How do you deal with aging?

Posted by prcrowe @prcrowe, Jan 1 10:04pm

How do you emotionally handle aging and knowing that you only have a limited number of years left in your life? I'm turning 80 years old in 5 months, am in quite good health, work fulltime, and am incredibly grateful for the life I have. But, I find myself obsessed with the thought that I only have "x" amount of years left in my life. I've never figured out how to live one day at a time. Any suggestions from those of you around my age or older would be SO appreciated! (I'm "kind of" spiritual, but not really religious so that's not something that seems to help with my fear.)

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

I'm 81 and had unfortunately given up hope on improving my rather bleak health situation. Then I decided to pick one thing within my ability to improve. . . my weight. I need to gain! With no medically detectible causes, is anyone aware of a weight gain support group not connected to Facebook?

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Your decision to pick one thing within your ability to improve is a terrific idea! I think a lot of us try to improve far too many things at the same time. Unfortunately, I don't know of any weight gain support groups because most women I know are trying to LOSE weight. Is it possible for you to simply eat more healthy foods that have a higher amount of calories? Are you able to exercise with for instance lifting very light weights? Good luck!

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Well, next month my wife will have trigeminal nerve surgery. I'll be responsible for her care and keeping the house going. Because of her illness, I've been doing much of the house support work for the last year (though she may have a different opinion!) But this will be a trial run of what it would be like if she became more permanently disabled.
Most important, we need to hire professional house cleaners to do a thorough monthly cleaning.
For food, I have shopping lists, and will stock up the soft foods. She likes frozen meals.
No lifting, so we need to walk through her routines to make sure things are at waist level.
We have a sleeping chair for required head elevation.
Shower stool and walk in shower.
Dog care supplies and walk schedule (her pup is high maintenance).
I need to simplify my personal work intentions so I can stay nearby.
And we need to walk through all this together so we know what our plans are.
We need to discuss her medication plan. She likes to be in charge, but at worst is too confused. There have been times I've had to take charge and chart the meds.
And what am I forgetting?

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@edsutton

Well, next month my wife will have trigeminal nerve surgery. I'll be responsible for her care and keeping the house going. Because of her illness, I've been doing much of the house support work for the last year (though she may have a different opinion!) But this will be a trial run of what it would be like if she became more permanently disabled.
Most important, we need to hire professional house cleaners to do a thorough monthly cleaning.
For food, I have shopping lists, and will stock up the soft foods. She likes frozen meals.
No lifting, so we need to walk through her routines to make sure things are at waist level.
We have a sleeping chair for required head elevation.
Shower stool and walk in shower.
Dog care supplies and walk schedule (her pup is high maintenance).
I need to simplify my personal work intentions so I can stay nearby.
And we need to walk through all this together so we know what our plans are.
We need to discuss her medication plan. She likes to be in charge, but at worst is too confused. There have been times I've had to take charge and chart the meds.
And what am I forgetting?

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Your wife is so fortunate to have such a wonderfully loving husband! THIS is what marriage should always be about.

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I hope these books can put a great perspective. Enjoy.

Morrie In His Own Words: Life Wisdom from a Remarkable Man https://a.co/d/dC0wJjf

Morrie In His Own Words: Life Wisdom from a Remarkable Man https://a.co/d/dC0wJjf

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Thank you so much for suggesting these books! I've certainly heard of them and after reading the summary, Morrie really does sound like an absolutely remarkable and inspiring man.

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@edsutton

Well, next month my wife will have trigeminal nerve surgery. I'll be responsible for her care and keeping the house going. Because of her illness, I've been doing much of the house support work for the last year (though she may have a different opinion!) But this will be a trial run of what it would be like if she became more permanently disabled.
Most important, we need to hire professional house cleaners to do a thorough monthly cleaning.
For food, I have shopping lists, and will stock up the soft foods. She likes frozen meals.
No lifting, so we need to walk through her routines to make sure things are at waist level.
We have a sleeping chair for required head elevation.
Shower stool and walk in shower.
Dog care supplies and walk schedule (her pup is high maintenance).
I need to simplify my personal work intentions so I can stay nearby.
And we need to walk through all this together so we know what our plans are.
We need to discuss her medication plan. She likes to be in charge, but at worst is too confused. There have been times I've had to take charge and chart the meds.
And what am I forgetting?

Jump to this post

I got this little tool online somewhere before my knee surgery. A friend stayed with me and we actually had to use it to get me up, but I no longer recall the details. If the “rescuer” and “temporarily disabled” person each grab the grey pads on opposite sides, somehow it creates enough leverage to assist a fallen or weakened person to get up. I wouldn’t be without one in the house now.

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@bunnybear

I got this little tool online somewhere before my knee surgery. A friend stayed with me and we actually had to use it to get me up, but I no longer recall the details. If the “rescuer” and “temporarily disabled” person each grab the grey pads on opposite sides, somehow it creates enough leverage to assist a fallen or weakened person to get up. I wouldn’t be without one in the house now.

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Yes! Good to have this at home just in case of a fall or problem standing, and it will be useful for physical therapy exercises. Thank you!
I found this version on Amazon and ordered one.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sotvacmit/page/727D3219-6063-4918-9558-E9199688AB7C?ref_=ast_bln

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@prcrowe

Ed, you have such a wonderful attitude! Thanks very much for sharing. 🙂

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That’s it ! Right there… secret to happiness ! What about the dog?

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Juven made by Ensure is a clear protein drink. Ensure also puts out a clear drink. These days there are bettter options in protein drinks. They are not all thick sickly sweet. I dilute it in more water to her liking. A family member is trying to accomplish the same thing. I hope you gain weight.

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