Life Advice from Nursing Home Seniors Puts Things into Perspective

There’s nothing quite like hearing advice from someone who’s been through exactly what you’re going through. Who better to give some words of wisdom than folks who’ve been through it all? Advice from nursing home residents has been collected in various forms and it’s always a treat to see what they wish younger folks would take to heart. These pieces of wisdom are applicable whether you’re young or old, though.

On Relationships

“Marriage is not 50-50. It is 100-100. Remember that when you wake up and when you go to bed. Everyday.” – from an 86-year-old

(on Marriage) “Try before you buy.” -from Aileen, 90-years-old

“Never take each other for granted.” -from Beryl, 86-years-old

“There’s nothing wrong with being married as long as you’ve got a good woman.” -from Tom, 88-years-old

“Choose your mate with your brains as well as your hormones. Be picky.” -from an 86-year-old

On Work and Money

“Your job provides the means to do what’s really important in life, nothing more. Do the job but live for your family.” -from a 95-year-old

“Don’t expect the world to fall at your feet. Work hard for what you want in life. Save hard.” -from Elsie, 90-years-old

“Don’t be crazy about amassing material things. Remember: you don’t know when your number is up, and you can’t take it with you to the next place.” – from a 100-year-old

“If you can’t afford it, don’t get it.” -from Joan, 75-years-old

On Friendship

“Always have time to lend an ear.” -from Barb, 90-years-old

“I have always found happiness in helping others.” -from Ethel, 100-years-old

“It is good to be around positive people, you know the kind that uplifts you.” -from a 100-year-old

On Family

“Let them know who the boss is.” -from June, 86-years-old

“I had fairly good kids, probably got it from their mother.” -from Brian, 83-years-old

“Pick your battles.” -from Aileen, 90-years-old

On Living Your Best Life

“Burn the candles; use the nice sheets; wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.” -from a 99-year-old

“Travel while you’re young and able. Don’t worry about the money, just make it work. Experience is far more valuable than money will ever be.” -from an 80-year-old

“Life isn’t serious. Success or failure mean nothing in the scheme of life’s existence.” -from a 97-year-old

“I try to take the time to look at and appreciate the smaller things that make this life beautiful. When I do that, time slows.” -from a 92-year-old

On Health

“Try not to eat anything that’s healthy. It’s true. I eat whatever I want. The secret to longevity is ice cream.” -from a 94-year-old

“If you’re positive you can get through it OK. When you think negatively, you’re putting poison on your body. Just smile. They say laughter is the best medicine there is.” -from a 100-year-old

“Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.” -from a 99-year-old