Actress Betty Davis said, “Old age ain’t no place for sissies”. I want to add, “Old age is NO time to lose your sense of humor.”

I can do the stupidest things, and if I can’t or don’t laugh at myself, I’m in deep trouble. If I laugh it off and tell on myself, I find others who experience similar situations and laugh with me; then I don’t feel so alone, weird, or incompetent. I want to be around others instead of staying home fearful of what I might do next.

I honestly don’t think I have early-onset dementia or Alzheimer’s, but I certainly have “Where did Jennifer go? Syndrome.”

Then again, maybe Jennifer is emerging, and she was just held back before. I’m far more fun, and I still care what others think (I can’t dispose of my mother’s voice), but I don’t let it stop me from being spontaneous, real, and genuine.

I like myself better. I’m free—not many responsibilities—I live with Lucy, and she likes me—I can watch what I want—dance when I want to—cook and eat MY food—and write my thoughts in this column more authentically and less intellectually.

I live more in my heart and my head, and that is a good thing.

I have always had an easy laugh, but the older I get, the more I hear it. I like that. I don’t take things so seriously, and I value each day. I don’t take much for granted. I also don’t try to be younger—I try to be satisfied and keep old memories of great times running around in my head. Isn’t that better than being sad that our bodies don’t like us doing what we once did? Being grateful for what I’ve had and what I’ve done is a much better mental health habit than feeling sad about the aches, wrinkles, and lack of energy.

Those of us living our last chapter, let’s laugh more at ourselves. With that comes balance, forgiveness, and a strong voice—my top three mental health tips.

Also, as you think about life, love, and death, remember how much you’ve grown, given, and received. Think about Dolly, Robert Redford, and Charlie Brown—they only got better with age, experience, and earned wisdom.

I’m closing with some fun quotes I found online:

“The older you get, the better you get . . . unless you’re a banana.” Betty White

“At my age, my back goes out more than I do.” Phylis Diller

“I’m not old, I’m vintage with opinions.” Unknown

“At any age, laughter is best when pointed at ourselves.” Jennifer Goble

Until the next time: Live while you live