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What activity do you refuse to give up? How do you adapt to age?
Aging Well | Last Active: Jul 31, 2025 | Replies (153)Comment receiving replies
Hello, @jillb329 ~
That's my criterion as well, SAFE and comfortable. I found that I could not carry a chair that was stable enough to be safe (too cumbersome and heavy) so I, too, have to decline many activities, including the wedding of a grandson who is getting married next month outdoors in Door Co., WI on the banks of Lake Michigan. Too many unknowns - no parking lots so have to walk on unpaved road, distance unknown, to the park; don't know how bumpy or smooth the grassy area is, how far it is to walk to a restroom, etc. My family, fortunately, totally "gets" it! And most importantly, I want the day to be about the wonderful young couple getting married and their families having the freedom to celebrate without having to attend to my needs. I will totally enjoy any photos and videos and will certainly be there in spirit, and they know that. I feel so blessed to be living in my own home, driving, and enjoy being able to live my own routine and make my own decisions, that nothing else can steal that peace.
Blessings to you,
Barb
Replies to "Hello, @jillb329 ~ That's my criterion as well, SAFE and comfortable. I found that I could..."
How wonderful that you did not make the event about you and your needs…to many times seniors do to the point of making everyone else feel bad. I hope as I get older and less able to be out and about on unsure footing that I will remember your note.
Barb, I SO identify with what you said. In addition to still getting over hip fracture (balance issue? Maybe...) I have stage 3 emphysema, so walking any distance is iffy, and although I would love to be there in Door County (born and raised a Badger), I fear that the humidity would be hard on my breathing, too. Love it that your family "gets it"!
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Hi Barb -
With the proliferation of "destination" weddings, sometimes all it takes is a quick call to the bride, groom or a family member.
When my daughter got married on the lakeshore at the groom's family property, about a mile from parking, they provided transportation via two ATV's for those who could not make the walk. It was lovely. And at the end of the evening they were able to transport members of the wedding party to rural their lakefront motel a couple miles away, safely and with no worries about if anyone over-imbibed. Having lived with many people with mobility issues for most of our lives, we try to be inclusive - and it doesn't hurt to remind anyone that "their" day was only made possible by the family who came before.
Another note about outdoor concerts - a call directly to the venue ahead of time often resolves that issue as well. People are nice if you give them the chance! Just don't wait to approach the Event Security near opening time - their job is usually to enforce the rules, not make exceptions.
Last Spring we went to see Willy Nelson, it had rained hard for days before, the open ground was soft, and the venue (which did not allow chairs) made sure those who needed a place to sit solidly on a chair could find a spot for it, and even came up with folding chairs. One of our local parks, if they have to move the concert from the amphitheater, offers rides up a fairly long hill, for those who cannot make the trek.