We're taking a page from David Letterman for this one

Lately, I’ve been hearing and reading a great deal about “living in the moment,” appreciating what life has to offer and remembering to find something to be grateful for, every day. And yet, we are constantly reminded that reaching senior-hood in this youth-oriented society is a state to be avoided at all possible costs.

Many famous movie stars and other personalities so dislike the old sound of the word “grandmother” they have devised other, younger-sounding names for their grandchildren to call them. Since I have three grown children, none of whom have had children, the sweet sound of the word “grandma” is one I may never hear.

Flipping through a recent issue of O magazine, titled “Living Life to the Fullest,” I felt down-trodden and uninspired by the first 20 pages ... every one an advertisement for a rejuvenating cream, serum or some device to banish wrinkles and signs of age. How can I live life to the fullest if I’m constantly worried about a sagging chin and crow’s feet?

I decided to fight back on behalf of everyone trying to savor their seniority by creating a Top 10 Reasons to be Grateful I’m a Senior.

1. I no longer need to worry that if I do something a little foolish I will get banned from the senior prom.

2. Nobody ever says, “You’re not old enough to do that, yet.”

3. Betty White is enjoying a big comeback, and she’s even older than I am.

4. Television producers are finally beginning to realize that there is an over-55 market, and programs scheduled for fall harken back to some that were popular in the ’60s. Featured will be Playboy bunnies and airline stewardesses in perky uniforms. While not very intellectual, it should please the older males and hopefully will be better than “Jersey Shore” and “The Real Housewives of Little Bend.”

5. I get a big, self-satisfied smirk on this wrinkled countenance whenever I can say, “senior discount, please” at McDonald’s, buying my railroad ticket, going to a museum or movie or shopping at Kohl’s on “senior days.” I live in hope for senior discount days to arrive at the food check out and the gas pump. Wouldn’t that be something?

6. My kids finally appreciate me.

7. I can wear comfortable shoes. Current styles of footwear resemble instruments of torture. The only thing higher than their platforms and heels are their ridiculous prices.

8. People who I envied when I was a young girl, Lana Turner, Hedy Lamaar, Rita Hayworth, even Elizabeth Taylor, all have grown old and passed away, but I’m still here.

9. My spouse is well past the age when he can: (a) fly to Argentina to have an affair, and (b) sneak up on our cleaning lady and distract her while she dusts.

10. Finally, nobody any longer asks, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I’ve grown up and I am doing what I love, constantly challenged by this very special third act of life.

Cheers for those of us who have reached the top rung of life from your grateful to be growing older, friend and columnist.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

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