How Not to Act Old

By Amy Sherman

Remember when you were "cool"? Even though you may think you still are, the rules have changed over the years and you may be acting older than you think. Here are some things to consider if you want to appear younger than you really are:

1. Get "hip" to texting

If you want to stay in touch with the kids or grandkids, this is their long distance mode of communication. Even leaving messages on the cell phone is passé. Learn how to text and you will be in contact with them more often and with much less hassle. So, exercise those thumbs and practice the fine art of miniature typing.

2. Dinner time

Don't eat dinner at 5pm, unless you're out with YOUR parents - and they insist! If you can hold out to at least 6-6:30, you'll be more in vogue with the younger set and won't be classified as one of those "early-bird" diners.

3. "When I was your age..."

Avoid starting sentences with "When I was your age..." Obviously, things were different when you were younger and unless they ask, many young people are not interested in hearing about your past adventures.

4. Learn new skills

It's important to stay fresh and up-to-date. Pay attention to new technology and forms of networking and if you can't participate, at least understand the terminology. Therefore, if you don't TWITTER, are not on FACEBOOK, don't own an IPhone and are not a member of LinkedIn, at least be aware of what they are and how they impact their users.

5. Dress stylishly

Dress stylishly by keeping current with trends. For women, capris are not peddle-pushers and for men, socks don't go with sandals. Wear youthful-looking clothes that make you attractive (but are also age appropriate) and do not make the mistake of thinking your twenty-year-old clothes will be coming back.

6. Stay active

Be sure to do some sort of aerobic exercise, like bicycle riding, walking, playing tennis, swimming, etc, not only to make your body healthier, but also to keep you in shape so you don't look or feel your age. The more active you are, the more you can "keep up" with the younger folks in your life. In fact, you may need to change your total mind-set. Don't believe you're growing old and should be acting a certain way. Stay young at heart and young in spirit so your kids and even grandkids won't think of you as an old "fuddy-duddy" who is still living in the past. Adlai Stevenson once said, "It is not the years in your life, but the life in your years that counts."

About the author: Amy Sherman, LMHC is the author of Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life.

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