When the clock strikes midnight on New Year Eve, you and I will probably be asleep – or complaining about lack of sleep from the time we retired.
As we walk away from another year, another decade, some of us reminisce about the nectar of happiness and in later years, the awful or awesome TV programs that supposedly entertained us. They got so monotonous that even the TV channels decided to give it a go several years back.
But one thing has stood steadfast like a rock, in spite of smokers continuing to smoke, drinkers imbibing the amber liquid with happiness and spouses alternately smiling and sniping at each other – no new leaf has been turned.
THE NEW YEAR RESOLUTION.
As we aged, our New Year resolutions kept pace. From “I will improve my math” (mother’s resolution for son), I’ll stop talking to Shyam, I will not tell lies(what!), I’ll lose 5 kgs(age no bar), start a diary, no junk food, no cheating in exams, regular exercise, no smoking, no alcohol,…………………to a million more.
Now, comes the stage where the seniors begin to shine. None of those mundane, oft- beaten resolutions for us.
Let’s look at some different ones for a change. Some easy to resolve, some suitable for our age and some weird.
All in good fun
- I am already perfect, just the way I am.
- I resolve to remember why I walked into a room… at least 50% of the time.
- This year, I’ll finally organize my medicine cabinet or pill box so it looks less like a pharmacy store.
- I’ll learn to use emojis without accidentally sending a cry emoji to my granddaughter.
- I will not turn on Group Voice chat and flummox my co seniors.
- I’ll try to stay awake through an entire movie – no guarantees after 8 p.m.
- I promise to try new technology… right after I figure out how to set the timer on the microwave.
- I promise to join a senior group fitness class and be the most enthusiastic participant – even if ‘enthusiastic’ means cheering from my seat.
- I resolve to perfect the art of selective hearing – especially during long-winded family discussions.
- This year, I’ll finally learn how to take a selfie that doesn’t cut off half my head or show only my left ear.
- I’ll master the art of falling asleep during conversations without anyone noticing.
- I’ll try to convince my grandchildren that vinyl records are far better than MP3 or iPods.
- I’ll start a new diet – where ‘diet’ means eating what I want and blaming it on my ‘metabolism’.
- I promise to only give advice when asked – which means I’ll be talking constantly.
- I will go for hearing aids. Maybe I’ll know whether and how often I need to change my will.
- I will take up a new hobby – like complaining how things were better when I was young.
- I will stop arguing with the mirror – even though it was the one that started it.
- I will not believe that age is just a number.
I’ll probably forget all this by the first weekend of January.
That’s it. Have a great year. And forget all about Resolutions. Be what you are. Remember the first resolution. You are perfect the way you are. Season’s Greetings to you and your family.
By
V Krishnan
Santosham Extension 13
Covai S3 Retirement Community