December 24, 2025 l Business Mirror
Yes, it is that time of the year people talk about doing your New Year’s resolution, turning over a new leaf and so on, which reminds me of a popular song “Advice for the young at heart” from 1989 by the Tears for Fears. I can hear the haunting words in my head “Soon we will be older; When we gonna make it work?” I understood the message and did everything I could when I was younger to make it work.
If you are already a card carrying senior citizen and you haven’t “make it work” yet, you really don’t have much time left. But perhaps you could at least move in the right direction and try to prolong your stay in the “pre-departure lounge” to buy yourself some more time before you go. Here then is my advice for the old at heart.
Resorting to stealing, lying, cheating, becoming delusional and other criminal acts is not the right way and will resort in a generational stigma that will hurt and haunt your children and grandchildren with the burden of your folly. Correct what you can while you are still alive and set things straight and even if you could not make it work, don’t be a bad role model. Karma is a bitch and if it doesn’t get you now it will catch up sooner or later.
Be fiscally responsible. Live within your means and downgrade your lifestyle as you need to. Living in a fantasy of what you think you are entitled to will only lead to disaster and becoming a burden to someone who cares about you, until the breaking point is reached then you are cut loose to fend for yourself. Don’t spend extravagantly, moderate your expenses and don’t fall victim to scams and all sorts of friends asking for loans, investments, donations and other ways to get your money. Once your sources of income dries up and you have to rely on your savings, the faster you will realize all of these.
Realize the limitations of your physical and mental abilities. While you are still mobile, be careful of falling down, getting into accidents and being sick. Try to stay safely active by walking rather than running, don’t force yourself, rest when you have to and avoid physical contact sports. Your mental abilities may no longer be as sharp as they used to. Keep a planner, make yourself notes, use an alarm clock on your phone, establish a routine, keep your mind active, have friends and family to talk to and do things that you like to do.
Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself to longer rest periods and afternoon naps. Have tea with your friends and talk about the good old days. Go malling, take a walk in the park, watch a movie, do board games, play non-contact sports that you like, look after your grandchildren, and so many other things that stimulates your mind and your body. Even doing work or part-time work will be good for you to keep you busy and feel useful. Things that may not be healthy for you such as a sweet dessert, probably can be indulged in small doses and on occasion, subject to your doctor’s advice. Stay away from toxic people, you don’t need the drama and the stress from such encounters.
Finally, think positively, be with people you like and do the things that you look forward to. You can even try to learn new things like how to use an app, cooking, dancing or having a pet to keep you company.
Enjoy life and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
***The views expressed herein are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of his office as well as FINEX. For comments, email georgechuaph@yahoo.com. Photo is from Pinterest.