Do you ever wonder what you may be doing that's helping to make you old? I don't mean "old" chronologically because you can't control the passage of time. I mean "old" as in "decline". We all are guilty of engaging in oldness inducing thinking and behavior to some extent but we don't do it deliberately. It's is an acceptable part of our culture and as much as we would like to get rid of it, or avoid it, it seems to be as permanent as the etching on a tombstone.

For example, my husband was reading the sports page and he started to laugh, "Can you believe it - San Diego Padre Gary Maddux fell off the mound while pitching and blamed it on having a senior moment!" Is Maddux an old geezer who should have retired a long time ago? Hardly. Maddux is 41 and from my perspective, he's a boy.

A recent press release, "Neutrac eutical market ripe for baby boomer products" reveals the following about Boomers : First, the good news: Boomers are moving away from pharmaceuticals and towards functional foods and supplements. They also want to feel younger and look good for the age they're at. The bad news: Boomers want to age gracefully.

This link provides a list of articles (and links to them) that I've found during June. I've chosen them to encourage you to take better care of yourself, and to help you understand the importance of taking supplements. The list is long -- take a look -- you never know what you will find that may make a difference in your life.

Can you really look and feel younger in 30 days? Absolutely. If you don't have Dr. Nicholas Perricone's book, The Perricone Prescription, it's worth getting a copy just to look at the before and after pictures of women who improved their diet for four weeks. (By the way, there is a recipe in the book that I like - Mediterranean Chicken Vegetable Soup that's delicious and full of anti-oxidants. Try it.)

Recently on "America's Got Talent" a 75 year old woman performed a song and dance routine.

Before she began I mentally cheered her on with, "You go girl!" I was reminded of a CD an older woman sent to me that captured her singing performance at a local nightspot. She was fantastic. And why not. if Tony Bennett at 80 something can still sing, others can do it too.

As it turned out, the contestant did not have a million dollar talent. How I wish she had been sensational. Because we are living longer, healthier lives, we desperately need accomplished older role models to show us what's possible late in life.

There is so much wisdom in this very short, very readable piece. You will be able to breeze through it quickly, or you can take time and think about what you are reading. There isn't a bit of fluff to waste your time. It's worth printing out and referring to every day.

We'll be on vacation in August, so there won't be another newsletter until September. Stay well, and don't slack off on doing what you have to do to Put Old on Hold!