One might consider this a depressing subject. However, it is hardly what constitutes some sad truth.  

I am presently listening to a wonderful African American tenor I've discovered on YouTube. His name is Lawrence Brownlee, and it has been a joy to hear him sing from the first day I heard his voice on my computer.

What is very important from my perspective is that as we get old, we spend more time looking at the things in life that give us pleasure. For me, what stands very close to the top of the list is listening to music.

Writing poetry for my neighbors also is fun. You may have other choices, and that is your privilege. What really matters is making the selection.

For some who live in Las Vegas where I have lived for over thirty years, their preference is to spend days playing the poker machines. Then there are some who play Bingo or live poker at the tables found in some of the casinos.

Naturally, you may well live in a different town where you can find enjoyment in other venues. That is what really counts.

If you enjoy cooking, then take a cooking class. There also may be groups that meet at your local library where you may discover a new book that you haven't read.

Volunteering can be a wonderful outlet, and for a long time, I was involved in tutoring people at our local library who wanted to learn to speak English.

It amazed me how many interesting folks who have come to this country from all over the world added a new dimension to my life. In addition, I've volunteered to call people who were forced to stay at home because of illness and made me feel wonderful hearing how glad they were to hear my voice.

Since writing for The Latest, my love for writing has provided another way to make life more fulfilling, and I plan to continue writing for as long as I can.

Some of you may be involved in spending time in church or synagogue where you can share your life with others who also look to God for sustenance.

I would be curious to hear from others like me who have discovered things that fill their days, so I would enjoy a message from my reader.

Giving up is foolish. Every day we are here on earth is a blessing, and growing old never has to be painful. Unless we devote our time to sitting at home dwelling on the negatives rather than looking for what we can do to make the time we have been given worthwhile.

I am neither a psychologist or an expert on providing advice to others. I am what some people might consider an old woman who is determined to make each minute she is lucky enough to be on this planet valuable.