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Aging from a useful man to something considerably less

Aging Well | Last Active: 13 hours ago | Replies (81)

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Profile picture for binw @binw

I wish I had an answer to how one can accept the diminishing physical abilities of old age. I find myself getting angry and disappointed in myself as I lose strength and stamina. Next month I will turn 82, but my Mom lived to 95, and was active up until her last couple of years. I was more active than she as a younger person, but it seems that was a hindrance rather than a help. Mom was always pretty gentle with herself, while I pushed myself to exercise, eat right, stay active, etc, etc. I sometimes wonder if all the advice we receive is really helpful, or if we would be better off taking it easier when we're younger. By the way, thank you EdSutton for all your useful comments on this site. I strive to get to this point that you mentioned..... "find a way to live happily without purpose. How's that for a challenge?" Yes, it's a huge challenge! 🙂

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@binw

I think you have a point. This advice ‘ to just do the right things’ stuff ignores the strong influence of just luck. My advice is that as you get older, things inevitably will go wrong with your body. Try to only have the ones which modern medicine can fix. I am almost 84 and so far have mainly had that kind of luck. That said, I used to be an avid hands on, all over the yard gardener. Now my physical limitations have forced me to become primarily a container gardener. I still find joy in growing green things and this year had cucumbers to give away. A tremendous boost to my self-image.