I am 59 years old today – and could not be more thrilled. And in six months I expect to be telling folks that I am “going on 60” because I like the sound of that. I have never been concerned about how old I am – plus there can be a wonderful feeling of contentment that comes at this age (Maurice Chevalier expressed it best over 50 years ago.) Thanks to the advances in technology (including medical), I can explore and experience the world at 59 far more than could my father (who will be 97 next month) or my grandfathers (both of whom were gone by my 6th birthday).
The most life-changing development over the last 20 years of my life has been the Internet – and, for me, particular how it has changed my day-to-day lifestyle. I am able to run a successful business from my home. I can purchase almost anything from home (except gas), I can do remote face-to-face socializing from home, and I can see almost any movie, sports event, or even orchestra and opera from home. I can (and do) take college courses at home. If the AGA has their way I will soon be able to (legally and safely) gamble from home. Every year there are fewer and fewer reasons for me to leave the house – so fewer reasons that “getting out of the house more” has become a major goal over the last year.
One of the best Internet tools in both my personal and professional life has been Facebook. In fact, the professional aspects of Facebook are so valuable that I frequently tell casino industry executives (and other professionals) that they should have and maintain a Facebook page. Besides becoming familiar with the most emergent social media factor (especially among 40-70 years olds – a key casino industry audience), a Facebook page allows you to introduce (at your own pace) the human being behind the professional image you present to others.
Because of Facebook, when industry friends see me, they ask about my wife or my father or a recent trip or even my political views, not the generic “how’s business?” Because of Facebook I know that one industry collegiate is very involved in animal rights, another plays in a rock band, while another is very proud of his college-age daughter’s marathon accomplishments. And most importantly, because of Facebook more of my gaming industry colleagues have become real friends, which has tremendous personal and professional value.
Of course there is a downside to Facebook. What I see includes considerable triviality (especially from parents and grandparents of young children), hundreds of photos of vacations I do not care much about, and – from one close casino industry friend – political views I usually disagree with. But the pros far outweigh the cons. Because of Facebook I have made some great friendships, been able to keep up several more, and have stayed in touch with my 59-year-old world.
I am off to my father’s home to celebrate a birthday (that this year happily falls on a three-day weekend) – so I will let a favorite French proverb close this column: “Praise the God of All, drink the wine, and let the world be the world.”
