How do you accept change as you age?

Oh boy!!! my first cross country adventure left me with a twisted backside. I didn’t touch snow. I was standing (in my cross country skis) (long skis) in the parking lot of the ski resort, talking with other skiers ( bus brought us to the lodge) ; and the next thing I’m flat on my back with no clue how I got there. Ouch! Spent the day in the lodge in front of a big fire ( almost put big in all caps!!!) habits🤬 But, I did try again, nor putting my skis on until I was touching snow. Thank you for your story. That is sooo my world, nene 🤣🤣.

Oh indeed I can relate. I was a "rusher". As a kid I never walked if I could run. My walk was a speed walk. Then....I had to slow down and it freaked me out! It was my first major sign of aging. (Not including wrinkles.) Thanks, and God Bless You! Ro L.

Returning to the question of change as I get older, it is a challenge. I understand that I am more invisible to young people, but try to accept that. I am letting my grey hair grow in after so many years of covering it and am surprisingly enjoying it. I lost 40 pounds and can now move easier on my replaced hips and knees. The best decision I ever made was to fix those worn out parts. After so many years of pain and limitations, I am now free to take daily long walks (my only exercise now). I have to limit what I do on our property as bending over hurts my back, so just have to ignore the pesty weeds. Anyway it will soon be too hot to spend much time outdoors as I don't function well in the southern heat and humidity. I just hope I can stay as well as I am at 75 and for now just take one day at a time.

She is a beautiful dog. A friend of mine was lost after his wife died. Didn't feel needed and was lonely. His daughter took him to a rescue organization and he found an adult cat that gave him a reason to get up in the morning. If a dog is too much care because you have to walk them, maybe a cat (who uses a litterbox) is the right move.

Cat, cat, cat. Independent but engaging. Although, I will say a dog is easier when traveling if that’s important. Cats are attached to places over people. (Per the experts🤨). We got Hobbes, our Tabby, unexpectedly. He was the smartest cat I have ever had. One night, we were sitting in our living room watching tv and my husband said “ do you hear a meowing sound?” I’m like “no”. I got up ( I’m s curious person) and walked over to our front door and opened it and there he was. A tiny orange kitty, meowing his head off. I looked down the walkway (this is the weird part) and there were 8 cats sitting along the sidewalk watching the kitten. Curious?? I picked him up and brought him inside. Turned to my husband and said “ You know were are going to keep him, right?” My husband remembers my exact words. ( this is a guy that loses his glasses on a daily basis ) So, that's my Hobbes story. Yes, we have framed pictures of our cat. Hobbes was quit the ladies man. Very popular at our Vet clinic with all the female techs. They called him “ the gentle giant”. Why do children (cat) behave so much better with others than with the parents?( have the scratches ti prove it). We had 18-19 years with Hobbes and have wonderful memories if his antics. Animals are a gift.

@beatricefay I figured after my colon cancer adventure that one day is all we are guaranteed. (If that’s not true, please let me live in denial) so knowing what you know and being proactive with your health puts you miles ahead in your life. Enjoy your walks, you deserve it. virgo

Hello @rose1950, and welcome to Mayo Connect. What brought you to Connect? I agree that living life at a slower pace is a definite grace associated with aging! It is one that I enjoy. I ran too much in my younger days.

@virgo1952 My first experience with cross country skiing was a disaster as well. I kept falling and then finally started laughing!

What a beautiful example of aging with grace, @beatricefay!

Thanks virgo. During these terrible times, something so simple as taking a walk, becomes special and necessary, and of course the mental and physical benefits are enormous.

I am 90 yrs old yesterday. One change, eat more nuts, fruit, make your own meals, go to honey,garlic, flaxseed oil, Himalayan pink salt water hydration, lean meatr, testosterone gel RX and avoid corn frutose sweeteners, no diet drinks, make your own coconut water, lemon, and orange squeeze, mixed and chilled or sparkling maker added, meals on wheels, no sugars except 1/2 teaspoon mallases oalcrystles, Walk every day, do recliner chair exercises, use an up-walker instead od plain walker, use u-tube for movies, use channel on new words to use. google mayo clinic group participation, say money for yourself, Be a
VFW member, participate in facebook. BE PRO ACTIVE IN HEATH DECISIONS. After all, don;t you have an informed google opinion? Remember, you have not earned the right to die early from cancer or organ disease. Job and Solomon lived to 140 yrs. old. Why? food and exercise.

@bill54321. AMEN BROTHER! (All caps, I’m so naughty🙃). I wouldn’t be surprised if you hung in there as long as those other guys!!!! (Job and Solomon) . Happy Easter.