Tag: writing

This Florida woman, Mildred Kirschenbaum, is going viral on social media with this piece of life advice. 

“I want to share a thought about attitude. I recently turned 100 years old. And yet, I have friends who are 15-20 years younger, and their attitudes are going to cause them not to survive to my age. 

They’re not grateful for anything. Their attitude is, ‘I don’t see my kids more than once a week’ or ‘the food I was served was cold and bad.’ Their attitude is not acceptable. 

If the food isn’t quite right, so have an extra dessert! If you hear from your children once a week, that’s fine. They call you once a week, you call them once a week. And be grateful that they are enjoying life. 

Change your attitude. Look at the positive side of life. I think THAT is what got me this far. I try my best not to sweat the small stuff and to have a positive attitude.” 

Mildred, 100 years old, lives alone, drives, pays her bills online, texts loved ones on her iPhone and never misses happy hour. She has become an internet sensation for her advice on living a long and active life. 

Forgiveness is another concept Mildred discusses. 

“At this point in my life, I’m 100. When I go to bed, I may not wake up again. Why carry an unnecessary burden? Why wake up in the morning and, even though you don’t think about it, you’re angry at somebody? They don’t deserve your anger. If they’re not important to you, just shelve it. If they’re important to you, reach out.” 

Some of Mildred’s videos appear on the lighter side, including one she shared about getting tech-savvy, no matter your age. 

“We live in a computer world. Either you go with the flow or you fall off the train. This is a tech world. If you have a computer and don’t know how to use it, there’s a book called “Computers for Dummies.” Don’t say, ‘I don’t know how to retrieve emails.’ There’s no such thing as, ‘I don’t know.’” 

Mildred has an iPad, an iPhone, and a Microsoft computer to help her stay in touch with people, get information she needs, play an occasional game of Words With Friends, film her videos, and do her banking.

“The only checks I mail are birthday gifts,” Mildred said. “Everything else is online.” 

Other topics Mildred discusses are navigating the road at 100 years old, why she chooses to live alone, the safest way to get up if you fall at home, and directions for her chicken soup recipe which was requested over and over.

“Taste it. If you don’t have enough salt, add it. Don’t be afraid to improvise.”

One key to longevity, Mildred said, is getting out and about — being social. 

She enjoys playing bridge or canasta to keep her mind sharp and stay connected with others. But one of her favorite ways to be social is attending happy hour at her community clubhouse or a favorite local restaurant. 

“I do enjoy happy hour. There’s usually no one there even close to my age but that’s no problem whatsoever.” 

We could all take Mildred’s advice .