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

I am almost with you. I am 89 and am able to live independently. However I do not do my deep cleaning housework. My wonderful Maria comes in every 3 weeks to do that. But I do everything else. I am also capable of driving myself everywhere I need to go, including the freeways. I had to have a hip replacement because it wore out - not due to a fall. I am planning on a short cruise by myself this coming summer. I have to admit that when I really think about it I am surprised at how old I am because inside I do not feel that old at all. I believe feeling that way helps a lot.

I would contacting a good shelter in your community to establish a contact and possibly they could retrieve your pet upon passing. A better way would be to include instructions in your will.

Found a new book browsing at the library.
“The Wisdom of Morrie”
Can’t put it down. Addresses my issues with
aging in the 8th decade. Recommending it friends over
70 and bought a copy for my reference.👍🏼

The shelter near me always needs foster parents while pets are waiting for permanent homes. They would ultimately take responsibility. Would that satisfy some of your own needs too?

Just discovered this, and it is a great topic. I'm disabled, which is challenging, but actually good prep for aging and cancer. I really know how to micro-manage my energy. This Saturday I went to an interfaith women's prayer circle for peace--Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Sikh, and more. When I was younger I would have been too shy or cynical to accept the invitation. I'm retired, but people often ask me for advice to "pick my brain" etc. At first I was annoyed--it felt like taking advantage. Then I realized I could actually help and meet folks, often much younger than I am. I took a flower arranging class and my grand-daughter (age 4) and I go out walking and collect wildflowers & grasses and add them in to cheap/free flowers my husband gets at the end of the day at our Farmer's Market. She & I started arguing about who got the sunflowers--then I caved. I wasn't put on earth to try and take sunflowers from an adorable 4 year old! Then main things I love--walking (very slow) and reading (very fast). Well, I love the family & friends too and I can't say enough good things about my husband--because he is both witty and good hearted. Regards to everyone and rock on!

@narus What is the carnivore diet?

You only eat meat, cheese, poultry and fish no carbs or sugar at all. I guess I am not really on a diet any more as I have been eating this way for 2 years. If you do it beware the first two weeks can be tough. Your body has to transition from getting all it's energy from sugar and carbs to protein and fat.
But I no longer worry about how much I eat only what I eat.
After 10 years of being close to morbidly obese I am down to a healthy weight and no one calls me fat anymore.

It works for me.

God bless u r a wonderful person ...

I know you did not ask me for advice, and I apologize if I am overstepping here. I am 69. Some awful things have happened to me in my lifetime, as well. All I want to say is, yes, it is sometimes very hard. Do you have a senior center somewhere near by? Maybe a place to connect. Also, is there a church near-by that has senior groups? And I have seen mini watercolor painting options. I found a kit of some sort years ago and sent one to one of my daughters who has very limited storage space. And then, what has helped me is my doctor, who recognized a resurgence of depression in me and changed my meds....what a wonderful, intuitive young doctor! All the best to you...all the best.

In focusing on what I can do, I started a list of things I am able to do, such as: get out of bed, talk, cook, drive, socialize, shop, laugh, bend, sing, dance, art paint, write, cry. Thankfully the list is very long.