Some people don’t want to admit they’re growing older, but I don’t really mind — at least as long as I have my own teeth and a bottle of hair color. But, seriously, aging can be such an advantage in many ways, not the least of which is the wisdom gained through years of hands-on experience in so many areas of life.

One of the most golden nuggets of wisdom I’ve acquired is a principle I’ve lived by for quite a few years now. I’ve learned — the hard way at times — that everyone does not mean the same thing by the terms “new and improved.” When I think of new and improved, I think of something that still has ALL THE GREAT QUALITIES of the old and some extra added qualities to boot. So many manufacturers and advertisers seem to have a completely opposite definition from mine.

So, dear readers, here is my nugget of wisdom for you. You can choose to follow it or not, but if you choose “not,” then be aware that you do so at your own risk.

Golden Nugget # 1 from the Wisdom of Age:

Whenever an item says it is “new and improved,” stay away from it as long as you can, and do everything in your power to keep the “old” version working as long as possible.

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