Norwich bulletin., 1921-06-04
THE FEAR OF GROWING OLD.

Dear Corner Members Reader wants to know "the sign of old age" and Dear Sister of the Corner wants me to tell you what to do to grow young when you are not old but feel old. I don't like the fashion you have of writing of yourself | as "old." want to tell you that I think
 mere years do not make for age If you 1 think for a minute. you will know of some people who, are older by far in years 1 than some others who are their juniors, yet they look and act younger It seems that 1t is case difficult to prove or dis prove whan lady says it is my 37th birthday" when you know for 8 fact for about eight years she has been that same age. Yet when it comes to her looking as young as she says. it might be the raw l edge of life hasn't impressed her.
 Keeping young Is not secret, either i; 1 or, if it is, it is one easily learned Some 1 one has said that to experience the fasci- nation of the uncertain" is to continue in 1 yoGthfulness. To me if that means anything it must mean the ability to enjoy with zest all 1 that is fresh and neW-even wonderful
 Janette says interest and enthusiasm
 are the hallmarks of youth and when you 1 come to think it over you must admit 1 that if either die within us it is our own 1 fault.
 1t is true growing old means so many things-chiehy infirrnity and decay, the 1 giving up of firm purposes, the dropping of ideals and silent acceptance every day Of less than we used to demand of our
 other days.
 But the chief cause of age-with us 1 women, at least-is the letting down of that guard of cheerfulness with which we
 used to face the things that must be.
 Buoyancy. optimistic and habitual cheer fulness, is bound to lead one, if not to the fountain of youth itself then to the brook that cuts through the fields of de- pression the brook whose waters sparkle with hope and confidence,
 James Whitcomb Riley. of blessed , memory sang of turning his clouds
 about and always wearing them inside
 out to show the silver lining, but if l there are clouds there is sunshine. too
 To make two sunbeams where there was
 only one before, or 10 make the sun shine
 through the fog and msts of someone's g troubles is rood practice for those who
 fear they are growing old. To be able to
 stand unmoved in the presence of things , beautiful, majestic even overlapping, is , a sign of age-and l think it is time to ge } home and find out, if you can what is the l matter with you.
 ' You know it is said true Americans
 are not ashamed of their age They } consider 1t sin to be ashamed of telling
 their age. I think so myself, but there
 are certain few. and only a few. of m1
 acquaintance who are ashamed of theil
 age. I think it is the ignorant who art
 fearful of people knowing their age There are things which stamp theuselVe, indelibiy upon the me1nory-and there ar, , one of them to ask friends their age anG , have them tell you they've forgotten : Why they are as sensitive as a barome , ter on that subject; while I know within
 a year or two how old all my friends are
 but do not want to make them olde, . than they really are. Most people ar, I proud to think they are such an age ant - look well and can work There is a gen i tleman who is s1 years young and h.
 works and is sDry as can be-. That maj |. ; is true American and really I presum . he is about 75 years in vitality, etc. |. Maybe we are too busy to take time f keep young. Having hobby, and ridin 2 it hard, is 9 great help. Life is full o
 possibilities, but it is easily overstrained , If you keep young, beware of the destroy 2 ing influences of desire, fame. success fortune. All of them will exact toll, an
 8 heavy one. on both vitality and youtl = Life was meant to be lived and frettin 2 because you have neither the houses no f honors of your neighbors is not the wa u to live 1t.
 o I think, Dear Social Corner Sister o have written to you So often about keer !, ing busy and the joy of working fo ,' works sake. and that any hobby that con ,. tributes to the things that stand for eter . nal youth must be followed for shee Il love of the game.
 If You rise to responsibilities before yo !: are grown" enough to carry them easil :. you are not on the highway to youth, br " going down into the valley of age. To many persons take the first turning whil lJy pursuing pleasure-shallow pleasures Yo ! must eat, sleep and work You must als 'e exercise and have. rest. But you mu: 2 live in the sunshine, real and mental, 1' you will truly be free from the fear yo
 say haunts you of growing old.
 Brace up! A woman is only as old z
 she looks, and it's really up to you.
 Please write again and let me know Is you arc happier.
 o, KITTY LOU