Definitely, I would have cautioned my younger self about my then-casual attitude about sugar consumption. Also I might have had some advice about affairs of the heart. But then again, maybe not.
I have told this story in other places but it is appropriate to the topic. When Johnny Carson still hosted The Tonite Show, he had some really great guests. One was jazz-era pianist Eubie Blake on the occasion of his 100th birthday. He was a thin but still mobile elderly-looking black gentleman, well dressed, dignified, and quite verbally responsive to questions. DEFINITELY mentally alert. So the inevitable question from Johnny:
J: So tell me Eubie, looking back on the 100 years of your life, is there anything you would have done differently?
E: {less than 1/2 second hesitation} Well, Johnny, if I'd have known I would live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself.
Audience: {hysterical laughter for about 15 seconds followed by applause.}
