@pvctom2021, this is a great discussion to have started and I've enjoyed reading the helpful suggestions and replies. As we age, we have to fight harder to reduce isolation. As you mentioned, you've lost some members of your closest social circle (band-mates). That's hard to replace. I'm glad that you can still play the guitar. Making music with and for others is a special gift. I'm also a musician and my first teacher was a cornet player who was 80+ at the time and he still taught young people AND played once a week at a senior's home. Yup, at 80.

I find that small things start to contribute to nervousness in my case. Not necessarily anxiety, but unsettling just the same. For example, deteriorating eye sight and no longer feeling as sure of my footing, especially going down stairways.

You mention that you wake up with a sense of anxiety, worry, dread pehaps, but then it subsides once you're up and about. I recently changed by morning routine to help combat these feelings. Now I get up and put on my walking clothes first thing rather than lounging in my comfortable clothes with a coffee. I get out a go for a walk soon after getting up. Heck, I already have the clothes on, I might as well go, right? That morning light helps boost the mood and sets me right for the day - not 100% guaranteed but close.

What is your morning routine? Do you find your thoughts prevent you from getting started?