Living in the Now- Reflections from a 90-Year Old Influencer

This posting is inspired from my recent conversation with a Fellow Resident💚:

I moved to an active Senior Living Community with about 150 senior citizens ranging from their early 70's,  to a dozen nonagenarians and one or two centenarians about 2.5 years ago. I have witnessed several residents deterioration from an active senior to one who needs assistance within that time period. This was a result of few incidents, specifically the start of early dementia/memory loss and from an accidental Falls that lead to hospitalization.  I felt bad witnessing the slow decline and deterioration of once active bodies to a frail ones. And  I often wonder if I am next in line. 

Here's a thoughtful and heartfelt blog post that captures my perspective, strength, and honesty, while offering inspiration to others in similar stages of life:

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"Living in the Now: Reflections from a 90-Year-Old Influencer"

There’s a certain quiet wisdom that settles in when you live long enough to see your peers slowly disappear—not from your life completely, but from the level of vitality you once shared together.

I moved into a vibrant senior living community 2.5 years ago, joining about 150 other residents, each with their own stories, laughs, quirks, and histories. We are a mosaic of experience, ranging from the young-at-heart in their early 70s to the still-spirited centenarians. But over time, I’ve seen a shift. The sparkle in some eyes dims. Conversations grow shorter. And sometimes, a fall or a flicker of forgetfulness is the quiet turning point that leads a friend from independence to needing full-time assistance.

Witnessing this transformation is not easy. I find myself wondering—not with fear, but with curiosity—am I next?

It’s a thought that visits me now and then. Not every day, but often enough to become a quiet companion in the back of my mind. Yet I’ve come to accept that these reflections are part of being fully alive, especially in this chapter of life.

So how do I cope? I choose to live now.

I refuse to look at the future as a looming shadow. Instead, I see it as a quiet unknown—one that doesn’t need to steal the joy of today. My current philosophy is simple: Act in the present and don’t anticipate a bleak future.

I’m proud to say that at 90, I am still mentally sharp. I write a daily blog with readers around the world. My youngest daughter affectionately calls me “The 90-Year-Old Influencer”—a title that makes me chuckle, but also reminds me that influence isn’t measured by age, but by perspective.

And here’s mine:

• I savor my morning coffee as if it were brewed by angels.

• I take walks and look at the trees and flowers in our Court Yard like I’m seeing them for the first time.

• I read books, newspapers and write thoughts as if the world still needs to hear what I have to say—because maybe it does.

• I laugh with my fellow Residents and honor their stories, even as some of those stories begin to slip away from them. I play bridge and mahjong to sharpen my mind and to the best of my ability

When the feelings of sadness or fear creep in, I acknowledge them. I don’t push them away. But I also don’t let them drive the bus. I tell them, “Thanks for the visit—but I’m busy living today.”

To those who may feel the same sense of uncertainty in senior communities like mine: You are not alone. Aging isn’t a downhill slope—it’s a narrowing path that calls us to pay closer attention to each step, each breath, each kindness, each memory.

If I can leave you with one message, it’s this:

Be present, be kind, and leave a footprint—not of fear, but of grace.

Tomorrow may be unknown. But today? Today is still ours.

But Ouch! My legs are really aching today! Where's My Tylenol?

by DAVID B KATAGUE— The 90-Year-Old Influencer

Meanwhile, here's a painting of Tinikling by Fernando Amorsolo, Oil on canvas, 1950

In his 1950 piece “Tinikling”, National Artist Fernando Amorsolo captures more than just a dance - he paints the heartbeat of the Filipino countryside.

Set against a radiant rural backdrop, the painting features young woman in traditional Filipiniana gracefully performing the Tinikling, the Philippines’ iconic folk dance. With bamboo poles clapping in rhythm and villagers gathered in festive spirit, Amorsolo brings the scene to life through his signature use of warm sunlight and realistic detail.

This work is a celebration of Filipino tradition- of movement, music, and community. More than just an artwork, Tinikling preserves a cultural treasure, portraying the joy, harmony, and identity found in rural Philippine life.

Lastly, My Photo of the Day: Marsha💚 and I Dancing!