120 Comments
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Chris Ryan's avatar

In terms of aging well, I like to remind myself that nobody can steal money I've already spent. At 62, I already know I'm in no danger of dying young, or of my demise being "tragic." I've had too good a time for the whole package to ever be tragic. You do it well, Lloyd. I wanna be like you when I grow (up? old? wise?).

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Lloyd Kahn's avatar

If my son Peter were alive, he'd be 64. So I'm yer Dad's age.

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Dan Dwyer's avatar

I’m so glad you’re writing this Lloyd. You’ve got a big fan down here in NZ. I loved this quote “The best kind of exercise is that which includes adventure.” Amen.

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Bil King's avatar

My "Mother in Law" (the mother of my partner of 38 years) once said to me, "Bil, never grow old." I answered her. "Well, Helen, given the alternative......?" She passed away two weeks ago yesterday at the age of 102.5. Some people can't seem to keep their own advice. So much Love. So much Love. That is what remains. Love to you and all of yours. Bil

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Lloyd Kahn's avatar

Thanks Bill!

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Lloyd Kahn's avatar

Thx for sunflowers Bil!

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Bil King's avatar

Happy Birthday, Lloyd!

Hope you had a good one.

Best wishes,

~

Bil

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Micah's avatar

I’m 26 and I really appreciate your words. My dad is also almost on his final lap. One of the things he never seemed to do in life was to find a purpose. I saw how that affected his life, so I’m desperately seeking one. Do you have any kind words to share or have you written about this in your own life?

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Sel Gossett's avatar

Lloyd, even though we’ve never met in person, you need to feel and understand how your books and through them, your life and the lives of those closest to you, made a real difference in others lives. Thank you.

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Daniel's avatar

I'm a week away from 59. Still think of myself as "young". Keeping active with garden, blacksmithing, just life stuff. I see folk that are of similar age that are old. nope. You're my hero. I've thought about taking up skateboarding (last time I was on a board I was just barely 20 and ended up on my ass). The best time to plant a tree is 20yrs ago, the second best time is today.

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Abi Pinto-Raetz's avatar

I love that you’re a skateboarder at 89. I love how age has not stolen your adventurous spirit from you.

I love that you acknowledge the limitations of where you are at but choose to see past them in pursuit of joy and fulfilment. I hope to wish to be like this when I am 89.

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Lloyd Kahn's avatar

Thnks Abi!

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Gary Moffat's avatar

You’re fucking awesome, Lloyd

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Dennis Brady's avatar

Lloyd, your books taught me to be a builder of every home I've lived in as an adult and your words today are helping me understand how to turn "my final chapter" into one of living life not one of waiting to die. Bravo!!

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mads price's avatar

Which book on building would you recommend the most?

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Lloyd Kahn's avatar

Shelter

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mads price's avatar

Thank you Lloyd! Loved your writing and your energy. I’m an architect / have built a home and always love learning more about craft from those with passion and wisdom.

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Phil Clark's avatar

Thank you Lloyd for sharing your wisdom and lifetime of experience. I`m 71 now and the body is starting to beakdown a little here and there but I keep moving. You are an inspiration to us young folks.

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s.e. charles's avatar

you're being realistic with the effects of age, but i think you'll be on the scene for a while, yet.

never now what's around the corner.

keep on truckin'

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Matt Sawyer's avatar

Lloyd thank you for sharing your experiences and stoke/ zest for life! I recently lost my wife and it has been a heavy and humbling experience (I am 35). Been focusing my energy on surfing, yoga, jiu jitsu and on my mental health. Keep on keeping on, your are inspiring to us younger generations!! Make this final chapter the best one yet 💪🤙

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TJ Sayles's avatar

Lloyd you've inspired immensely the last 20 years! Keep on keepin on!

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Jon-Marc Seimon's avatar

Lloyd—you absolutely, totally, utterly ROCK!!

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John Saccone's avatar

You look like you're in pretty good shape for 89. What's the secret?

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Lloyd Kahn's avatar

The potion is motion.

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John Saccone's avatar

I’m going to have to get off my butt. Thanks.

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Hazegray's avatar

Its a pleasure to read your words and visualize you at a computer glancing up occasionally to develop a thought or clarify a memory. The final lap could be challenging, shine a light on the path for those of us that will follow.

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Joy's avatar

Thanks for your thoughts, Lloyd. 71 here and I'm enjoying getting older. A big slower, yes, but the mind still works and I love creative pursuits. I like becoming more honest with people, not taking crap anymore--I find it liberating and invigorating! I too recall gasoline at 36 cents a gallon, and milk in glass bottles--delivered and placed in a milk chest with the name of the dairy printed on the outside. Many great things about getting older, and a big one is old friends--those who know you so well, you're almost like clones.

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