Lisa Browder

If you’re a senior sitting around thinking there’s nothing to do, nowhere to go, and you can’t do things alone anyway, I say – BS. “Mind inertia” is a debilitating problem. You sit around with the familiar things in your life and grow accustomed to doing just that – sitting around with memories, seldom venturing anywhere outside your comfort zone. There are days when I have to spend a few minutes convincing myself that it will be worth my time to get dressed, get in the car and find my way to some new adventure, but it’s worth it every time. I see something new, learn something interesting or experience something I’ll not soon forget. And I love it.

In 2023, I went to 7 new restaurants and/or food-related establishments; 10 museums; 8 animal farms, ranches and zoos; several botanical gardens; 5 very unconventional places (from a castle out in the middle of nowhere made out of aluminum, to a car museum, to an axe throwing adventure); antique businesses; and a vineyard. I even delved into baking and gardening.

I’m 71. And lest you think I must not have any issues, I’m overweight and deal with a back that “speaks” to me every minute of every day, even after surgery some years ago. Getting out is good for me physically, mentally and emotionally. It keeps me engaged with others and interested in the world around me.

I sampled restaurants, big and small, unpretentious and fancy (beats having to figure out something to cook). I dabbled in baking and found a gourmet chocolate store that does chocolate way better than I do.

Before moving to Florida, I’d taken trips to Panama and Costa Rica to check them out as possible retirement locations. After 42 years in Las Vegas, I was looking for a place where I could start my own garden and grow tons of flowers and plants, filling my space with color and scent. I’ve made tons of mistakes but I love it. A lot of my inspiration came from the fantastic botanical gardens I visited.

And museums? I browsed through some fascinating collections and took in some unconventional locations – cigars, Dali paintings, Native American clothing, miniature paintings, trains, the Ringling house, a plantation, sculptures, paintings, glassworks that looked like Japanese kimonos, history, automobiles, and a gallery with unique glass pieces for sale.

But my best trips are the ones involving animals. I’m constantly amazed at the variety. Who knew there were elephants in Florida? And who knew an anteater would steal my heart?

I figure at this point, you may be wondering why there are no pictures of the beach or the ocean. I mean, it’s Florida, right? Okay. First of all, this southern girl has magnolia petal-colored skin that doesn’t need any more sun. I spent my college days and most of my dancing years, lounging in the sun – at noon – slathered in baby oil. Truthfully, I hated it. I was miserable being that hot, it’s hard to get that much oil off your body, and the tan would fade in a matter of days. To add to that, I’m now a size that might scare small children on the beach so even though I have a swimsuit, I’m not sure you could pay me enough money to be seen in it. So, I go and look at the pretty beaches, kayak around the mangroves, check out beautiful ships at the Tall Ship Festival, maybe even traipse barefoot at the water’s edge, but I don’t get in. (Have I also mentioned I’m very mindful that my new home, Florida, is chock full of alligators?)

So what’s stopping you? Someone’s opinion that it’s silly and you’re too old? Wait! You mean that same someone who sits on her butt all day and lives in the past? I’ve discovered everyone my age thinks it’s amazing that I do all the things I do. They continually want to hear about my adventures. And here’s the thing: I don’t want to get to the end of my life and say, “I wish I had . . .” I don’t allow anyone else to live my life for me or dictate what I should and shouldn’t do. Get up and go.