How do I age happily and gracefully?

Posted by momof2sons @momof2sons, 2 days ago

I’m 64 years old. My husband divorced me after 33 years of marriage and left me with nothing. I’ll have to work until I die. My hair is 100% white. I have osteoarthritis in both my knees. People treat me like I’m old. How am I supposed to age happily and gracefully?

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I am sorry to hear momof2sons. Do you have any hobbies? Any friends you can connect with? White hair is stunning. Take care of the rest of you, find activities that bring you joy and little by little you will do better. A counselor may help to ease the answers to questions you have for sure. 64 is today's world is not old, but it seems you feel that way. I must say that when i am called ma'am I want to shout call me Miss!!!! I am 64.
Above all else, if you are not active, get active. Walk. Do something to get the blood flowing and listen to podcasts or radio stations that play music YOU love and podcasts with topics you LOVE.
Take the time to live your life right now as you want to. Let it unfold every day.

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Spring is here and I can’t wait until I can walk with trees flowering, smell the flowers and so on.
Say hello to people you meet, and smile.
These are just a few things I’ve done. And it did help.
Next time someone calls you by a name you don’t like. With a smile on your face please call me. You both will feel better.
You are not alone.

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By the way, you can get spousal social security benefits based off of your ex-husband’s work record, since you were married over 10 years. That should help your financial situation. Apply as soon as possible since they can only provide back pay up to a certain date.
https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-2.html

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I’m not sure how long ago it happened, but you might see an attorney for a legal opinion about what your rights are, Most states have laws about property division and spousal support. And, as Hicopd said, there’s also social security to explore.

Have you thought about joining a gym? It’s a great place to meet people, make friends, get fit and a find a little male energy. Lol.

There are some treatments for knee issues that might help. And, you can consult with a colorist about your hair. A new hair look can do wonders to lift your spirits.

A few cute active wear outfits and shoes can put a little more spring in your step. And, oh! Find a concert in your area of a performer you really enjoy and get tickets with a couple of your friends. Attending a good concert where you can get up and feel the energy of a live show is really invigorating. I’m going to see Pearl Jam this month!

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Also, Costco sells Volataren, a generic cream that REALLY helps reduce arthritic and other joint pains, over the counter. You may wish to ask your provider if that may help you. It made a world of difference in our household and in general is safer than oral pain relievers because it’s topical (put on the painful area). A podiatric surgeon swears by this, as does our physiatrist (a doctor who specializes in orthopedic issues but doesn’t operate).

Voltaren is sold elsewhere but Costco has the lowest prices. We have bought it at drug stores and Sam’s Club as well.

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As @celia16 said, an attorney may be helpful to consult. Legal Aid is generally free if you meet their income limitations and most attorneys don’t charge for an initial consultation as well.

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Momof2,
It ain't gonna be easy.
What are you interested in?
What sort of things do you value?
You'll have to build a new life for yourself.
Can you imagine what that might be?

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@momof2sons
How long ago did you get divorced? Do you have a lawyer who is willing to take your case to ensure that you are not left with nothing? You should be able to claim your ex husband’s higher social security benefit if he makes more than you do, as long as you do not remarry. You could claim social security now or wait until you are 67 for the full benefit of your ex husband’s earnings. You may want to look into it. You can still work while claiming social security but may need to limit the number of hours while claiming benefits.

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@minnesota10

Spring is here and I can’t wait until I can walk with trees flowering, smell the flowers and so on.
Say hello to people you meet, and smile.
These are just a few things I’ve done. And it did help.
Next time someone calls you by a name you don’t like. With a smile on your face please call me. You both will feel better.
You are not alone.

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Life is precious, and we have so little time to embrace God's wonder. Achieve meaning and direction in life, greater fulfillment, and increased physical and psychological well-being. We create our reality. Relish the comfort of your companionship. God bless you.

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You have been through a lot. Grieving takes time. You have options for your future.

A lot of us will work until we die or work well into old age. I personally think it's the way it should be. No one should ever stop being productive. Do you like your work? If you do find the aspects that are most enjoyable and become the expert. If you don't like your work start exploring what you would like to do. If it's something that seems out of reach be creative and think about how you could support that type of work

You physical well being should be everyone's #1 priority. Are your knees candidates for replacement or rehab? I let an arthritic knee go for 10 years. That was not a wise decision. It created more health problems. Make you the # 1 priority. When you feel better your life will be better. Age is just a number.

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