Word-Of-the-Week #2001: Aging
September 25, 2025 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #2001: Aging
Aging – the process of growing old or maturing.
Were you born before 1965? Are you prepared for the aging process?
This week’s WOW comes from my sweet husband, Chris, who shared this article from by Avery White at Vegoutmag.com, “Boomers who remain witty and sharp past 70 usually live by these 9 rules. A sharp mind past 70 isn’t guaranteed—but these 9 rules make all the difference. I am breaking it into 3 parts do the length.
There’s a particular quality some older people have—a spark that makes you forget you’re talking to someone who remembers when television was new. They drop perfectly timed jokes, recall obscure facts with startling clarity, and somehow manage to stay current without trying too hard. These aren’t just the genetically blessed. They’re people who’ve figured out that staying mentally sharp isn’t about sudoku puzzles and crosswords alone.
The difference between those who remain vibrant conversationalists at 75 and those who retreat into repetitive stories isn’t luck. It’s a collection of habits, attitudes, and deliberate choices that keep their minds flexible while their joints might not be. These rules aren’t complicated or expensive—they’re accessible to anyone willing to rethink what aging means for the brain.
- They treat curiosity like oxygen
The sharpest septuagenarians approach new information like they’re still 25 and figuring out the world. They ask follow-up questions about your job, genuinely want to understand cryptocurrency, and aren’t afraid to admit when something confuses them. This isn’t politeness—it’s intellectual survival.
- They collect experiences, not just memories
There’s a difference between having stories and having the same story. Sharp older adults keep adding chapters to their lives instead of just rereading the old ones. They try the new restaurant, take the unfamiliar route, say yes to invitations that younger them might have declined.
This isn’t about bungee jumping at 80. It’s about maintaining cognitive flexibility—the ability to adapt thinking to new situations. Every new experience forces the brain to create fresh connections. The mentally vibrant understand that routine might be comfortable, but variation is what keeps neurons firing. They know that the phrase “I’ve never tried that before” should never fully leave your vocabulary.
- They embrace technology without surrendering to it
The wittiest older adults have smartphones and know how to use them, but they’re not enslaved by them. They’ve learned enough technology to stay connected and informed without letting it overwhelm their identity or dominate their time. They text their grandkids, share memes that actually land, and can navigate streaming services without assistance.
But here’s the key: they use technology as a tool, not a crutch. They understand that digital engagement opens doors to information and connection, but they don’t mistake online interaction for real relationships. They’ve found the sweet spot between being a Luddite and being lost in the digital world. Their social media posts are coherent, but they also don’t live for likes.
This week is all about the positives in aging! How curious are you? Are you experiencing new and different adventures you’ve never tried before? Do you embrace technology and yet still maintain real relationships?
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