I will add to the comment about exercise. It gives me the boost I need, I think this works for just about everyone. It’s not another pill, and can be as relaxing or challenging as you want to make it - just walking around your block (or around your living room). Or sitting in a chair and circling your arms, lifting your legs? Or putting on a senior exercise show on TV? Silver Sneakers has these, and there’s other ones.
I think I’m fortunate, I have a naturally optimistic disposition. And I love to exercise, it makes me feel like I am telling my body that I am not giving up, I’m in it for the long haul. With Silver Sneakers I have free Y membership and take advantage of it, they have all kinds of classes, or you can just walk around the perimeter as many times as you want - nice, safe, enclosed and is great when the weather outside is not good.
At my Y there are lots of older people, I do not feel out of place at all, the environment is very welcoming.
Last year was a definite challenge, being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer out of the blue (healthy my whole life), so spending the year going through 12 chemo infusions and major surgery (Whipple).
I am ready to enjoy 2026, and hopefully more! I am 72.