Shocked by aging process

@seniormiz @bmbwa99362
It does catch you off guard. Up through my 50’s, I was so active- walking around campus still feeling I was in my 20’s. Bammo- then came my 60’s and all sorts of things started surfacing. I find that the more you fight aging, the more depressed you can get. I just try to do the right exercise, diet, mental health support, and etc. Yes, I’m fighting cervical dystonia, osteoporosis, and balancing other oddities, but I can’t let it all “win” and get me down. My mom always said to fill your well with positive things. This can be hard when you get up in the morning and scream (aghast) at the image in the mirror! lol.
Who in the heck would believe that our skin would just hang there-even with diligent exercise (where’s my muscle tone- what happened to my rear-end? Good gravy)? Many of us are struggling with very serious illnesses/conditions. Our focus is in finding the right support to help us maneuver these struggles, find answers, and continue to get well, overall. Don’t think of the time you have left. My husband used the analogy of a yardstick and point how much time he had left. I finally hit him with it! Live each moment; surround yourself with positive thinking, supportive people; and thank God (others) for each day to live again.

And yes, if anyone finds a miracle moisturizer, a great exercise for improving muscle tone (or heck, maybe a body girdle)… let me know. 🙂

At 76 I'm doing pretty well, but must admit that there have been some changes this year.
My energy doesn't rebound as quickly as it used to, and I recently turned down a community carpentry job, realizing that my back would ache for a week.

I changed some light bulbs in my office yesterday.
The box said they would last 12 years.
I thought "I'll never need to change these lightbulbs again!"

At 76 I'm doing pretty well, but must admit that there have been some changes this year.
My energy doesn't rebound as quickly as it used to, and I recently turned down a community carpentry job, realizing that my back would ache for a week.

I changed some light bulbs in my office yesterday.
The box said they would last 12 years.
I thought "I'll never need to change these lightbulbs again!"

Such wonderful words.. and much wisdom. I am still surprised to find myself at almost 72 years old. My mind feels so much younger and my body says otherwise.. I ‘hop’ up in chairs as if I were an 18 year old.. however I’ve discovered I must move far more gingerly to remain safe. By the end of the month I will have gone to 12 medical appointments.. gotten three referrals to new specialists, and was put back on oxygen at night, and was treated rather poorly by one of providers. I had a tough day and felt overwhelmed by it all. I talked it out, stamped my feet a bit, got a good night sleep (without oxygen, thank you) and woke with a good and cheerful attitude. I am in charge of how I react to things and my attitude is everything. I make a mental gratitude list every morning and evening.. and pray for others before myself. This period of my life has been quite a surprise. I walked through it with my grandparents and both parents.. as well as some very good friends.. yet I still wonder why I am so caught off guard. Denial.. hmm.. just not paying attention to myself? Whatever it is I am grateful for all the help I can get in facing the future. I have kids and grandchildren to focus on, world events, many interests (when I find the motivation) and many books! Blessing upon all of us, Cynthia

What saddens me the most about not living more than the next 30 years (am 70) is that planting trees feels like an effort in futility?

But then I think again and plant them anyway...maybe I will be able to watch from heaven and see them grown and people enjoying them?

What saddens me the most about not living more than the next 30 years (am 70) is that planting trees feels like an effort in futility?

But then I think again and plant them anyway...maybe I will be able to watch from heaven and see them grown and people enjoying them?

@slarson14 I’m about to me 84 and I love trees. I grateful to be able to be actively removing invasive species and planting native plants in my community and yard and being a steward of a beautiful forested nature trail. Helping Nature wherever you are is a way to honor our trees.

@clj9821 ~ love your positivity! I turn 85 in September with the aches and pains that seem inevitable. Left hip replaced in 2004, right hip in 2008. I stretch, walk, dance occasionally and participate in monthly book club. I have a poetry blog, enjoy music and PEOPLE. Celebrated #84 in Las Vegas at Sphere with Dorothy and the Wizard! Cheers to the next decade.