@margaretob
Hello Margaret,
First of all I am 91, not 88. Fortunately for me I really do not have medical issues. When I was 87 I had to have a hip replacement as I had worn it out. I had a wonderful surgeon. What angered me was where they shipped me after the surgery. I should have been kept in the hospital where trained personnel could have looked after me. But no they put you in these hellholes and you just rot there. I never had a shower or even a bed bath for 3 weeks. I was not able to get out of bed and walk due to my surgery and no one ever checked in to see if I needed a bathroom. Without being too graphic, you can guess what happened. Then they were mad at me because I had to be cleaned up and the bedding changed, etc. That's what makes me mad. I cannot tell you why or how I have made it to this great age. Eating well? Exercising? Maybe both. But life is not worth living without your soul mate. We were together for 62 years. It has been four years since he died and not a day goes by that I still do not cry for him. I did have grief therapy. But at this point I don't care if I live or die. I only know that I will never harm myself. That is the coward's way. Life has taught me to be strong. That could also be a factor. In any event, I wish you well going forward.