Roy’s Sunday Letter for April 19, 2026

Benefits of Letting the Old Man or Woman In

Toby Keith wrote and recorded Don’t Let the Old Man In during his last months of treatment and eventual death from stomach cancer. There is a popular site offering T-shirts, hats, and bags with this message.

I understand the resistance and push back of letting the old man or woman into my daily life, primary relationships, physical condition, as well as my emotional and spiritual health. I hear the voice of my Physical Therapist reminding me to stand tall, head up and eyes forward. I am mindful of the harm of rounded and stooped shoulders, sliding my feet, not lifting and placing my feet when walking. Individuals with Dementia and progressive memory loss and their caretakers have no door or lock as the unwanted old crashes in replacing the young man or woman they knew and loved.

• Medical tests, exams, and pharmacies are about not allowing the natural parts of aging to hold off a little while longer. I see and understand daily life, health and wellness, even optimism can change or decline with the latest test result or fall. Beth and I have many friends who live by themselves. Beth and I are blessed to have the opportunity to face these challenges together, in companionship.

But wait……there is a benefit in allowing, even inviting the older ones into our lives. The older woman or man bring wisdom, humor, their life story to teach, to encourage, to serve as a guide. My life would have been harder, less fulfilling, without the elders who have showed up and have been a part of my stages, places, and events of my life.

Who are now or have been the elder of wisdom and life experience important at a critical time? Is there a way for you to express appreciation to the elder or their family? Making a donation in their name to a favorite charity is another way of recognizing the ones who have added to your individual and family life.

My writing today is about best choices in health and wellness, relationships, financial, and all parts of an active life. So many of our choices are influenced by who we let in and who we do not. Toby Keith’s lyrics were a caution to choose wisely, adapting to each challenge along with the elders who bless and guide us.

Roy, remembering those invited in