The Secret of Aging Well

• Helene Lerner


• 30 Dec 2010

My father just celebrated his 94th birthday. He still reads The New York Times from cover to cover every day. He can remember facts quicker than either my sister or myself! We were over at his house for a simple celebration dinner and, of course, I asked him to reveal his secrets for living a long life.

Here is Max’s advice:

Stay positive, and catch yourself when you are feeling ‘Poor Me’. Tell yourself to ‘Stop It’ and get back on track.

Never look backwards. What’s the purpose? What will you gain? Very little.

And Be Kind—it goes a long way. 

He told us of a man who recently died. My father had visited with him on the day that the gent turned 100, and they shared some conversation and warm smiles. It meant so much to both of them.