happened just the other day. I remember everything about my friend, but the name just won’t come. Don’t be alarmed. See No. 4 below.

4. Getting older requires patience. If you wait awhile, those things that you don’t recall will magically appear. You might be eating dinner several hours later when the name suddenly pops into your head. But be patient, don’t try to force it.

5. Getting older can be fun. While there are limitations to what we can do physically, we find great joy in simple things. Playing golf doesn’t necessarily require a good score – hitting a nice shot is sometimes enough. A text from a grandchild, a call from a daughter, a smile from the wife, a card or unexpected gift from friends are all things that mean more now than ever before. As we age, we really can sit back and smell the roses.

Wait, wait! Go back to No. 3. His name is Trevor. (See, I told you to be patient.)

6. Getting older means a closer walk with God. OK, whether you are religious, we are now certainly recognizing our mortality. Most of my friends and I are thinking about what is beyond this lifetime and taking stock of what we have done and not done. Sometimes we have a lengthy prayer over past transgressions or ask for healing and comfort for friends who are ailing. Sometimes it’s a quick thank you for a rainbow or a sunrise that promises yet another day.

7. Getting older means that things matter less. I used to try and accumulate stuff and buy things that I thought were needed. Today I am trying to get rid of much of that. It just doesn’t matter. But time together with family and friends can make a day special. Look for those times to enjoy as you get older.

8. Appreciate each day. Some day, that day will be our last. We never know when it will happen, so enjoy every moment, no matter what we are doing.