if you are a senior, what are the most important things that you would want to tell a younger person?

Question

life teaches us lessons, whether we want them or not. we learn from our teachers, people's examples and of course, the most painful and effective way - through our mistakes.

i've often thought that if it was possible to gather the collective wisdom of people who have been through life, and share their most valuable lessons, it could very well save many of us a great deal of pain. Or at the very least, guide us in doing what we should be doing as opposed to what we should not.

If you have had a long life experience and the deep hindsight that goes with it, could you share with us what you learnt from life and what should matter most?

A grateful thank you from one who is still learning painfully!

Answer 1

Start saving for retirement when you first start working. Retirement comes faster than you imagine. A few dollars a payday can add up to a fortune if you start early.

Answer 2

To live an uncomplicated life as you can. To enjoy the moment you are in and not worry about what you have no control over. Try not to be so busy that you have no time for your family. Don't fill your life with stuff...you just have to dust it and it separates you from your family as you have to work to pay for all the stuff. There is always someone trying to make you want their stuff. Teach your children the value of family and sharing the work load. Teach them they can make and grow most of what they need it they have to. My niece did not know she could make her own vegetable soup.
Teach your children that one mistake can affect their whole life, and to talk about such and such mistake and lead them through a scenario with questions so they can problem solve and hopefully start their adulthood as uncomplicated as possible. Another piece of advise is the grass is not always greener on the other side. As you go through life there is always going to be dissatisfaction at different times in your life. It will be the same for your family and friends, but they are the people that matter, and you help one another. Try for balance in all things (hard one)...look after yourself, so you can look after others. Take time to play, so you don't forget how to have fun. Get off the computer and tv so you can create and make things. Take time to daydream. Life can change in a second, so have faith in something greater than you.

Answer 3

I have learned that life unfolds in many different ways, and that after you become an adult, you are in charge of which way it unfolds.

I have learned that you can be anything you want to be. BUT, you must be willing to do what it takes to be that.

I have learned that people all over the world laugh at the same jokes, cry for the same reasons, love their families with all their heart, get angry for the same reasons. The difference is only language and culture.

I have learned that most of the hatred in the world today, as in the past, is spawned by organized religion, which is a conundrum, since it is religion that is supposed to inspire us all to peace.

I have learned that it is possible to re-make yourself in another city, another country - but you still have to take your own psychological baggage.

I have learned that success doesn't come to the person who works the hardest or the longest, but to the person who can convince everyone else that he has.

Answer 4

Life is a journey, quit thinking every mistake you make is the end of the world. Get up tomorrow and pick yourself up, set goals and try to achieve them. No matter what, you will still learn the lessons you are suppose to learn while you are on this earth. You are here for a reason, find that reason and work on it each day. Remember, love will get you through everything life throws at you. We all love you and want to see you succeed. Love, laugh and live!!!

Answer 5

I started hiking mountains at a late age (60) and am now 62, a young senior.
While sitting on a ridge looking out in all directions of a wonderful view, in the Blue Ridge area of the Appalachian Trail, a calming thought settled in my mind.
"I don't have to know the reason(s) why I am here, nor understand some or all the problems that have befallen me or others. I just need to know that I am one color of a vast artist's pallet, that is being used to paint a masterpiece, by a being so much greater then all the universe. And without my added bit of color the painting would not be complete-everyones bit of color is needed, no matter the shade or hue.

Answer 6

I am a senior citizen, and I would try and tell them the things that I suffered in life so that they could avoid the same pitfalls. I used to babysit for my friend's sons, when they were 10 and 12 and we used to go to game rooms in Tijuana, Mexico. I caught two pedophiles trying to put the make on them when I went to the washroom and came out. I took the kids and told them the facts of life fast. This is another area that a senior or anyone else can sit with someone young and tell them what goes on in life. Another area would be in employment. In my particular case I had a bad temper, was an extremely good worker and changed jobs often. I worked in many different industries and can point out the bad and good in each. I have played the office games, and know most of life's games. These are the things that you can give to someone as a senior. What I learned from life is that what I felt at 16 turned out to be true at 72. My father and I fought on religion all the time. He told me I would die and go to hell. This was because I did not believe Jesus was devine and now the book "The Laughing Jesus" by Timothy Freke and Gandy tells it all. Even the Greek was changed by hagiagraphers to deify Jesus. The original Greek said, "Born of a woman" and they changed it to "Born of a virgin". The other big thing is letting the young know the difference between love and lust. Love has been lost today. Everything sold has to have sex in it. Movies put nude sex scenes in even though it has nothing to do with the story. Sex has become the same as going to the bathroom. It is sad. Also, I took my friend's boys to the opera. They said ":OPERA!! NO WAY!!" I told them there is opera and then there is opera. I said this was Puccini's Madama Butterly and that this was the opera to get broken into opera with. Puccini's music is melodious and unforgettable. His La Boheme is another fantastic opera, which took him five years of his life to write and based on a real experience of his. The night of the opera the boys sat spellbound. The soprano was fantastic, the music overpowering and they were deeply moved. When we got out, they ranted and raved and said they would gladly go to another opera. Naturally, had I taken them to a German opera or thrown them into Boris Gudonov, they would hate opera for life, as they are both into heavy rock. I love most any type music that is good, melodious and where the singer has a good voice, but unfortunately today anyone can make a record and what they call Divas are a joke. I loathe rap, especially the language. We have bastardized the English language and it is sad. Anyway, life is a constant experience. Even now in my old age I keep learning. I also keep reading a lot. I go through 2 to three books a week and only read non-fiction so that I can learn. I feel sorry that the kids of today will miss the big band that were live at the theaters, and some of the great stars like Harry James and Benny Goodman. Also, I see a deterioration in our way of life, in movies, on TV and it isn't that I am an old foggie. I love fun and games like anyone, but it has reached a point where there is hardly anything left. Kids are having sex from 10 years of age, babies are raising babies and everyone want to look sexy and be sexy. It is pathetic. In closing, all I can say is do not rush life it goes by fast enough, don't make a garbage dump out of your body, respect yourself and others. Good luck to all you young people out there. It is in your hands now, make the best of it!!

Answer 7

I have learn that life itself is of great value, and getting to know the creator of it helps us to see how it was lost and can be restored.

In the education & seeking for the Truth, I find my experience from the study of the 66 books in the Bible has lead me to see what matters most, and can be found at John,17:3.

This is what I would tell them who are so young on this path of life here on this planet.

Answer 8

I am a young senior, but I would say protect your hearing and eyes as much as possible. Take care of your body and it will take care of you when you are older.

Always take time to nurture your friendships so that when you are older you will still have them (those that are still alive). My mom did not keep up with any of her friends and she now depends solely on my sister and me for fellowship. Always have some interest or hobby and learn new things so you don't grow stale.

Most importantly, you may want to invite God into your life. Inspiration is very good for the soul. Second most important, save, save, save your money if you want to afford the lifestyle that you have grown accustomed too while working.

Answer 9

Optimists live longer than pessimists. Be a optimist. Encouragement from a good teacher can turn a students life around. Self pity is a waste of time. Don't push your luck. If you depend on others to make you happy, you'll be endlessly disappointed. Learn to laugh at yourself and you will never cease to be amused.

Answer 10

Invest in stock, save your money, materials are nothing, don't let someone steal your life for the sake of there own needs, don't think so much, relax, play a musical instrument, make the love that your giving last a long long time.

Answer 11

Great idea that just doesn't pan out....we all have to make our own mistakes, repeated from generation to generation. When was the last time a kid didn't know considerably more than his parents????? How many of us have said, at least to ourselves, "Gee, I wish I had listened to Mom...at least she didn't say, 'I told you so.' "
The wisdom is out there, free for the taking....no one takes it. So why even try. If asked, I respond. If not, I go about my business...but I will admit, I stand back and laugh (or at least smile) a lot ! but if I had only one thing to say, it would be, "turn off the g...dam..ed rap...i am sick to death of being pelted with the boom boom boom emanating from your damned car! :-)