A discussion for people over 60: Let's focus on what we can do

@nanette2022. I’m so glad you started this new discussion. There are already lots of postings.

I turned 70 this month. I know that the chronological age is just a number but my birthday has thrown me. Some days I’m energetic and other days I feel depressed. It comes and goes. I tell myself that each day is a gift. I just finished a book «If all the seas were ink » by Ilana Kurshan. She makes reference to à morning prayer to be said upon awakening that reminds me to give thanks that I have awakened. How much more meaningful this is to me as I look at this part of my life and to bless each day as the gift that it is.

Today I am meeting a friend to go snowshoeing. We have about 3 to 4 feet of snow in some higher elevations where I live so I can stay indoors or go outside and enjoy nature. I choose the latter. She made me a belated birthday cake (chocolate) to celebrate.

Nanette, You walk many miles everyday. Does getting outside lift your mood?

@nanette2022 @naturegirl5 @alive @bonespo @gingerw @mar1419 @athenalee @loribmt

I agree, this is a great discussion.

In one of Mayo Clinic's Aging & Health: Take Charge blog, there was an article titled "The Power of Awe." Here is the link to that article, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/take-charge-healthy-aging/newsfeed-post/the-power-of-awe/?pg=1#comment-682663.

The thing I like most about this article is that it offers new ways to find awe and wonder in life, even though we might have physical and financial constraints. When we were younger, we had exercise, travel experiences, etc . that helped us achieve awe, but now we need to seek out times of wonder in new ways. This article provides many ideas.

If you would read this article, please share anything that touched you or something that you hadn't thought of before.

Yes, walking uplifts my mood but most of all gets rid of my frustration and sometimes anger. Lucky you to have snow; I am in Texas, no such blessing!

@hopeful33250 Here in our area, there is an older gentleman who goes hiking alot. He has a beautiful older Golden Labrador named Miss Maggie as his companion. He posts pictures of his camping trips and photos on our local fb page. He has a real gift for capturing the backwoods of our areas. Seeing that I can no longer make these trips myself, I am so tickled to view his photos, in all seasons. The colors and all the shades of green, the trees and rocks, the creeks and old hunting cabins, moonlit nights. Simply put, I am in awe!
Ginger

@gingerw, Wow! That is great that you can find awe and wonder in another person's experience. I guess we could call that "virtual awe and wonder." I love the idea.

@nanette2022
Well, on the bright-side, not having snow makes it safer to walk outside. I live in the midwest and the temps are warm enough to walk, but the surfaces are too slippery. I'll try to go to the Y and find some exercise equipment.

Hi Over 60's - I would just like to add a small note on how I try and stay young (I'm 66) and try to stay mentally and physically active. I was diagnosed with PMR one year ago but I'm not letting it get to me (although I can't wait for it to leave me!). Yes, it's painful but we have to move on and not dwell. I'm also still employed full time which I find helps - we must have something to do - an interest that also interacts with other people. There is always someone out there that is worse off than ourselves. Do volunteer work if you are not employed or don't need to be employed. Help others - it's so rewarding and a great way to meet people.

I’m starting to read the book, “ Stupid Things I Won’t do When I Get Old” by Steven Petrow. granted I am already old in the eyes of the world but, I find myself acting that way too many times lately. this discussion might bring some positivity back in my life.

Hah! Not sure I’m ready for that book, might be too much of a revelation for me!! 😅
Would you like to toss out a few examples from the book to whet the appetite?

I read that book. He is a columnist, and I suspect the book is a collection of his entertaining columns, based on his own personal experiences and the unique crowd he moves in. This is abook about his own quirks and fears - he was only in his 50s when he wrote it. I'm 80 and I think the extreme and exaggerated traits he describes tell much more about him than about any of the people in their 70s and 80s I see every day at my Senior Center here in Rochester,Mn.