Aging Well?

I couldn't agree more. Everyone is responsible for the way THEY react to life's situations, including the changes when they happen, good or bad. The old 'When life throws lemons at you..' thing. Fortunately, I think all but the most truly broken of us manage to gather ourselves and some help ,and do whatever it takes to be as independent and happy as possible. The literature is full of such wonderful stories.

I've been thinking about this interesting question. I guess for me "Aging Well" consists of three areas.
1. Knowing & accepting that I'm aging. That is, not criticizing myself for things I can't control--deteriorating eyesight, slower physical reaction time, etc.
2. Appreciating some very special gifts of this time of life--being a grandma, time to myself as I'm retired, some accumulated understanding of myself and the world around me.
3. Keeping aging in perspective--I'm still myself. I've been an adventurous toddler, a reckless teenager, a tired young mom, a professional, and now an old lady in boho earrings. Each time period has been important, and a mix of good and challenging. I've outlived my maternal grandparents--who I loved a lot but who were very frail by their 60s. They were immigrants who'd had malnutrition and devastating diseases as children. I'm grateful for an easier life!

Beautiful !

I think I qualify as aging well. Very shortly (the 27th) I will turn 91 years old. But in my head I am still 40 or 50. I do not have any signs of dementia. My husband died four years ago. We were together for 62 years and that is/was a blow from which I will never recover. I do not have any major physical illnesses. I do not live in pain. I am able to live independently in my own home and do everything I need to do for myself. I just had my driver's license renewed. Because of the magic of cataract surgery I can see fine and am able to drive without glasses. I realize I am extremely fortunate. However I also realize that for many years I was a racewalker. I had a full-time job and a family, but every evening after work I stopped at the track and did 3-4 miles of racewalking. I continued until I retired at age 67. We moved and I started to just walk. I never smoked and drank only on social occasions. I have never been particularly keen on sweets so didn't consume a lot of sugar. It is my belief that all of this is how I am the way I am at this great age. I had to have major surgery for an ulcer in my early thirties. I remember that my doctor told me that everything starts in the gut. We didn't hear much about that then. But it stayed with me always.

I love your perspective. We can run ourselves ragged trying to keep up with some type of standard. Aging is a journey. Our own journey. I have many friends who have way more energy than I. I have given up trying to keep up with them. I prefer quiet and peace. Thank you!

Wonderful to hear -
Same here at 88 yrs.

How wonderful and what a great example for your family.
For what it is worth: Luck plays into it all...... as well as genes.
My luck ran out at 79 when I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis three years ago. Totally unexpected disease and one that is becoming more common. I am doing all I need to do for it and feel well overall but it sure changes ones life. Just glad I can continue living alone in my home and do what I need to do for myself.
Wishing you continued good health and beautiful walks.
Barbara

@blm1007blm1007 This is such a wonderful head post with so many great comments.

Genes have such a huge role in longevity and good health. My father is 90 and in excellent health despite having smoked and had an extremely stressful job. He is still mobile but has minor dementia. He has always had various inherited underlying autoimmune conditions (including alopecia and psoriasis). He has never complained about the hand he was dealt, and just gets on with it.

My mother comes from a family which has a high incidence of cancer. She passed early from cancer despite rarely ever getting sick.

I got rare stage 4 appendix cancer in my 50’s. In remission I’ve reverted to the habits of my childhood of eating a Mediterranean diet and exercising as well as reading, gardening and doing other things I find put me in my flow state. I feel so good (mentally and physically) despite my life being turned upside down and now a whole new normal.

It’s so very true that how we wish to live and prioritise is totally our own choice. I’ve had to learn over the years to “do me” and leave others to “do them”. A good example is that I’ve never done Botox, fillers, face lifts or whatever else is available to preserve appearance. It has been a huge lesson to me to mind my own business, don’t judge and live and let live! It may not be my way but everyone has the right to choose their own way to feel happy 😊

I am so inspired by each and every one of you.
With activity limitations related to pain management, age 78 has come with many new challenges. I am blessed with a strong connection to my church, my busy daughters and this newfound entertainment.........
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I live in a condo with my garage on the front. I quit driving and sold my car a few years ago and that left my garage empty.
Over time, during warmer months, I would open the garage door and enjoy a good book lounging in my lawn chair. I added a large fan for comfort.
Several younger neighbors added their chairs and would come by in the evening ......most are still working girls much younger than me. My daughter recently contributed her lovely wicker couch and chairs and now there's a pink sign on the wall reading " She Shed Blvd" !!! (occasionally, guys are also welcome)

I'm not out there every day , so two of my trusted girlfriends have my garage code now. As people check their mailboxes across the street, they often stop by for a chat. A bin of dog treats is on a shelf near our small Neighbor Library .
The dogs drag their owners in frequently . I miss it desperately during the Ohio winter months. During that time I try to offer a few Friday evening get togethers with my Besties.

Thank for the positive thoughts. I’m 79 alone for the first time since my husband of 58 yrs together died a yr ago. Dealing with loneliness is big. The evenings are the worst but I’m very active. I hike I volunteer. I coffee 3 times a week. I go to the gym. I’m social. Love being with people. Trying to stay positive is hard. And staying in the present is important. Life is what you make it. And working on a positive attitude is key