I’m thoroughly convinced that the good Lord, Mother Nature, Father Earth, creatures or the sea, or whatever element we believe created us, knew what was best for human beings. Why else would aging gracefully bless us with gradually limited sight and hearing?

Consider the facts. Oncoming wrinkles, a less than Greek goddess or god body and somewhat sagging profiles are not flattering assets to romance. Yet, almost any day at retirement residences, senior centers and public places, aging couples are seen walking hand in hand or exchanging loving glances.

Aging eyes filter faults. Without eyeglasses and hearing aids, one’s loving partner’s undeniable signs of aging are mute. The face one loves is forever encased in memories of yesterday.

Maybe those angelic monkeys so often quoted by parents to children have the right idea: “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”

Do you suppose this whole upside down world today might be better off had such monkey psychology been applied? Less fault finding and more appreciation of people’s values could go a long way toward domestic, if not national and worldwide, peace.

Yet, regardless of aging or wealth, the one magnet that people of all stations in life and origin are historically drawn to is a happy attitude, pleasant smile, kind words and caring as much about what is important to someone else as we do for what’s important to ourselves.

Along with wrinkles and a rearranged waistline, seniors do have a soft spot tendency to being sentimental and idealistic. Animals are remembered with great fondness. Who forgets their dog or cat that put up with kids pulling their tail, stepping on the poor pet’s toes or trying to ride it like a pony.

Maybe that’s why it’s puzzling to picture a world leader shooting birds that seem as defenseless as a sitting duck destined to be buckshot.

Undisputed is the need to pursue rest and relaxation. However, where does R&R figure in a reported achievement of bagging a record 70 birds killed on one invasion of bird land? It seems the birds are victims.

Is that a no foul, no harm? Or is that all fowl, no harm?

Highline has many ways and places to pursue R&R inspiration and new energy. Walk a beach at sunset, hike among majestic evergreen trees, watch stately bald eagles and endangered heron build a nest and guard their young. Thrill to a sailboat race as colorful spinnakers unfold.

But, I digress.

Aging gracefully is a learning experience. Consider the time when estrogen and testosterone are reduced from a teenage prime life-driving force to a tender nudge. When a glance in a mirror or passing a store window does not inspired one to linger and admire one’s silhouette.

Experts say the mind stays young and alert as long as we keep it active. Life’s wisdom seasons the mind to keener heights. Body aches and pains aren’t so bad when one considers the alternative.

Modern medicine, if you can afford to buy it, is a godsend, providing possible reactions don’t wipe us out.

Consolation is found in these words of an unknown author: “Don’t worry about your age. Remember every time you grow a year older, so do all your friends.”

Young folks can agree with today’s wrinkled, remarkable generation’s major concerns; that they have elected decision-makers dedicated to protect the United States Constitution, preserve the world’s oxygen supply, address global warming and save natural resources - over, or in spite of, that all too common ugly monster, political greed.

That accomplished, folks of any age can hang up their hat at day’s end feeling fine.

Someone wrote, “It’s not how old you are, but how you are old.”

Cultivate a happy attitude, pleasant smile and kind words. Value the wrinkles from happy days, the creases from smiling, a slower walk, a healthy mind and the gift of love. Care as much about what is important to someone else as we care about what is important to us.

And when we do that, aging gracefully comes naturally.