Retirees set a good example

By KENT S. COLLINS

DEAR SENIOR FORUM: My life is very different from the lifestyle of my retired parents. While my husband and I struggle to create and build and accumulate, my parents seem to savor things --- even very little things.

At 78 years old, my mother is holding off on having knee surgery so she can help Dad plant their garden. I am amazed at the benefits they get from the garden.

In winter, Dad shops the seed catalogs, plans his garden and places his orders. Come spring, he and Mom plant row after row of flowers and vegetables. He and Mother benefit greatly from being outdoors, tending the garden, sharing extra produce with friends. And their good nutrition is the best benefit of all. Plus they take flowers to the church and the hospital.

In their spare time, they attend church, volunteer and go to camping club meetings. A couple of neighbor children visit my Dad in his workshop to see --- and "help" --- with his wood-working projects.

My parents don't have time to sit in front of the television set, worry about injustices of years ago, or waste away. Their lifestyle seems very appealing compared to my 6 a.m.-to-midnight rush. SINCERELY, A.W.

DEAR A.W.: That is what retirement is all about.

Most adult children have parents who would be good role models, if only those children would acknowledge them as such. The golden years go by with a little mystery and a lot of satisfaction for most people. But some adult children don't see either the mystery or the satisfaction in their retiring parents, because the adult children are too busy staying young and acting prosperous.

Los Angeles Times Syndicate

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