I did not think that this would be an inspirational poem. Neither did I find it that funny because it was filled with a touch of reality. What I think of this poem is the fact that a senior is valuable. Check it out and I hope you all agree with me.

Found in an Ann Landers Column

"LIFE BEGINS AT 80"
by Frank Laubach

I have good news for you.
The first 80 years are the hardest.
The second 80 are a succession
Of birthday parties.

Once you reach 80,
Everyone wants to carry your baggage
And help you up the steps.
If you forget your name,
Or anybody else’s name,
Or an appointment,
Or your own telephone number,
Or promise to be three places
At the same time,
Or can’t remember how many
Grandchildren you have,
You need only explain that you are 80.

Being 80 is a lot better than being 70.
At 70 people are mad at you for everything.
At 80 you have a perfect excuse,
No matter what you do.
If you act foolishly,
It’s your second childhood.
Everybody is looking for symptoms
Of softening of the brain.

Being 70 is no fun at all.
At 70 they expect you to retire
To a house in Florida
And complain about your arthritis.
And you ask everybody to stop mumbling
Because you can’t understand them.
(Actually your hearing is about 50% gone.)

If you survive until you are 80,
Everybody is surprised that you are still alive.
They treat you with respect
Just for having lived so long.
Actually they seem surprised
That you can walk and talk sensibly.

So, please, folks, try to make it to 80.
It’s the best time of your life.
People forgive you for anything.
If you ask me, life begins at 80.