Among Friends

[dex]

@haddon9@When the negativity and stress try to roll in just take a few deep breaths and try to do something special to you.I like to go for a long walk and along the way visit all of the animals I meet.One yard has goats and chickens that come racing to the fence when they see me to get a treat.They are so funny..fighting to be first.I also have many dogs to give a treat to.Some of the dogs used to bark menacingly but now they all have tails wagging and looking for their treat.I have made friends with a stray cat that after three years of feeding I can finally get close enough to pet.The cat supplies my laugh of the day when it rolls on it’s back and its paws look like they are running in air.I always call it upside down kitty and I think the cat knows it makes me laugh....so if you can get out for a walk there is so much opportunity to feel joy.

[haddon9]

@dex . Some days are more of a struggle than others and today for some reason I am feeling more down than usual.  Thanks for bringing a smile to my face visualizing your furry friends greeting you!

[hayseed00]

I'm 64 and when I get down in the dumps I remind myself that a body in motion stays in motion, and that every day the good Lord lets me walk on this beautiful green earth and enjoy my family is a bonus some never get to enjoy !!!

[hckynut]

@house_cat

I don't give advice unless asked personally, and face to face. Suggestions?  That I give freely if I feel it is something I understand and possibly may have even experienced. My next birthday will be #80, and I will continuing living my same type of lifestyle I started living many, many decades ago.

One thing, for many as their chronological age gets higher, they tend to blame way too many of their problems on getting old. Sure, things change as one ages, but most individuals have at least some control, by lifestyle choices they make, or have made in the past. For most, one is never to old to change some things, that will make their later years more fun/happy, and even productive.

Be your own biggest advocate when it comes to doing what is best for YOUR body, and YOUR mind. I could go on forever on this type of topic, but I won't. Whatever you "love doing"? Keep doing it as long as you are physically and mentally capable of doing so.

Live in the moment of each and every day, not in past decades, or possible future years. "I used be able to XYZ", used to do's mean nothing, it is what you can or are doing that is important. Many wrestle with wanting to regain their youthful activities, when in reality, they never can.

hckynut(john)

[Deree]

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@house_cat wrote:

So much sage advice!

Thank you, everyone who took the time to post.

After some honest self-reflection, it seems I'm doing mostly the right things, except for the exercise and self-nurturing. I've never been good at prioritizing my own needs.  Those will be my focus areas this year.

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As far as the exercise do you have enough room for one of those all in one exercise chairs that I've seen on the shopping channels?  They look very good for a basic body workout.  As far as self-nurturing give yourself permission to think of you first.  You probably spent a life time of trying to do for others and please others.  Now it's your time.  Try to live in the present.  My husband always says "there is no happiness, only happy moments".  Don't dwell on things in the past and don't worry about the future except to get some necessary things in order.  As others have said try to eliminate stress from your life.  It serves no purpose. Stay out of family and friend drama.

[RoughDraft]

Keep breathing.  That's a critical first step.  Don't be surprised if the fates have other plans for you.  Try to roll with the punches until you can't roll anymore.  Be good to yourself and treasure those that you love.

Each decade brings surprises you can't anticipate despite all your best intentions to keep fit, exercise and stay active.  

What's the old saying?  Make plans and the gods laugh.

[Shanus]

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@SunValley wrote:

Being resilient is increasingly important. Life past 60 can be and is a joy for many people but it also brings potential challenges for which we may not be prepared. You reach the stage in life where losing friends and family members is a reality. Health issues may surface that are unexpected and may limit our mobility or ability to carry out long-term plans. Transitioning to retirement can bring a change in financial situations. And as our children and grandchildren age, the worries about their life choices can be profound. Finding balance and a sense of peace is important when things we cannot control confront us as we age.

If your spouse is no longer able or passes, could you manage your household and finances? If someone else has always handled the finances, jump in and be informed. Everyone should know how to contact their insurance agents, accountant, home repair and service providers, and other businesses routinely used to run your home. I got a small three-ring binder and business card page inserts at Staples and put together a book with sections for health care, finances, home repair and maintenance, and misc. I collect business cards at every appointment and put them in the plastic slots and told my kids where that book is located if I am unable to communicate. I use that book constantly. I have numbers in my smart phone too, but this book is a great resource.

And keep your brain engaged! 

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@SunValley  That’s a good idea. I hope DH is around for many more years, but has always handled everything. I’d be lost w/o a book like that.

[Shanus]

I thought of something important as my Mom became older. Be proactive w/ your medical care. Be sure you understand your medications, when to take them and what they’re treating. Ask questions at appts. if there’s something you don’t understand. Take a list of concerns with you. Be sure to keep your appointments and follow up on results if you don’t receive a call back. Get a second opinion if you have any doubts. If you don’t feel well, go to your doctor. Do not wait until next scheduled appointment.

[Lindsays Grandma]

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@Mz iMac wrote:

"Each day above ground is a good day!"

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I burst out laughing when I saw this!!!!  

[Carmie]

Don't spend the rest of your life in a chair.

Laugh

Do something good for yourself everyday

Do something good for someone else everyday too.

Don't fret, being 60 is not old.  Remember, you are only one day older than yesterday.