Originally published as a column on CFJC Today Kamloops and Armchair Mayor News on Monday, June 1, 2020.

When I think of ‘aging gracefully’, it is not the wrinkle-free skin and perpetual youthfulness that come to mind but living independently and enjoying every day until the final goodbye.

Growing up, I got to see that a lot. Many of the elderly I knew lived on their own managing the best they could and getting occasional help from family, and some moved in with their loved ones when they became too frail.

I lost my grandparents at a young age, but we had many elderly neighbours who were part of our lives.