getting old

This is my first blog on this site and I want to start a discussion on the way to get old without getting sidelined and patronised. One way is to have loads of cash of course , that would help in some ways , but these are some other thoughts: it also seems a good idea to keep up with what's going on in the world even if it seems completely naff - you are not left without anything to talk about to some younger people although if you have always have wide interests you will keep up anyway. It's no good trying to seem too young or it just looks pathetic but remember you probably know more than they do about a lot of things even if you keep it to yourself most of the time ,a buttoned lip is useful.
Don't think it's too late EVER to do something new. I get so angry when people say they are too old to change, it just means they have always been boring as far as I can see.
It helps to be really interested in something and I don't mean just family,it is better for everyone if you have a life of your own that you take seriously and give priority to except in cases when the kids etc really need help. Take care of yourself physically and mentally and don't think of yourself as old --when is old now? I hit 70 last year.
Dressing is more difficult because it's a fine line between being stylish and interesting to being a bit pathetic but don't let it all go just because it is harder to stay in shape.You still are you and need not disappear into that anonomous grey haired mass.(that is how I used to think of old people.
Stay feisty and don't get too nice and amenable because you think you have no status anymore in the big wide world. I know I am lucky not to have got ill - so many friends have and it is even more vital to keep up morale when you are being treated as a geriatric/simpleminded old biddie.
Any more suggestions or should we just curl up and die to make room for others and let the kids inherit? By the way I am teaching on an art course in Bath UK in April so come and learn to paint !