Better With Age

Earlier this year, May to be exact, we celebrated Older Americans Month. If you missed it, I understand. I know it's a challenge to wade through all the special interests and causes that are assigned to every month these days. It is as though months are like racing cars, their surfaces littered with a profusion of advertisements and promotions. Somebody has got to be making money off of this.

I bring up "Older Americans Month" because, in contrast to the relatively narrow scope of most special interests, this one is for all of us. Let's face it. Anyone who did not die in April was an "older American" in May. In fact, unless you happened to have died since then, (in which case you shouldn't be reading this) you are now an older "older American" than you were in May.

I think every month should be "Older Americans Month," in recognition of those of us who have made it through the previous 30 days. When it comes to surviving life, we shouldn't be resting on our laurels. We ought to be celebrating every bit of progress we can muster. And the good news about getting older is that there is more to celebrate with each passing day.

I realize this sentiment goes against the grain of our society's values, which hold that new is good and old is bad. The truth is that it gets easier, not harder, to have fun as we grow older. That alone is worth celebrating.

For one thing, aging gives us a broader perspective on everything, including our waistlines. This plays right into the hands of a fun-lover, because fun is all about perspective. As Charlie Chaplin once put it, "Life is tragedy in close up, but comedy in long shot." Carol Burnett agreed when she declared, "Comedy is tragedy plus time." The broader perspective, which comes inevitably with age, provides an abundance of fodder for our funny bones.

Also, as we age, our memories become less reliable. Forgetfulness creates the possibility for more surprises. Everybody knows surprises can be lots of fun. Besides, if you can't recollect yesterday's joke, it'll make you laugh again today.

Third, we naturally slow down as we grow older. This phenomenon offers us the opportunity to savor and enjoy each moment more thoroughly. Savoring and enjoying - those are fun things to do.

The final, and in my mind most persuasive, evidence for increased fun with advancing age boils down to one word - grandchildren. As any grandparent will confirm, having grandchildren is much more fun than having children. You can enjoy them and then walk away when you've had enough. That wasn't possible with your own kids.

Unfortunately there is no direct way to acquire grandchildren. We must endure our own children first. But herein lies another benefit. If you harbor any lingering resentments about the things your growing children put you through, spoiling your grandchildren is the best revenge available. "Oh, is it nap time? I probably I shouldn't have given him all that candy, but I'm sure he'll come down from the chandelier soon. I gotta be on my way."

So, if your kids haven't yet provided you with a grandchild, tell them to get the lead out. It's the least they can do and the sooner, the better.

After all, none of us is getting any younger.

Dr. Clifford Kuhn is both a psychiatrist and a comedian. He is professor of psychiatry at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. His book, The Fun Factor: Unleashing the Power of Humor at Home and on the Job , is available in bookstores and on his website. A professional member of the National Speakers Association, he offers entertaining workshops and presentations on humor skills and is available to anyone interested in enhancing performance, productivity and health by creating an atmosphere of fun. Results are guaranteed . Dr. Kuhn may be reached by phone (502-722-8732), e-mail (laffdr@aol.com) or by visiting his website (www.humorbeing.com).