How do you deal with aging?

Posted by prcrowe @prcrowe, Jan 1 10:04pm

How do you emotionally handle aging and knowing that you only have a limited number of years left in your life? I'm turning 80 years old in 5 months, am in quite good health, work fulltime, and am incredibly grateful for the life I have. But, I find myself obsessed with the thought that I only have "x" amount of years left in my life. I've never figured out how to live one day at a time. Any suggestions from those of you around my age or older would be SO appreciated! (I'm "kind of" spiritual, but not really religious so that's not something that seems to help with my fear.)

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 2 5:40pm

In reply to @maggieingraz "Is there a specific guided meditation that you found helpful?" + (show)

My therapist prepared on for me after several conversations, I really liked it so I haven't sought out any others.

prcrowe | @prcrowe | Jun 2 9:47pm

In reply to @edsutton "One thing that helps me is trying to make life better for living beings around me...." + (show)

Ed, I've probably said this to you before, but your activities sound wonderful and your attitude about aging is incredible! I'm definitely going to try to adopt your way of thinking!

edsutton | @edsutton | Jun 3 6:41am

Dear PR,
Thank you for your kind thoughts, and for bringing up this topic to get us started!

I think on some level the anxiety we feel is just the normal workings of our brain, trying its darnedest to make sense of a situation that's always shifting just as we think we've figured it out.
It helps a lot if we can temper it with humor, love and forgiveness.

Forgiveness...I have some work to do, and am not sure how to start. My heart grieves for what we've lost in our community, and I'm not sure there's a way to repair it honestly without risking more conflict. Sometimes truth hurts, but dishonesty also hurts. I hurt, and so do others. Maybe we can share that.

It helps to remember that even old folks can learn, especially if we stay on the simple side of things and keep trying. Simple is within my capacity...sometimes.

Meanwhile, when I open the back door first thing in the morning, Hazel stands fixed in the doorway and slowly sniffs as she scans the horizon. For squirrels? Cats? Deer? Rabbits? Does she feel anxiety, hope, curiosity? Just doing her job?

annieg87 | @annieg87 | Jun 3 5:17pm

In reply to @prcrowe "Thanks so much for sharing your life and your spiritual/metaphysical beliefs. Because I too have metaphysical..." + (show)

I’m so happy to know this, thank you!

bwitched52 | @bwitched52 | Jun 3 7:44pm

Any suggestions on how to get to 80?? I'm 52 had a heart attack 3 stents put in at 49 stress and I smoked but everyday since that day I've had non stop chest pain and I'm 52 and think I probably have 5 yrs left maybe less..I have a 15 yr old son I need to stay for ..so just wondering what your lifestyle is like u sound like u r doing better then me so I think you probably r going to live many many more yrs..my neighbor is 82 and he mows his lawn huge btw lawn and he's constantly keeping busy his secret...I wish u many many more yrs n health. Be well..

edsutton | @edsutton | Jun 3 8:24pm

In reply to @bwitched52 "Any suggestions on how to get to 80?? I'm 52 had a heart attack 3 stents..." + (show)

Take a look at the Mayo Clinic Diet Plan.
Follow the vegetarian or Mediterranean plan.
https://diet.mayoclinic.org

prcrowe | @prcrowe | Jun 3 8:48pm

In reply to @bwitched52 "Any suggestions on how to get to 80?? I'm 52 had a heart attack 3 stents..." + (show)

I'm sure that the change in diet that was suggested would be a really good start, but I would suggest that you make certain you have an excellent primary care physician. If he or she isn't able to give you all the answers you need, ask for a referral to a specialist. Diet, exercise, good medical care, and if needed, proper medication. Meditation is also known to help. Good luck to you....

willow5 | @willow5 | Jun 4 10:07am

In reply to @bwitched52 "Any suggestions on how to get to 80?? I'm 52 had a heart attack 3 stents..." + (show)

If your PCP says it’s okay to start exercising, walk out your front door - walk five minutes, turn around and go home. Then one week later, increase the walk to 10 minutes out, 10 minutes back. Easy does it, no need to increase fast. I listen to audio books when i’m walking/running.

But as they say, always check with your doctor first. Good luck!

alth | @alth | Jun 5 9:36pm

In reply to @thisismarilynb "You all sound very young to me to have those thoughts. I am 89. I am..." + (show)

I am 88 and work in my garden all the time but I had a hip replacement and it went well but i have some pain now. I hope I did not overdo it. I do not worry about dying as the Bible says we are all sinners...which of course I knew..hahaha.... but I have assurance of going to Heaven as the Lord Jesus took my place was punished for my sins when He died on the cross and rose again so I all I have to do is believe and confess my sins to Him. Romans 10:9,10 .. If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead you will be saved, for with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. It is great to have this peace as one can't help but think on it as we age as all know we will have to face it so it is sensible to make the right preparations.

prcrowe | @prcrowe | Jun 5 9:42pm

In reply to @alth "I am 88 and work in my garden all the time but I had a hip..." + (show)

Thank you so much for sharing. I have very different spiritual beliefs, but have always thought that those who believe as you do must find wonderful comfort when it comes to life's challenges and whatever comes after this lifetime.