1. < Aging Well

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.)

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 11 4:18pm
In reply to @sharonmcknight "Great thinking Dan. At 70 it remains in the back of my mind, well more in..." + (show)
@sharonmcknight

Great thinking Dan. At 70 it remains in the back of my mind, well more in the front, that I don't have a lot of time left. Wish I could get over that.

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Welcome, @sharonmcknight. You mention that you don't have a lot of time left. What planning are you doing for the time you have? What brings you joy?

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1 reply
hvannort | @hvannort | Sep 12 11:14am
In reply to @poppy1946 "I have no answers but I can relate. I am only 78 and I too keep..." + (show)
@poppy1946

I have no answers but I can relate. I am only 78 and I too keep having thoughts about how many more years will I have. There is too so much to learn and do. Keep smiling.

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Thanks for your thoughts. Smiling is tough right now. I am doing my best to "learn and do" as I was before all this happened. I have come to a full stop and am trying to find my way through the grief to start again. I never felt (or acted) "old" or "senior" until this happened.

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edsutton | @edsutton | Sep 12 1:00pm
In reply to @hvannort "I was working hard to live life to the fullest every second. I have no family..." + (show)
@hvannort

I was working hard to live life to the fullest every second. I have no family anywhere near me. I just turned 76. My husband of 32 years announced he is leaving me to move in with an old girlfriend. I am now suddenly alone. How have any of you handled devastating life changes when at this age time is so short?

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Hvannort-
You have received a terrible trauma that strikes deeply at your emotional and physical well-being.
Having been through a trauma of social rejection far less than what has happened to you, I can confirm that our emotional and physical well-being is deeply interconnected.
I suggest that at this time you commit to giving yourself the most loving, nurturing physical care you've ever given to anyone. Love yourself deeply and trust that your heart is working to lead you to a new life.

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1 reply
Working Artist | @treaveler | Sep 13 4:24am
In reply to @poppy1946 "I have no answers but I can relate. I am only 78 and I too keep..." + (show)
@poppy1946

I have no answers but I can relate. I am only 78 and I too keep having thoughts about how many more years will I have. There is too so much to learn and do. Keep smiling.

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Thanks so much for your positive attitude ‼️👍

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adr | @adr | Sep 15 11:25am
In reply to @edsutton "Hvannort- You have received a terrible trauma that strikes deeply at your emotional and physical well-being...." + (show)
@edsutton

Hvannort-
You have received a terrible trauma that strikes deeply at your emotional and physical well-being.
Having been through a trauma of social rejection far less than what has happened to you, I can confirm that our emotional and physical well-being is deeply interconnected.
I suggest that at this time you commit to giving yourself the most loving, nurturing physical care you've ever given to anyone. Love yourself deeply and trust that your heart is working to lead you to a new life.

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A beautiful response.

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sharonmcknight | @sharonmcknight | Sep 16 12:27am
In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome, @sharonmcknight. You mention that you don't have a lot of time left. What planning are..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Welcome, @sharonmcknight. You mention that you don't have a lot of time left. What planning are you doing for the time you have? What brings you joy?

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By that I meant there are much less years in front of me than behind me.

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mydogsbestfriend | @mydogsbestfriend | Sep 18 9:18am

My one regret ( which is minor) is I have no real close friends. Worked with 99% men in all my jobs, women were either married, much older or did not have my interests. At those times ( working) the younger ones’ main interests were dating, going out to bars looking for guys, having kids ( they were single) etc. Just wasn’t my thing. But now I value my time wisely and I’m thankful for being mostly healthy and mobile.

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4 replies
dannoci | @dannoci | Sep 18 6:33pm
In reply to @dannoci "I am 84 years old. Who knows how long I may live maybe 90 or 100...." + (show)
@dannoci

I am 84 years old. Who knows how long I may live maybe 90 or 100.
Because of that fact, I am trying to have the best time of my life some of my habits have changed example I spend my money easily buy anything that brings me pleaser. Mentally except we are born to die. I don't think of it anymore. Live every day if it is your last. Have a good time nonstop.
Dan

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ty
dan

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1 reply
junie2 | @junie2 | Sep 19 4:55am
In reply to @mydogsbestfriend "My one regret ( which is minor) is I have no real close friends. Worked with..." + (show)
@mydogsbestfriend

My one regret ( which is minor) is I have no real close friends. Worked with 99% men in all my jobs, women were either married, much older or did not have my interests. At those times ( working) the younger ones’ main interests were dating, going out to bars looking for guys, having kids ( they were single) etc. Just wasn’t my thing. But now I value my time wisely and I’m thankful for being mostly healthy and mobile.

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I don’t have any close friends, but having this forum is helpful.

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beckboop13 | @beckboop13 | Sep 19 6:47am
In reply to @dannoci "ty dan" + (show)
@dannoci

ty
dan

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I am trying the same thing. Having a great day every day.

Becky

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