In spite of the advice of many, preachers, philosophers and others that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil; regardless of the warning, it is hard to argue that the more money we have, the better it is for us specially in our old age.

Money is our last power at old age. With adequate money, we can stay safe, secured and comfortable. People look at us in a different way, treat us with care and respect.

Here are some ideas and suggestions inspired by the writings of some experts, what money can do for us, how we conduct ourselves and how to deal with others at old age.

Do not retire early. If you have to retire, get all the benefits and find something that will keep you active physically and mentally. Travel and bond with true friends, play a sport, learn a new hobby and volunteer in your community or parish. Solve crossword puzzles, play Scrabble, write your memoirs, and above all, read ...this will keep you alert and keep Alzheimer's at bay.

Live in your own place to enjoy independence, privacy and a solo life. If you move in with your children, your rank or degree of importance is reduced to that of a bed spacer who has no place of honor or, worse, like crumbling furniture merely displayed with no added value. You have to conform to their own rules that are not sometimes kind, considerate nor mindful of you.

Hold on to your nest egg, bank deposits and assets. If you want to help your children, do give, but not to the extent that you wipe out your life's earnings, singing heroically not a shirt on your back nor a penny to your name. Staying solvent is a good hedge against all kinds of tempests. You will sleep better, you will not be afraid to express your opinion and you will be confident about yourself.

Don't believe your children's promise to care for you when you grow old, priorities change. Many children are not guilt-ridden nor filled with a sense of moral obligation when the wife and offspring take top billing in their lives. However, there are still children who would consider it a privilege to show compassion, genuine love and deep concern for their parents but be warned that not all children think alike.

Expand your circle of friends to include young ones who will definitely outlive your old BFFs. Keep up with new inventions, trends, music and lifestyle including all the scams and schemes you should guard against. Remember that when you mix with the young, you also open a fresh avenue to channel your thoughts, experiences and values through, so that the lessons you learned are not lost, forgotten or buried with you.

Be well groomed and smelling fresh of spring water all the time. There's nothing more depressing than seeing people exhale when you walk by because you smell like camphor chest or dirt. Old age or bust, don't look and smell like a corpse when you're not one yet.

Do not meddle in the life of your children. If they ask for your counsel, give it, but be ready to accept that they may not take it. Their situations in life cannot be compared to the situations that you experienced in your life. The playing field has changed and they need to develop their own set of survival skills. Champion and encourage their dreams and desires but on their own terms.

Do not use old age as your shield and justification for turning grumpy. There's nothing more annoying than an arrogant, old fool. Welcome each day as another chance to be kind and forgiving, to yourself and to others.

Listen to what others may say. Do not throw your weight around just because you are a septuagenarian (person who is between 70 and 80 years old) or a nonagenarian (a person between 90 and 99 years old). You are not a depository of knowledge. Even if the roles have been reversed, make growing old a fun-filled, pleasant experience for you and others.

Most important of all, money is your last power in old age. If you are broke at old age, nobody, not even your children nor your in-laws will come close to you; not even your spouse will respect you. If you are broke at old age, you become a parasite. Money buys you power when you need it most at old age.

It is sad, but we have to remember the reality that in many cases, "No money, no talk", (a Cantonese slang which means," I will not talk to you if you have no money."), is in the minds of those who have selfish expectations; that no money means: No "honey", No relatives, No in-laws, No holidays, No wine, No friends, No social life, No phone calls, No email, NOTHING!

Nevertheless, having learned all the above warnings, nothing in old age and in life for that matter, is to be feared. It is only to be understood. When we dare to face the things that concern us, we open the door to freedom. Most of our obstacles will melt away if instead of cowering or trembling before them or procrastinating about dealing with them, we face them with confidence that everything will turn out satisfactorily.

By Tim Pedrosa