John, very insightful. We all have our own decisions to make. As my Finnish ancestors would say, when others would give up, that’s when you say ‘no.’ It takes personal courage. I admire that, and I was especially struck by your observations of the people who simply refuse to surrender to age or circumstance. In Finland, they call it sisu. That is my heritage and I do not intend to give up any time soon. There is a time to go quietly with dignity. For me, that time is somewhat over the horizon. Many of us are in the same boat. I’m happily still rowing.
Thanks for this. Better than a 13th donut any day. And as someone who's "been around the block"--I can vouch for the benefits of each and every one. Thanks for stepping up and keeping "Rip's Newletter" coming on a regular basis.
Thanks, Jim, for this common sense guide to longevity. It will save many from a needless, early death. I really love your keeping Rip’s fine synopsis of conservative thought going!
Humor and laughing are very important, there are immune mediator’s important for our health that get released in the process. Immune function suffers in people that are depressed
Thank you, Jim, for carrying on for Rip; I had been following him for years and always enjoyed VDH, Retired Generals, and your occasional articles. Keep up the good work! Also agree that “Laughter is the Best Medicine” the title of a book I read years ago. God Bless America 🇺🇸 HG
Jim, excellent piece. In retirement, we have become long duration cruisers. Being in a somewhat confined environment with 700-1000 others for several months gives one an opportunity to observe. What you can see are stark examples of those who practice most of your points and those we quietly define as “Give Ups”… pasty, obese, scooter-bound, always use the elevator, pastry-laden in the buffet. The ones that are inspiring are the ones with significant physical challenges (injury or disease) that greet you at 6:30 AM in the gym, chat with you later at the pool and then hustle off with their walker to do a mile worth of laps on the promenade deck. Seldom see them after nine in the evening. The Reaper will be sweating when he finally catches up.
I would add one point: get smart enough about your health to be able to have a meaningful dialog with your health care providers. Many laugh about Dr. Google but the advent of ChatGPT, Grok , etc. make it extraordinary easy to become informed to a useful degree.
I first started reading Rip's news letters years ago. His wisdom and humor were the stuff good days were made of. Thank you Jim for carrying on his legacy....
Well, it was nice to have a fun challenge presented. I am happy I need a little work on 8 & 9 but otherwise have things in pretty good order. Pushing 82 I consider every day a gift. These suggestions are good and I wish my granddaughter would adopt these suggestions. Not for me to push, but I worry. Thank you for a little humor tonight. Now I just need to add keeping up with all the news, especially your selections of relevant news.
Mom is always right. As the youngest/baby, my Dad always reminded mom was number on e! When in reality he was slowly pushing me out. I thanked him while he was on his death bed. After I left ,I went off the deep end with work. Many years being a Ironworker and later 35 years as a tradesman at a Gm plant . Now I am paying for "The hard work". Arthritis from outside work and and dragging deer out of woods with shoulder slings did a number. Luckily exercises for burning ankles and steroid injections for arthritis in neck helps to enjoy retirement. Sure we live good, but I wonder if maybe a Librarian was a better choice? Health wise I am sticking with my first choice. I rather I burned out than rust! A little something extra is my choice along with many accomplisments that resulted . Great Article. Thanks Kevin! It is almost as i am now talking to RIP?
John, very insightful. We all have our own decisions to make. As my Finnish ancestors would say, when others would give up, that’s when you say ‘no.’ It takes personal courage. I admire that, and I was especially struck by your observations of the people who simply refuse to surrender to age or circumstance. In Finland, they call it sisu. That is my heritage and I do not intend to give up any time soon. There is a time to go quietly with dignity. For me, that time is somewhat over the horizon. Many of us are in the same boat. I’m happily still rowing.
Thanks for this. Better than a 13th donut any day. And as someone who's "been around the block"--I can vouch for the benefits of each and every one. Thanks for stepping up and keeping "Rip's Newletter" coming on a regular basis.
Rip a bit with all of us who knew him.
Thanks, Jim, for this common sense guide to longevity. It will save many from a needless, early death. I really love your keeping Rip’s fine synopsis of conservative thought going!
Humor and laughing are very important, there are immune mediator’s important for our health that get released in the process. Immune function suffers in people that are depressed
GREAT article!
Hayes Gahagan
Thank you, Jim, for carrying on for Rip; I had been following him for years and always enjoyed VDH, Retired Generals, and your occasional articles. Keep up the good work! Also agree that “Laughter is the Best Medicine” the title of a book I read years ago. God Bless America 🇺🇸 HG
Jim, excellent piece. In retirement, we have become long duration cruisers. Being in a somewhat confined environment with 700-1000 others for several months gives one an opportunity to observe. What you can see are stark examples of those who practice most of your points and those we quietly define as “Give Ups”… pasty, obese, scooter-bound, always use the elevator, pastry-laden in the buffet. The ones that are inspiring are the ones with significant physical challenges (injury or disease) that greet you at 6:30 AM in the gym, chat with you later at the pool and then hustle off with their walker to do a mile worth of laps on the promenade deck. Seldom see them after nine in the evening. The Reaper will be sweating when he finally catches up.
I would add one point: get smart enough about your health to be able to have a meaningful dialog with your health care providers. Many laugh about Dr. Google but the advent of ChatGPT, Grok , etc. make it extraordinary easy to become informed to a useful degree.
I first started reading Rip's news letters years ago. His wisdom and humor were the stuff good days were made of. Thank you Jim for carrying on his legacy....
Nothing like a Bakerfield female's laughter and humor. Sometimes simply laughing at herself.
No fair, you have inside information. Surprising to see Rose and Bill headline a story in 2026, isn’t it? Now, eat your carrots.
Well, it was nice to have a fun challenge presented. I am happy I need a little work on 8 & 9 but otherwise have things in pretty good order. Pushing 82 I consider every day a gift. These suggestions are good and I wish my granddaughter would adopt these suggestions. Not for me to push, but I worry. Thank you for a little humor tonight. Now I just need to add keeping up with all the news, especially your selections of relevant news.
Mom is always right. As the youngest/baby, my Dad always reminded mom was number on e! When in reality he was slowly pushing me out. I thanked him while he was on his death bed. After I left ,I went off the deep end with work. Many years being a Ironworker and later 35 years as a tradesman at a Gm plant . Now I am paying for "The hard work". Arthritis from outside work and and dragging deer out of woods with shoulder slings did a number. Luckily exercises for burning ankles and steroid injections for arthritis in neck helps to enjoy retirement. Sure we live good, but I wonder if maybe a Librarian was a better choice? Health wise I am sticking with my first choice. I rather I burned out than rust! A little something extra is my choice along with many accomplisments that resulted . Great Article. Thanks Kevin! It is almost as i am now talking to RIP?