Charles H. Bradley III: Some thoughts on living long enough to reach old age

To The Daily Sun,

I recently stumbled on Mark Twain’s discussion of “Old Age" on his 70th birthday. Since I recently celebrated my 77th birthday, it suddenly dawned on me that I must be in “Old Age."

The young may criticize old age; however, as I tell my grandchildren, everyone, whether they realize it or not, is hoping to get there. After all, what is the alternative? I have always subscribed to the title of that famous movie “Heaven Can Wait.”

Another response they hear is “Older people may be old, but they are wise.” This is not hubris. There simply is no substitute for life experience, and there is a lot to learn: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

I remember when former President Harry S. Truman asked John F. Kennedy in public, “Young man, are you sure you are ready to assume the most important office in the entire world?” JFK was 44 years old. I believe Truman’s concern was JFK’s lack of life experience that would help him through the difficult job of being president.

Mark Twain memorably said: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

Charles H. Bradley III

Laconia