Betty White: Dreading Aging Is A Waste Of A Wonderful Life
Who wouldn't want to take aging advice from Betty White? At nearly 90 years old, she's full of life and enjoying a successful career in TV comedy. Now she's teaming up with AARP to help dispel Americans' stereotypes about getting older, and spread the message that "it's not about age, it's about attitude."
Generally speaking, we dread getting older -- and romanticize youth. Which is precisely the problem, says White. "So many of us start dreading age when we're in high school. And i think that's really a waste of a lovely life."
If you accentuate the positive, that attitude in your mind is also reflected in the body, she said. Yet people have a tendency to complain rather than celebrate the here-and-now, and then look back and realize they were missing the fun. White said she loves the perspective age gives you -- "like changing a light."
Of course, getting excited about aging can be easier said than done. White's tips? She reads a crossword puzzle every day, has a wide variety of interests and makes an effort to keep up with current affairs.
"I have a two-story house and a very bad memory," she joked. "So i'm up and down the stairs a lot. Which is good exercise. I try to take care of my health. I don't abuse it."
There's a lot to look forward to about aging, she said. You can't help but pick things up as you go through life. You learn a lot, and you learn about having a positive attitude. Try to think of someone other than yourself, and enjoy other people's good fortunes along with your own.
The AARP campaign launched Monday with the debut of national TV ads.
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The Huffington Post Meghan Neal First Posted: 05/24/11 01:51 PM ET Updated: 07/24/11 06:12 AM ET