Wise and Not So Wise Tips for Being Old

To the Editor:

Re “How to Stay Old,” by Roger Rosenblatt (Opinion guest essay, May 31):

I would expand Mr. Rosenblatt’s 11 rules to an even dozen by adding, “Create a healthy, satisfying routine and stick to it.”

When I first retired after half a century of practicing law, I was worried about how I’d fill my days. (My wife was even more worried.) Reflecting on my career, I recognized that I had enjoyed the writing that was a big part of my practice. I had also enjoyed (but took for granted) the routine of rising early, donning a suit and tie, and going to my office.

Now, in my 80s, each weekday I rise, put on a suit and tie, drive to my old firm and spend the morning in the small office the firm provides me, writing and editing articles and columns for law-related publications, as well as occasional letters (often grouchy) to the editor. At noon, I go home for the rest of the day to read and relax. I have never been happier.

I don’t recommend my routine to anyone else. I do recommend that each old person forge a routine that is satisfying and at least a little challenging.

Norm Tabler Carmel, Ind.

To the Editor:

I read Roger Rosenblatt’s guest essay online the week of my 50th birthday, while visiting my parents in a senior living facility in Virginia. While his list of 11 items was fun to read, it did not predict which seniors I met there were thriving and which were spiraling.

What I did observe over this and many other visits is that how we age is determined both by factors we can’t control, primarily genetics and luck, and those we can: exercise, diet, sleep, purpose and social contact.

Here is my personal list of actionable items to ensure that I end up in the thriving group (or not in a facility at all):

1. Never get sedentary. If you stop moving, you stop being able to move. Walk at least 30 minutes a day.

2. Don’t eat garbage. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients, don’t buy it.

3. Sleep eight to nine hours every night. Defend this zealously, and don’t bring devices into the bedroom.

4. Find a project, a hobby or an activity. People need a reason to get out of bed in the morning and to feel useful by the end of the day.

5. Don’t get isolated. Leave your home, make younger friends, and spend time with people.

If you’ve never visited a senior living facility, turning 50 is a great time to do so. It’s late enough to imagine yourself there one day, but early enough to do something about it.

Daniel Switkin Oakland, Calif.

To the Editor:

Among other pieces of advice, Roger Rosenblatt suggests, “Don’t share despair.” Hmmm, he’d rather we suffer in silence, which sounds to me only like more quiet desperation. No thanks.

Friends are true friends when we’re deep and long, and know what’s really going on — good, bad and ugly.

I’m on a minor mission of self-revelation with my friends, some of it not very pretty. They’re handling it fine, and in turn are being more honest with me, especially about our health and bodies. Despair be damned; let’s be real with each other.

Ben Lev Sebastopol, Calif.

To the Editor:

Roger Rosenblatt is right on! I would add “stay active,” and I can attest to how helpful it is. I went skiing on my 92nd birthday and have not yet retired (as a psychotherapist).

It is also helpful to maintain an attitude of gratitude. Stress has a negative effect on one’s immune system, so all of what Mr. Rosenblatt suggested reduces stress and adds to one’s positive outlook on life.

Mary B. Heller Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

To the Editor:

While I enjoyed Roger Rosenblatt’s advice on how to be old, I am concerned that The New York Times is catering too much to the older folks at a time when newspapers desperately need to attract younger readers.

How about some articles meant for young people, like “How to Properly Attach Your Roller Skates to Your Shoes” or “Five Hula Hoop Moves to Impress Your Friends” or “How to Sneak a Friend Into the Matinee Movie and Save a Nickel” or “Tips for Building a Better Soap-Box Racer”?

I would put on my spectacles just to read some articles like that while I wait for the milkman.

Dan Frazier Boca Raton, Fla.