OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF SENIORS:
National Centenarian Day, September 22

A sentiment appropriate for National Centenarian Day as well is this statement made by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 as he initiated August 21^st as National Senior Citizens Day to acknowledge the life-long contributions our nation’s seniors.

He stated, “For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute.  We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older—places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.”

I don’t really think of my dad as a senior citizen, although at 74 he is (he won’t mind me sharing his age but my mom would be madder than a wet hen).  He is a long way from joining the centenarian club but this day has me thinking about the funny things he’s been saying as he gets older.  He has always shared his opinion and given advice but I’ve noticed even more so lately, and unsolicited.

I’ve heard that this is very common; seniors simply get more vocal and just say it like they see it.  Maybe they’re tired of biting their tongue … are losing their patience … feel they’ve earned the right to do as they please.  Who knows, but it can be quite entertaining if you keep your sense of humor.  After living 70, 80, 90 plus years chock full of life’s lessons, they clearly have learned a thing or two worth sharing.  They ARE a wealth of knowledge so lend an ear, you’ll probably learn something.

I came across a Centenarians Celebrated article online that featured new centenarian, Joseph Cunningham of New York who shared these two great pieces of advice:

“If you do something, admit it right away.  You won’t be able to get a good night’s rest.”

He also wishes young people today had “common sense” and steered away from getting body piercings.

“The piercings make you look like a pin cushion,” said Cunningham.

I LOVE this – so practical and spot on!  You tell ‘em Joseph!

With my dad I know when some advice is coming as it typically starts with:

“It’s none of my business but …” or “I probably shouldn’t say anything but …”

He shared the following words of wisdom while driving with my driver-in-training daughter:

“The car does not have eyes, you must tell it where to go.”

Yeah, he’s right.  Good advice.

One of my favorites was this proclamation while again driving with the same daughter:

Granddaughter – “Poppi, why aren’t you using your signal?  You’re going to get a ticket.”

Grandpa – “I’m 74 years old and it’s nobody’s business where I’m going!”

Apparently some seniors think they’ve earned the right to be above the law.  I wonder if the police will agree, or at least offer them a senior discount on their traffic ticket fines.

Cheers to you dad, keep ‘em coming!  I’m all ears.

In celebration of seniors and specifically centenarians GreetingCardUniverse will be donating a fitting 100 greeting cards to Snail Mail for Seniors, a non-profit group that sends greeting cards and children’s drawings to senior citizens across the state of Michigan, particularly for seniors that do not usually receive visitors or mail.

Offering every age specific birthday card from 1 to 115, not just the milestone years, here are some of our most popular birthday cards for centenarians:

What Are People  Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“You are the best! Great variety, card quality, and timely shipping. Age 100 cards are not readily available in regular card shops. Dad will be a Centurian on Oct 16th. If it was not for a back problem, he would still be dancing. He is our miracle gift from the Lord above. Thanks again” – Nancy – Pelham, Alabama – Aug 29, 2012

WEEKEND SALE! All cards $1.99 each – use code 2012SEPT199