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

Hi. I am new at this but it seems like a friendly and helpful site. I am 71 and retired 11 years and it,s my daughters that keep me going.. One is 50 and the other is 49 with 1 granddaughter. Probably and I wish I could see them more often as they are both down south North Carolina and tennessee. I am afraid of flying and they are in the middle of busy lives. We do phone a lot and text. They also make a trip home to western NY once or twice a year.

I suffer from arthritis and was just diagnosed with 2 autoimm

I, too am not 60 but feel like I am older. I just turned 57 myself. I hope you are still active here, that we can connect as we both navigate. I feel like quite a few saying what you did that resonates with me are consumed with existing and isolated for a variety of reasons. I started bi-weekly lipid apheresis treatments in 2019 and it was then that my treating doctor told me I had a cardiovascular system of an 85-year-old. He described it to me to be quite simple, that basically our blood should be like tomato juice and mine is more like tomato sauce. It goes through every organ in our bodies so consequently this makes an impact everywhere. I can say the need for good circulation cannot be overstated! This all has been confirmed with a genetic cause. He also told me “they” know a lot about my gene defect. Unfortunately what they know is through autopsies. I find myself relating to folks beyond me in chronological years. I learn so much that explains my experiences and they understand my description of weirdness I describe. I am developing more quality relationships, empathy skills and an overall understanding/acceptance of what is physically going on with me.

It was interesting reading all these posts. This is my first time here. At this time in my life I am in a bad place. My husband died less than a year ago. I had to go through a complete hip replacement all alone. Next month is my 88th birthday. I begin another six weeks of physical therapy tomorrow. My eldest son checks in with me every day, even though he lives and teaches school in China. The younger one just gives me trouble. I have finally made arrangements for my husband's internment in a military cemetery ( he is a Korean War veteran). I had to wait because younger son said he could not possibly come until after October 25th. Now it turns out he and family are going to stay at a hotel near the cemetery and he has no plans to drive me and my husband's remains to the cemetery. You can do it yourself he said. So I will. I have graduated from a walker to a cane. The orthopedist said I can really walk without a cane, but frankly I am afraid of falling. I live alone in my own home, with a housekeeper once a month. I do everything myself. I have found you need to find the courage to do things yourself no matter what your age because there is no free ride. My husband and I were married for 59 years and I miss him dreadfully. I am coming up to one year after his death. But I will get through this.

These diagnoses are difficult and challenging. Developing coping skills and a support system will help you to live your life in a way that works for you!

You have developed courage. I wish you had more support. Being on your own requires a lot more of yourself than others realize. If this is important to you, you will find a way to do it!

I am 74, always considered to be healthy, but ooh Gee:
Surgeries: breast Bx, benign
2 D&C, removed tubes and ovaries a year ago, then just removed uterus a month ago.
Have had hiatus hernia surgery( did not help)
Cataract surgery did not go well followed by corneal transplant, Ortho: knees scoped 30 years ago, both hips and one knee replaced, about to have the second done in January.
Has any one else had such luck(?)
But no diabetes, no hypertension, no heart disease !
Stay well all
And hope no one else has been so lucky to go to the OR as often!!

I am 74, always considered to be healthy, but ooh Gee:
Surgeries: breast Bx, benign
2 D&C, removed tubes and ovaries a year ago, then just removed uterus a month ago.
Have had hiatus hernia surgery( did not help)
Cataract surgery did not go well followed by corneal transplant, Ortho: knees scoped 30 years ago, both hips and one knee replaced, about to have the second done in January.
Has any one else had such luck(?)
But no diabetes, no hypertension, no heart disease !
Stay well all
And hope no one else has been so lucky to go to the OR as often!!