Two reasons to celebrate: This is Older Americans Month and #GetCaughtReading Month

The theme of this year's Older Americans Month is "Aging My Way." Coincidently, the month of May is also #GetCaughtReading Month.

So I want to encourage you to celebrate this month in two ways. First, the theme "Aging My Way" took me immediately to Frank Sinatra's classic song, "My Way." I revisited the lyrics and was struck by how appropriate they were for my life today.

Sinatra recorded the song, actually written by Paul Anka, in 1968. Frank was 53 when he recorded it, but at the age of 20, the lyrics didn't make me think about being old, but the battle cry of youth in the 1960s — doing it my way! But of course, as I revisit those words today, I understand a whole different message and a profound philosophy.

So this May — and all months — I suggest that we celebrate our own way of aging. Here's a reminder of the lyrics:

"And now, the end is near

"And so I face the final curtain

"My friend, I'll say it clear

"I'll state my case, of which I'm certain

"I've lived a life that's full

"I traveled each and every highway

"And more, much more than this

"I did it my way."

Secondly, since May is also #GetCaughtReading Month, I'd like to suggest books that inspire us to embrace elderhood.

First, a wonderful book that I cherish by our own Topekan, Father Richard Rohr, is always close at hand. "Falling Upward, Spirituality for the Second Half of Life" is a book that speaks to the deeper meaning and fulfillment of life.

Another author, Dr. Becca Levy, whom I quote frequently, has released her new book "Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs about Aging Determine How Long & Well You Live." Her research has profound implications for our cultural view of aging.

Of course, another first-round choice for me is Chip Conley's book "Wisdom@Work: Making of the Modern Elder." This book speaks to those transitioning from midlife work to elderhood and how wisdom is a valuable commodity in the workplace.

And a brand new book to me, although it was published in 1995, called the "Joy of Old." Frederick Hudson and John Murphy had me with the title. The intro says it is a book for extraordinary people with wrinkled skin!

So this month, get busy celebrating age and reading books that inspire and encourage us on our journey through elderhood.

Find Connie’s book, “Daily Cures: Wisdom for Healthy Aging,” at www.justnowoldenough.com.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Older Americans, #GetCaughtReading months give reason to celebrate