Advancing age and the accompanying decline in mental acuity and physical strength have been discussed a lot lately especially when the 2024 presidential election featured two of the oldest candidates in history until President Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy in July.

However, many senior citizens are leading active and productive lives. I am 84 years old and in good health, both mentally and physically. I cant say for certain why Im in such good shape, but I attribute it to certain routines I have followed over the years.

I have stayed pretty self-sufficient and dont like people prejudging what I can and cannot do because of my age. A few years ago, when I was in my late 70s, my daughters childhood friend visited us with her husband. One day, we needed to take something down from a high shelf. I walked to the garage and brought out a stepladder. The husband immediately reacted as if I had done something wrong.

Uncle, he said, you should not be doing this at your age. I told him I was perfectly capable, but he proceeded to take the ladder from me and get the item.

Two Decembers ago, a young relative stayed with us for a few days. One morning, I made tea and brought it to her at our breakfast table.

What is this? she said. You sit. I will make breakfast.

I told her that I make breakfast every day. I have been doing this and other household chores for years. I am not going to stop just because I am getting old.

Heres my take on living a satisfactory and long, healthy life. I am not, by any means, an expert on anything these are my thoughts based on how I am living my life and why I think it is helping me.