The other night my grandson Evan reached out so his Pop Pop could stand and hold him tight. No better feeling than to stand and hold him. And hold him. And hold him a little bit more. Until Pop Pop thought it was time Evan practiced walking so Pop Pop could feel his arms again - and straighten out his back.

I’ve always said that being old has less to do with reaching a certain age and more about how you feel. The reality is that as you do reach certain ages you begin to feel it. I’m starting to feel it in places I didn’t think you could feel pain.

Any physical pain from holding and playing with Evan and my granddaughter Catherine is easily offset by the joy of being with these precious gems. It’s the “woulda-coulda-shoulda” mental pain about growing old that is harder to shake.

But a few days ago I read about a 32-year-old with responses he’d received on Twitter from 90-year-olds when he asked what they’d say to their 32-year-old selves.

I’ll share that wisdom ahead of my 63rd birthday tomorrow. My contribution - you’re never too old to learn:

Now and then, break out the fancy china and drink the good wine for no reason at all.

Dance at weddings until your feet are sore.

Tell your partner you love them every night before falling asleep. Someday you’ll find the other side of the bed empty and wish you could.

Treat your body like a house you have to live in for another 70 years.

Never raise your voice, except at a ballgame.

Do one good deed every single day, but never tell anyone about it.

Time doesn’t heal anything when it comes to relationships. Don’t delay difficult conversations.

Find the things that make your eyes light up. Do more of those.

The most damning lie you can tell is the lie you tell to yourself.

No one has ever argued their way to happiness.

Getting old is no picnic, but it’s much better than the alternative.

You may occasionally disappoint others, but make sure to never disappoint yourself.

Never let a good friendship atrophy. Send the text, make the call, plan the trip.  

When you meet someone, look them in the eye, give a firm handshake, and call them by their name.

Give everybody a second chance, but never a third.

The “good old days” are always happening right now.

Whenever you hug someone, make sure they are the one to let go first.

If it’s raining on a warm summer evening, go outside and dance in it.

Taking no risk is the biggest risk you can take. Regret from inaction is always more painful than regret from action.

It doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be wonderful.

Looking presentable is a matter of self-respect.

Travel as much as you can.

If there’s something bothering you, ask yourself whether it will matter in one month. If not, let it go right now.

Stop trying to change people who don’t want to be changed.

You may win the argument, but if you lose the friend, what was the point?

Stubborn pride is the downfall of many men and women.  

Do one thing that challenges your mind every single day. A crossword puzzle, math problem, anything.

Allow your kids to fail. You will hate it, but it’s so important.

No amount of money is ever worth trading for your peace of mind.

Pick up when your parents call. You’ll regret ignoring them when they stop.

Smile and say good morning to strangers on the street.

Laugh loudly and unapologetically whenever you feel like it.

Time is precious. Cherish it.

Barry Lewis is a longtime journalist and author who lives with his wife Bonnie in the Town of Neversink. He can be reached at      barrylewisscdemocrat@gmail.com.