THE ART OF AGING

I am 88 years old.I just published my first novel THE HAT and my third book.I am now halfway through the novel's sequel.I write every day for 3 hours.I walk my dog every day for 2 miles.I have survived breast cancer.I have survived murders.I have survived the premature loss of dearly loved onesI love my 7 step children and my husband.I love my house.I love my dog.This is what I have discovered about the art of aging:            Value your hard-earned wisdom.            Resist the culture's definition of who you are, and-- in spite of everything--glory in the real you.            It is very liberating to really know yourself.            Accept your humanity and that of others.            Everyone needs a passion: cooking or volunteering or writing or gardening or painting or helping animals—anything, as long as you love doing it.            Keep your secrets.            Don't let the demons in and love Ella Fitzgerald.            Choose life!