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.

Scott R L | @scottrl | Jun 17 8:57pm

In reply to @poppy67 "Scott, how do you join to Silver Sneakers. Sound’s interesting!" + (show)

In my case, membership is a benefit of my Medicare Advantage plan.
I believe most people come to it that way. I'm not really sure there are individual memberships.

I hope you can become a member. They do an excellent job of providing an environment (in-person or online) that is safe, friendly, and healthy, regardless of one's ability.

edsutton | @edsutton | Jun 18 8:11am

United Healthcare has ended their relationship with Silver Sneakers, apparently because the participation rate was very low. They now offer a program called Renew Active, which is very similar and offers both gyms and online classes.
< https://uhcrenewactive.com/home>

1942marilyne. Marilyn McFarland | @1942marilyne | Jun 19 7:59am

In reply to @bwitched52 "Any suggestions on how to get to 80?? I'm 52 had a heart attack 3 stents..." + (show)

I am 82. Live one day at a time and do your best. And enjoy your life. Sounds Pollyanna but only way I know.

sbcarcht | @sbcarcht | Jun 19 9:07am

Keep moving or things start to seize up. Do tai chi for balance!

ubelinda | @ubelinda | Jun 23 5:24pm

In reply to @sueinmn "This week we ... Had dinner with my sister and brother-in-law to celebrate his retirement... connected..." + (show)

It all sounds good if you live close to family and friends!….however, not the same when family and friends are far away; making new friends is a bit more challenging.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 23 5:51pm

In reply to @ubelinda "It all sounds good if you live close to family and friends!….however, not the same when..." + (show)

My Mom demonstrated to me that making new friends is a lifelong process. We spend half our year far from home, and find we need to be deliberate about connecting with new people.

One way that works for us is welcoming other newcomers, whether in our small community, our church or other places we frequent. Some click, some don't.

But it's the same in a lifelong community or a big family. We have been in our neighborhood for forty years, and are cordial with everyone, but only friends with a few. We have dozens of adult nieces and nephews, but enjoy our time with a handful of them far more than the others.