Now, I know what you’re thinking. Who wants to read one of those articles about being young at heart? We’re past that stage in life, aren’t we? We’ve got grandkids, retirement plans, and maybe a little garden club drama to tend to. But hold your horses for just a minute. I promise you, by the time you reach the end of this, you might just find a spark of youth left in that wise old heart of yours.

Let’s start with a little story. Picture this: Last month, I was at the church bake sale, and there was this delightful younger lady trying to convince me to try a keto cookie. Now, I don’t know about you, but a cookie without flour and sugar sounds like blasphemy to me. I looked at that thing like it was a prank from Satan himself! But I took a bite, and let me tell you, it wasn’t half bad. My curiosity got the best of me. Can you believe that? I felt that same buzz of excitement I used to get as a teenager trying a new milkshake flavor at the diner. Curiosity peeking through our well-defended life scripts is a telltale sign we’re still young at heart.

And speaking of curiosity, isn’t staying up to date with new gadgets and gizmos a hoot? Don’t get me started on smartphones. Remember when a phone was just a phone? Now it’s a camera, a map, and a weather station all rolled into one. My grandson showed me how to use Instagram. I wasn’t born yesterday, so I thought, “What’s this magic trick?” But you know what? Once I got the hang of it, I was posting pictures of my crochet projects like nobody’s business. If you’re dabbling in technology and having fun with it, my dear, believe me, you’ve got more pep in your heart than most teenagers I know.

Another thing, laughter is a magnificent medicine. Ever find yourself giggling during a lovely retelling of an old joke, or perhaps while watching a classic sitcom like “The Andy Griffith Show”? We boomers know a good laugh is a gift from the Almighty. My husband, Jim, still tells the same jokes he did when we were dating, and they’re just as corny—but I laugh every single time. Not because the jokes are any funnier, but because they remind me of the simple joys of love and companionship. Embrace your laughter, friends, it’s a sign that your heart is fresh, frisky, and fabulously young.

Here’s a fun one, and I can’t believe I’m admitting this: Sometimes, just sometimes, I have to fight the urge to dance. Whether it’s Elvis Presley crooning on our old gramophone or my granddaughter’s peculiar pop music blasting from her phone, my feet start tapping of their own accord. If you find yourself swaying to the music, it’s not the hip arthritis acting up, darling. That’s your youthful heart reminding you that joy can be found in every beat and rhythm of life.

And oh, the nostalgia! Does anyone else here have a collection of old records or a stack of photo albums from the ’60s and ’70s? Dusting them off, flipping through those pages or vinyls, it’s like taking a time machine back to simpler, happier times. Having a treasure trove of memories that still makes your heart flutter – that’s evidence you’re not just living in the past, but you’re cherishing it in a way that keeps your spirit young and spry.

Now, let’s peek into another scenario – keeping up with a hobby. My knitting group down at the community center? We’re fierce competitors. Just last week, I finished a whole afghan that could probably win “Knitter of the Year,” if there was such a thing. If you’re still seeking out and excelling in something you’re passionate about, that’s your young heart dancing to its own beat. Trust me, I’ve seen those glittery eyes in our group, and it’s like we’re school girls again, beaming with pride over our perfect loops and stitches.

Finally, (and here’s the one you won’t believe), being stubborn. You heard me right. I’m talking about the kind of stubborn that gets you to stand up for what’s right, pursue that adventure you’ve always wanted, or tackle a new project just to prove you can. Don’t let anyone tell you different! The fiery spirit of youth isn’t just for the young in years, but for those who refuse to let go of their convictions and dreams. It’s that tenacious heart inside us that says, “No way, José, I’m not giving up or settling down just yet.” It’s what keeps us vibrant and spirited as ever.

So there you have it! You might have started reading this thinking you’ve left your youthful days long behind, but take another look, my dear friends. The signs are all there; they’re just a bit more subtle now. The curiosity, the laughter, the dancing feet, the cherished memories, the passionate pursuits, and even our stubbornness are proof that there’s still a young heart beating within each of us, no matter how many candles are on our birthday cake.

Stay young, stay joyful, and remember – age is just a number, but the heart knows no bounds.