How do you deal with aging?

I am an 80-year-old female, living alone in a rural area of Montana. I am a breast cancer survivor (10+ years), and trying to remain as active as my aging body will allow. My current health is excellent (just had a complete workup) and I believe my mental health is good. I am 4 months alcohol-free. My goal is to remain independent in my own home, that I absolutely love!, until I die. In order to achieve that goal I must remain healthy, both mentally and physically. It is discussion groups such as this that help me remain mentally healthy and active. Thank you, Mayo Clinic!! I am not religious and do not follow any religious teachings. Would love to connect with similar females who are in my age group to discuss similar topics.

Except for a few of your details, I could have written your post!!! 🙂 Thank you SO much for sharing. I love your attitude and am going to use it as a guide on the days when I feel "down."

Great attitude! I'm also 80. Just finished Chemo in January, feeling good, looking forward to a longer life. E.

Awesome outlook!! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂

Good afternoon, @love2hikemt. Welcome to you, and thank you for sharing your positive words and thoughts about aging. I can see how helpful you are to not only yourself but to others like me who are searching for ways to mentally and physically remain optimistic about their future. I try to find joy in every day and to welcome others using the same health foundation. We all can invest our aging experiences in positive ways.

For example, I am so glad about the Connect name you chose. How else would I have known that you live in an area where both my mother and father grew up? That means that I was born in Montana and, at this point, have three generations of cousins across the plains. I was actually born in Helena.

One of my current support folks lives in Bozman. She is my yoga teacher and conducts weekly Mindfulness and Meditation training episodes. Do you live near Bozman?

It also appears that at 82, you and I encounter similar issues. I look forward to your positive and caring posts.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

Hi Chris - so nice to meet you! I actually live near Helena, in the mountains outside of Clancy. I have friends in Bozeman and, of course, in Helena. I truly appreciate your comments. Stay well.
Karole

I am so happy for you! I think that as we all age, we want to be as independent as possible and continue to live in our own homes. I am 74, and I would like to stay “right here” in my home. I would rather hire people to help me down the road, if necessary,but do not want any part of a nursing home!

Live for today but plan for tomorrow.
ty dan

Aging is a tricky business and can trip us up in unexpected ways. Hope for the best and be prepared for the worst. At age 75, I do what experts suggest to age well: Don't smoke, exercise, avoid isolation, eat healthy, get good sleep, manage stress and keep a positive mental outlook. Easy to write, hard to do. I accept aging as it has come to me, physically and mentally. New realities, most of them limitations, occur on a regular basis. The love between my wife and me has grown stronger as we have aged together. And in old age I find that if I am able to face the music, sometimes I can dance to it.

I love your attitude and approach to aging! Your comment about the love you have for your wife is so wonderfully touching. Thank you very much for sharing. 🙂