How to deal with aging anxiety?

@scain
Sometime you have to advocate for yourself and not rely on a doctor's opinion. I just started for myself but have been relying on doctor's advice.

@cecilyl
We have four cats rescued as kittens and a dog. All four cats have different personalities, but one cat (the only male) has bonded like a dog with my wife. He greets her at the door when she comes home, follows her around the house, climbs into her lap while she sips her afternoon coffee and sleeps at her feet at night.

At my Catholic mass yesterday, part of the pastors sermon included these words to remember.
Pray Hope and Don’t Worry.
It’s hard for me too not to worry with a family issue right now, but I know that God always answers my prayers so I have to trust and be patient.
Hope this gives you a bit of comfort .

@kjoed53
One of the biggest, most shared truths on Mayo Connect: Sharing life with other creatures is one of the richest gifts we can give ourselves. Tom cats can be wonderful friends!

@greengold "Gray Panthers" comes to mind.

@capnjack
"Gray Panthers" I like that!

@dederickve oh my gosh. I was suffering so much with joint pain, PMR, pinched nerves in my spine, and then breast cancer. I truly had given up thinking I’d ever get back to enjoying life.
Then I adopted a four year old dachshund and there’s light in my life again. She’s perfect and helped me get outside and find my sense of humor. She loves to play, get off the couch, and provides something I can do with my husband. She’s literally a life saver.
If you’re a dog or cat person and without a pet right now consider adopting a mature furry friend.

@marietter
What nice words your pastor said and so true! It is hard to not worry but if we have faith we know God will answer our prayers. It's just in his time and that's hard to sometimes cope with. But God see's all that's going on in the world and knows when the answer to our prayer will fit in and we don't. My husband died in 2024 and now I'm alone. I have no family. They are all up in Heaven with my husband. (I'm 80.) So I've had to rely on God more than I ever have and it has worked out very well!

I hope your family issue gets resolved positively. I'll say a prayer for you.
PML

@jwcarroll54
Dear JW-
My wife was suffering multiple illnesses, similar to you. It had reached a point that she only left the house for doctors' appointments, and then with difficulty.
Our daughter left her little Havanese dog with us for a month, and it was more effective than any of the many medications for pain and mood. The pain was still there, but she had a reason to get up. Before long we had adopted a rescue Havanese at a price we could afford.
My wife has had successful surgeries for the worst conditions and she and Hava are constantly together.
My hound Hazel is similar mood tonic for me.

I took in my brother’s cat when he passed away. Nearly 3 years ago.
I was not looking to adopt a cat but no one in the family could take her.
And I was NOT taking her to a shelter.
She is a good cat, doesn’t destroy anything & is good company.
She “ meows me out of bed” every morning, wanting her wet food.
Demands play time etc.
She is an extra expense with food, treats, vet visits etc. But her expenses are doable.
And she has the softest fur! Like a chinchilla. She is good company.