How do I age happily and gracefully?

@momof2sons--how are you doing today? I see that many folks have reached out to you with encouragement. No matter what our circumstances, many of us struggle with aging and attendant problems. I myself hope that "old" can also be a good look on me--I hope to appear wise and as if I know something about life! Are you currently doing anything in particular that you enjoy, or that makes you feel competent? Thinking of you.

Focus on God and heaven. Daily devotions really help. There are many good devotional books. We use Pathway to Victory materials.

We do not just have a religion. It is a relationship. Praying really works!

Try to stay positive and look for the “fun” in some things that you like to do. Social interaction is very important as we age. Poopoo on your ex. Do you have family nearby? Keep in touch with them and try to find a senior center in your area. You’re likely to find friends and sympathizers there. Stay upbeat, listen to music and take a walk!
Good luck!

Thañkyou 😘. You are SOOO RIGHT !!! I thought my life ended 16 years ago when I had my first stroke and needed to stop climbing the corporate ladder. I WAS SO WRONG! What the change did was give me the opportunity to be the person that I wanted to be and do the things I love to do. Just turned 76, defied all medical projections and have learned so many valuable lessons along the way.
THAÑKYOU FOR BEING A WONDERFUL GIFT TO THIS SITE 😘

I’ve been thinking…
( just personal opinions and spontaneous thoughts…)
Reading through the many comments and concerns on this very helpful site ( love MAYO CLINIC and former patient at Jacksonville, Fl
Facility), a single broad theme surfaces in between the various entries.:
St whatever age of the person seeking/ sharing , we have the ability to know a lot about happiness that could help others at any age BUT ESP in our 60’s onward even with our health issues of all levels? Bringing Happiness into our lives is a mental healing helper and subjective. The 1009s of answers of “ what is happiness to you?” would blow up even a commercial computer’s memory capacity.
What we thought was happiness at 21 hopefully has evolved to something different now and much more INCLUSIVE of new definitions.
At almost 85, I’ve learned that happiness now is more “ to embrace simple positivity in the now”: blessed to be alive, grateful for every day, and to have INNERpeace, clarity, joy and aligned with my rooted core values . At my age, I bring MORE age, more maturity, more varied life experiences that enhance WISDOM. It appears my stable anchor is my constant development of personal resilience.
Resiliency is an extremely valuable trait. Its roots must continue to be nourished to remain deep and wide. Having JOY , even in a tiny kernel’s worth , somewhere within EVERY day, helps to engage in bringing more kernels of happy moments and light to vast OTHERS as a side benefit. “ NO Doubt, CHAOS is part of every person’s life; however turning “chaos into NEW OPPORTUNITIES” takes resiliency and focus.
In whatever one calls their “ golden years”, andding those kernels of daily JOY allows us MANY CHOICES WELL BEYOND thinking that happiness primarily comes from one’s “family”, a career title, or accumulation of purchases. Our bodies change, and our bucket list ( if u have one) looks different now. It has less “ travel to various places” to more simple items : stay healthy, keep learning be in the now, keep brain and body active etc.
Seems that our wisdom gained over the decades gives us ability to see the BIG picture by OUR reasonable CURRENT decisions based on KNOWING OUR CHOICES and definitely by OBSERVING the repetitive choices, actions and initiatives of others. We see that it’s more than a single word, an one encounter or actions of others but more the accumulation of it all that gives us insight of what’s really going on” inside” regarding their CHOICES esp in regards to us.
WE HAVE OUR OWN array of CHOICES TOO! In my experiences, I’ve found that keeping on digging, spread my boundaries, and pursue reaching outward to PROPEL yourself rather than being defined by others or “ the usual” brings many benefits to all areas of my life. It’s exhilarating
getting to know new people on all levels and age has no limits! . How joyful to know compassionate, uplifting neighbors many decades younger than me who are great sources of joy and models of strong core values engaging with me . These folks bring light and kernels of joy from WITHIN and share with me easily and authentically
In addition, staying competent in technology is distance learning in adult education! In line learning from reliable and
reputable resources can be used to learn DAILY , free on line from 1000s of topics from agriculture to zoology, medicine to history, philosophy, business, world news , and STAND UP COMEDY! Add regular Staying physically active on your level with a little stretch harder so our muscles and brain and bones thank us for churning them into a useful work team is a lovely compliment to the integration
The older I get, the smaller my circumference of wanting to drive long distances or attend big functions is a necessity.
YouTube, podcasts , in depth articles, and blogs bring lifelong learning annd entertainment to me.
WE HAVE MORE CHOICES than a regimented short list! Rekindle and Re- engage our NATURAL CURIOSITY. Be like the child that keeps asking sensible questions. If we stop asking why, if we stop asking others to do your digging up the who, what when how and why’s, we might become like locked up row boats permanently anchored and rotting in a dark place. My mentor, decades ago, Dr JW Fanning, even into his ‘80’s closed each of his speeches and essays with a simple quote: “ May you stay ALIVE as long as you LIVE”.
Bottom line: I’m still surprising myself at what my full potential. I want to use it daily in my life I have been given.
Happiness is found in small kernels, and available well beyond your family.
Happiness increases as we become “lamplighters” for the very ones who INITIATED WANTING to extend themselves to be with US.
“ May you stay ALIVE as long as you live.”

Thank you for sharing! I love the quote: “May you stay ALIVE as long as you LIVE.” Too many quit living too soon! I am going to try to heed your advice as I strive to age gracefully!

As I live longer I get better and better at finding deep fulfillment with what is right here in front of me.
The world that is given to me today is more than enough.
It's been worth living long enough to learn this!

Happiness is often transient and comes with circumstances whereas joy is a permanent feeling of well being of knowing who you are as a person, as in your faith. As a child learning perfect joy is putting Jesus first, Others, then Yourself in that order has worked for me. I've not always been happy of course but I've had joy and peace in my life and I'm 80 years old.