I am having a senior moment. Oh, not an episode of forgetfulness. On the contrary, this senior moment is one of reflection — pondering observations on life and living that have allowed me to embrace such descriptions as over-the-hill, long in the tooth, and my personal favorite — retired.

So, here are some random thoughts in my pre-senile years that I thought I’d share with you.  

Yes, I have reached the age when…

• There are fewer tomorrows than yesterdays. The adults of my youth are long since passed, and I find myself among the senior class.

• I have learned to cherish my memories but realize I’m never too old to make new ones.

• I must purge my email list because so many of my family and friends have passed.

• Health is the only wealth, and I’d better understand the ins and outs of Medicare.

• Could it be that today’s youth are so messed up because they didn’t grow up watching Captain Kangaroo and the Andy Griffith show?

• The best medicine is a hug from a grandchild.

• My body’s aches and pains can forecast the weather.

• I care less about fashion and more about function.

• There is no such thing as retirement — if you are a grandparent.

• Time seems to fly by. I thought growing old would take longer.

• But — I am still never too old to learn.  Staying curious keeps my mind alive and engaged.

• I learn more from listening. Silence can be a classroom.

• I realize that life’s greatest joys often come from simple moments.

• Waking up with a purpose adds length to one’s life.

• Afternoon naps are one of life’s little pleasures…and necessities.

• The best gifts don’t have bows.

• The crucible of life has burned away useless doubts and fears and left a clearer vision of what really matters — faith and family.

• My ability to remember lyrics from songs in the 60s far exceeds my ability to remember why I walked into the kitchen.

• If I ever need MORE frustration, I go play golf.

• I don’t have to attend every argument I am invited to.

• The most important math I ever learned was how to calculate the future cost of my current decisions.

• It occurs to me that good character is the best tombstone.

• I agree with Winnie the Pooh.  “Life is strange. You arrive with nothing, spend your life chasing everything, and still leave with nothing.  Make sure your soul gains more than your hands.”