SHORT TAKES : Andrews Sister Thinks Young

Maxene Andrews, one-third of the boogie-woogie Andrews Sisters, is singing the praises of staying youthful by staying active.

“People say to me, ‘When are you going to retire, Maxene?’ I say, ‘Well, when I retire, you’ll only know I’m retired when you see them carrying me off the stage,’ ” the 72-year-old singer said this week during a visit to Nebraska.

While in Nebraska she will make speeches, including one at a dance to raise money for senior centers.

“I love doing these things,” Andrews said. “I talk to them (senior citizens) about not getting old, if you know what I mean. Just because you’ve passed that mark, you don’t have to think that the world is leaving you behind.”