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A discussion for people over 60: Let's focus on what we can do
Aging Well | Last Active: Dec 20, 2024 | Replies (201)Comment receiving replies
Nannette, of course you’re not the only person over 60 who is feeling the loss of what we were able to do in our 20s and every decade forward. But the ability to change and adapt is a gift we’re given.
Accept, adapt and move on, has been a motto of mine since my mid-30s. I’m now 68, been through a battle with leukemia and had a bone marrow transplant almost 3 years ago. I’ve lost most of my family members and a couple of really close friends. Covid has messed up the ability to physically interact with people but I stay connected and active.
My life has changed but I embrace every single day. I mourned for maybe 10 minutes over some of the things I can no longer do. I don’t dwell on the past or what I can’t do. I focus on what I can do and want to do! Then make it happen.
Heck, I was a gymnast, but at 68 I don’t lament that fact that I can’t do the iron cross on the free rings anymore or that I can’t flip effortlessly on the parallel bars, no backflips or cartwheels…unless it’s on the winter ice! 😅
But what I can do is walk 8 miles a day, or grab my paints or read or sew, or ride my bike. I have no limits. I don’t rely on others for my happiness. The only two things over which we have any control are our attitude and our effort.
Sometimes our fear of failure is what holds us back. What is it that you want to start but can’t?
Replies to "Nannette, of course you’re not the only person over 60 who is feeling the loss of..."
Your effervescent bubblingness is always a source of inspiration and respect, Lori! 😁
Wonderful. Lori - Your story inspires me. I like this message
board. I’m 75 this year and appreciate the reading suggestions and personal stories. Thank you all.
Thank you Lori, I am 79 moving to 80 , glad to be able to do things and will keep on doing it. Have a wonderful days.
Nattaya
Hi Lori: enjoyed your article. Was surprised when you said you are only 68. I was never athletic so I do not miss that. Actually the only thing I miss is doing wet on wet watercolor. I am 94 1/2 ; and cannot move as fast with the brush to do that. My life was being a wife, raising 3 children, and working as a clerk/secretary for a bunch of engineers. I am not a natural artist-had to teach myself to draw at age 60 when I retired. I had CKD for many years before I knew it; doctors do not tell. I do miss being able to walk without a walker! What I would like to do is to start a painting, knowing that I will be able to finish it! And NO I do not want to go back to younger.
Love your attitude- just turned 65. Had 3 operations in 1 1/2 full knee replacement- went very well. Was looking forward to biking, walking & kayaking… then my low back started acting up. Forward… DX with spinal stenosis, have chronic sciatic. Started to feel so defeated, my attitude has always been positive, not so right now. I’m not ready for a fusion L3 L4
I go today to my first PT I’m hoping this will help.
I do like to read, I craft. Not feeling up to it now. I want my old attitude back!
Everything you said is true.
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OK, we have some things in common: I walk a lot, 6-8 miles, I do watercolors, I sew, reading annoys me because in my arrogance I always argue with the writer, I do not know how to change that.