On August 19th, 1998, President Ronald Regan declared August 21st, National Senior Citizens Day, as a day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of our seniors. For National Senior Citizens Day, we asked our residents to share their best life advice, from the wisest to the wittiest, since we know our residents are full of sweet nuggets and simple reminders. Whether it was given to them at a young age by someone influential in their life that they’ve kept close to their heart or something they drummed up later in life, advice- given or received- is fun to think about as it helps us pause and reflect on what matters most in our lives.

“Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow.”

“Stay true to yourself.”

“If you’re comfortable, you’re confident.”

“Go exercise.”

“Eat dessert first.”

“Be a gracious receiver.”

“When you cease learning, you’ll be dead.”

“If you’re going to be a bear, be a grizzly.”

“Do the best you can every day.”

“Get over it.”

“Don’t put yourself down, other people do it better.”

“Some days the dragon wins.”

“You cannot save people. You can only love them.”

“Kickouhpoo juice.”

“Make a plan and it will work (if you have coffee).”

“Don’t stick beans up your nose.”

“Keep moving, walk every day.”

“Go to therapy.”

“Rotate your stock.”

“Continue to explore the astonishment of living.”

“Take it one day at a time.”

“Movie theatres, restaurants, golf courses will always be around. Family and friends won’t always be around. Make time for special people.”

“Don’t argue: if you are right, you don’t need to argue, if you are wrong, you have no business arguing.”

“Be kind.”

“Remember there are angels among us 5 days a week. Called staff!”

“Always wear clean underwear.”

“When deciding on a career, choose something you love to do.”

“Stay single.”

“Keep breathing.”

“You will never be as young as you are today.”

“Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.”

“Never give up on real love (for anything or anyone) when you find it.”

“Eat your veggies.”

“Don’t drive angry.”

“Overdoing it is just as bad as underdoing it.”

“Follow your instincts.”

“”Say what you mean and mean what you say.”

“Don’t give up.”

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”

“Be happy.”

“It is what it is.”

“Family is what you make it.”

Since 1900, the senior population has nearly quadrupled from 3.1 million to over 54.1 million due to the aging of the “baby boomer” generation and the longevity of our elderly. Whether they are retired, working, or volunteering, they add priceless experience and knowledge to our community. We’re grateful that every day we get to experience the joy of our residents as wisdom is a byproduct of living. Celebrate seniors in your life today, you may learn something new.