If I were to ask you how long you want to live, what would your answer be?

Although that may sound like a rhetorical question, it is not.  I know this because as you continue to age, every day is different for each of us.

Tomorrow, we celebrate “Independence Day” on the 4^th of July, which dates back to 1776.  I decided to do something different this year, which weighed on my heart, and visit my 102-year-old grandmother.

As I visited her on Saturday, I noticed her aging gracefully.  I also saw her demeanor through quietness, which was defined by her facial appearance and soft-spoken words.

In that moment, I understood the importance of understanding gerontology.  I was mindful over the weekend it’s something we all must go through in life.

Gerontology by the way, is the study of the physical, mental, and social aspects of aging across the life course.

I know the aging population worldwide has specific needs; however, what could I do during my visit?

One was helping her daughter, that was assisting her aging mother.

As I listened to the response of how it feels to be 102 years old, there was somewhat of a reoccurring confirmation.  It was a confirmation, which I’ve heard before, and that is when you get more senior in life; once you’ve reached a certain age in your mind, you’re grateful for the life you’ve lived, and anything beyond that is a blessing.

In a previous blog, I’ve written about a gentleman that will be 102 years old 30 days from now, to whom I bring the Holy Communion each month.

His attitude about life reflects that of my grandmother.  He, too, has reached a certain age in his mind, is grateful for the life lived, and considers it a blessing.

I can tell you that both are growing old gracefully. I also know if I place both of them side by side, it would be hard telling their ages by looking at their faces.

The only way you might know their ages is to ask them to walk.

I’m reminded of an adage about how we come into this world not walking and how many leave it the same way.

Therefore, I do know laughter is the best medicine.

You won’t see frown marks on their faces, and they seem not to get angry or worried about anything.

It’s a matter of having a positive outlook on life.

Today, I can say that patience is a virtue I have learned because, in this constantly changing world, patience is something some seem to forget.

As I alluded to gerontology, we must recognize the importance of our physical, mental, and social aspects through aging.

You and I don’t know how long we will live; however, we must enjoy the ride.  I believe it’s a blessing for the children who take time with their parents to help them navigate the waters of life in the aging process.

I, too, daily, continue to lean on what I have learned about my emotional intelligence as I age.

As you and I age gracefully, our emotions matter. They influence how we learn, make decisions, build and maintain relationships, perform every day, and contribute to our world.

What concerns me is when I have a conversation with anyone aging gracefully, sometimes their gratitude levels are not where they should be for life.

I’m also acutely aware that each day we wake up with aches and pains, we didn’t have the night before, causing anxiety.

We all should be grateful for each birthday we have and the life we are able to live out through time given .

Understanding today’s message and putting it into proper context is a matter of no regrets.  The question is, knowing internally did you accomplish what you set out to do if you died tonight?  I intend to have no regrets and be thoroughly used up.

I’ve learned valuable lessons through my journey that each of us has a purpose in life.    Whether I reach 102 or not, I also want to age gracefully.  It’s a matter of doing what I was put on this earth to do and knowing my calling is calling me.

Therefore, remain optimistic about growing old and accept the call that you are here for a reason.

As you reflect on this week and prepare for the week, continue to age gracefully.  I believe it’s something we all should seek and think about to accomplish.

Don’t worry about how old you are now; understand that you must age gracefully!  As you do so, remember these two quotes:

“Getting old is like climbing a mountain; you get a little out of breath, but the view is much better!” – Ingrid Bergman

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” – Sophia Loren

Have a great Independence Day tomorrow, and I want you to age gracefully, just as this nation has done since 1776!