Growing old gracefully is not just a matter of coasting into the sunset - it's constantly treading water. Elite runner and writer Jean-Paul Bedard shares how his philosophy of movement, gratitude and forgiveness helps him to stay young at heart and mind despite a difficult past.

To understand my bubby was to really know and love her. She held firm to a tough exterior to complement her large figure. And she constantly measured and compared my love for her against the deep affection I held for my paternal grandmother. But stubbornness comes in all shapes and sizes, and Sara's was no match for a prepubescent girl like me. I hadn't developed the life skills yet to combat her insurmountable insecurities.

I've got aging on my mind right now. Last Spring I celebrated a not insignificant birthday. Who am I kidding? They're all significant now. A few months ago I watched Isabel Allende's Ted Talk on living passionately at 71. It really inspired me. I've done a lot of thinking about age and aging since, and I've come to the following conclusions.

Keep your heart and bones healthy and strong!

Cher turned 70 recently. When I heard that, a question raced through my mind (don't ask why). Can you wear a thong at 70? At her age, where does a performer go with their public persona when it is tied to less is more in what they wear?

Other people my age seem to have "missed the memo" about technology, entrepreneurship, and active aging. They spend hours complaining about how the world has changed, how tough millennials are to work with, and how much their muscles and bones hurt. I try to either inspire or avoid those people.