The Wisdom of Age

Today is my 60th birthday, and already some friends are commenting on all that "wisdom" I've gained over the years. Of course, these friends are as much as 15 - 20 years younger than I am. Well, I surely don't feel like I've gained any wisdom--a lot of experience, yes, but wisdom? I'm not so sure. The only things I can say are:

1. If you have to ask yourself if what you are about to do is right, then it's not.
2. If you wonder if someone will be hurt by something you're about to say, don't say it.
3. People don't want to hear about your problems; they want to tell you theirs. Try to listen--with empathy even if it kills you, then go find your friend who's your own age and let'er rip.
4. Keep your advice to yourself. People won't believe you, and they're going to do what they want anyway. You did the same thing at their age. Be there to pick up the pieces without saying, "I told you so."
5. Try to find a friend or two who is your age or even a few years older so you can have a real conversation.
6. Don't wear large flower print dresses. For that matter, don't wear small flower print dresses. Dress all in one color, or at least at the same end of the spectrum! (Unless you're going to a Red Hat event.)
7. Wear sensible shoes and to yeck with the "fashion conscious" snobs. They don't have to worry about broken bones--yet.
8. Take long, slow walks in the sunshine and wind and be happy that you don't have to worry about a toddler running off from you.
9. Listen to music from the 1940's, 50's, and maybe some from the 60's if you want. If people leave the room in disgust, you can turn up the volume and actually hear it.
10. When someone complains, always start your response with, "In MY day....." ;)

That's about it, folks. Maybe I'll think of more stuff later, but I wouldn't bet the grocery money on it.