“There’s only one way to live a long life, and that is to age. And there’s only one way to age – with a smile. If you can laugh at yourself, you’ll never cease to be amused. After all, you’re only old once.”
So began a special presentation at La Costa Glen (www.LaCostaGlen.com) on the
Richard Lederer. Lederer spoke recently to more than 280 residents and guests
of La Costa Glen, the continuing care retirement community in Carlsbad, Calif.
During his “Laugh for Your Life – The Gift of Age” presentation, Lederer shared tips on how to accept the aging process and even how to laugh at it. Author of more than 40 books about humor, language and history, Lederer contributes to numerous newspapers and has appeared in the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Reader’s Digest, People, and on “The Larry King Show,” “The Osgood Files,” “Today Show” and “CNN Primetime.”
Lederer’s presentation at La Costa Glen was based on his newest book “The Gift of Age” which includes chapters titled “Why It’s Great to be Chronologically Endowed,” “Distinguished But Not Extinguished,” “Grandkids Say the Darnedest Things” and “Jest for the Health of It.” The presentation also included a sprinkling of facts such as one out of eight people currently living in the United States is 65 or older and that Americans grow happier as they age. Most people are happiest in their sixties on through their eighties, Lederer said.
“Those of you living at La Costa Glen most likely know what I’m talking about in terms of happiness,” Lederer said. “Studies show that being with your peers and having that human interaction on a daily basis contribute substantially to your overall sense of well-being. When you live in a community with people your own age, you have shared experiences. You enjoy the same music, movies, activities and other aspects of a healthy social life. Plus, you’re all going through the aging process together and it really helps if you can laugh about it with others who can relate.”
Lorie Rapoport, a resident of La Costa Glen, has been a fan of Lederer’s newspaper column for nearly 30 years.
“I used to love his column when I was living in Chicago many years ago, so it was a real treat to finally meet him in person,” Rapoport said. “He’s so funny and upbeat, and a master at puns and trivia. He uses his expertise with the English language to string together words and phrases in a totally new way that makes light of the aging process, yet is inspiring as well.”
Lederer shared numerous words of wisdom and witticisms on how to look at life with a twinkle in your eye, including “It’s better to be over the hill than under the hill,” “It’s not til you’re going downhill that you really pick up speed” and “Keep your regrets to a minimum and your joyful memories to a maximum.”
Good advice for anyone at any age.
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