Below is a list of life-living how-to's that you may have seen before - has been found in many an inbox, labeled "Lotus Tout" meaning "good luck" (forwarding it is what brings the good luck...when in fact it's the message that serves you, and them, best).

This list of very simple things makes such a fine road map for being the best person you can be, therefore living the best life, that I've adopted them as my foundation for how to act...saved my sanity and credibility many times, in fact.  May they serve you equally well.

When you say, 'I love you,' mean it. And...

Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to
live life completely.

Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling. 

Don't judge people by their relatives.
(my brother says this on a regular basis...)

Talk slowly but think quickly.
(this one really works!)

When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask,
'Why do you want to know?'
(As does this)

 Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

                          When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
                           (tough one, but worth the effort...)

                       Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others;
                        and Responsibility for all your actions. 

Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship. 

When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps
to correct it.

Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
(this is so true; works every time)

America's "youth culture" is still going strong, fueled in most part by 20 something heads of marketing for everything from clothes to cosmetics.  Thus we still worship the young vs. revere elders (if you want the latter, move to almost any country in Asia).  And Boomers become increasingly less immune to this marketing ploy with each passing year.

But...is youth really all that terrific?

Sure having joints that are a bit less achy, eyes that don't require readers, and hair that doesn't show up in all the wrong places is something to be missed, but are these things all that bad, really, when compared to what goes along with being younger? 

When taking a closer look, that is.

So, I'm doing just that; taking a closer look.  Below are some comparisons based on criteria not mentioned in any ad for "turning back the clock".   Although they are generalizations that don't apply to all at the two age levels, this is by design to bring into focus the real differences between older & younger - to counter the gross generalizations of our "youth culture" that we hear, and too often believe, based on the false premise that younger is better.

Have any to add/disagree with any?  Tell me
I'll post your thoughts next week.