It’s time for another pop-up discussion - the topic is what can do beginning today to support our overall sense of well-being, independence, and life satisfaction as we get older.
Think of something new that sounds interesting and follow through and actually do it. If you run into obstacles along the way don’t give up, try to think of ways to make it work.
Great question! For me, the one thing that I already do routinely is maintain intergenerational relationships.
I have watched Mom’s friends move away to the mainland, some for medical care, others to be near family who can support them. Another is now in assisted living because of dementia problems.
Mom and I co-own a chocolate farm on the Big Island of Hawaii. She spends most of her year there and used to have a very vibrant and engaged circle of friends. Now she fully acknowledges that she spends too much time alone. It is affecting more than just her emotional state, her cognition weakens. And it’s very subtle, but I noticed for the first few days I’m there with her. She’s very jumpy and she can’t process information as quickly. It passes, and I don’t see any sign of cognitive impairment. But the lack of conversation is very much a missing element in the balance of her life.
The beauty of intergenerational relationships beyond just having people around after I’ve outlived most of my friends is staying more relevant. Being challenged by different ideas and understanding how other people use modern technology and other changes in society.
Hi, Your point is well taken. I 'm more of a loner and talk mostly online - until I realized that thinking of words in the moment was getting difficult. Now, I make an effort to have face-to-face conversations more often to keep that skill alive.
My mom stated that most of her friends were gone toward the end of her life. Maintaining friends across generations is important, being part of a community. That is not an easy task.
Find a job! My biggest stressor is lack of money. The pension doesn’t keep pace with cost of living, and I’m still paying a mortgage, so selling and downsizing doesn’t help much. I don’t own a car, can’t afford to travel or go out, yet making ends meet is becoming more difficult. I need a job, but at 70 that’s easier said than done.
Hi Renee, I chose my career path in psychology because it seemed to be something I could pursue beyond retirement - and that's proven to be true, thankfully.
For me? Eat like a sane person. MOVE more - even sitting in a chair. I am getting there.... and not a moment too soon, if you ask me! 🙄 Thank you, dear Janice.
There is always more to learn. For me life represents an opportunity to grow and expand and that means new challenges and experiences. This past year I have joined toastmasters, helped a dear friend write two books, restarted piano lessons, started snow skiing again, and began studying spiritual development through the Arthur Findley college in England.
It’s time for another pop-up discussion - the topic is what can do beginning today to support our overall sense of well-being, independence, and life satisfaction as we get older.
Being truly present when we engage with others.
Living a healthy life with intention to be positive, loving and supportive to my family, friends , & others in my over 55 community.
Slow down!!! I remember JUMPING for kids, grandparents & work!! Their gone, I'm not!!
Think of something new that sounds interesting and follow through and actually do it. If you run into obstacles along the way don’t give up, try to think of ways to make it work.
Great question! For me, the one thing that I already do routinely is maintain intergenerational relationships.
I have watched Mom’s friends move away to the mainland, some for medical care, others to be near family who can support them. Another is now in assisted living because of dementia problems.
Mom and I co-own a chocolate farm on the Big Island of Hawaii. She spends most of her year there and used to have a very vibrant and engaged circle of friends. Now she fully acknowledges that she spends too much time alone. It is affecting more than just her emotional state, her cognition weakens. And it’s very subtle, but I noticed for the first few days I’m there with her. She’s very jumpy and she can’t process information as quickly. It passes, and I don’t see any sign of cognitive impairment. But the lack of conversation is very much a missing element in the balance of her life.
The beauty of intergenerational relationships beyond just having people around after I’ve outlived most of my friends is staying more relevant. Being challenged by different ideas and understanding how other people use modern technology and other changes in society.
Hi, Your point is well taken. I 'm more of a loner and talk mostly online - until I realized that thinking of words in the moment was getting difficult. Now, I make an effort to have face-to-face conversations more often to keep that skill alive.
My mom stated that most of her friends were gone toward the end of her life. Maintaining friends across generations is important, being part of a community. That is not an easy task.
Find a job! My biggest stressor is lack of money. The pension doesn’t keep pace with cost of living, and I’m still paying a mortgage, so selling and downsizing doesn’t help much. I don’t own a car, can’t afford to travel or go out, yet making ends meet is becoming more difficult. I need a job, but at 70 that’s easier said than done.
Hi Karen, That's for sure - finding a job as an older adult can be a challenge - if even possible.
I am in a similar place. I am lucky in that I am a therapist and still have a couple clients and a garden so I grow some of my own food.
Hi Renee, I chose my career path in psychology because it seemed to be something I could pursue beyond retirement - and that's proven to be true, thankfully.
For me? Eat like a sane person. MOVE more - even sitting in a chair. I am getting there.... and not a moment too soon, if you ask me! 🙄 Thank you, dear Janice.
Hi Sharron, For what it's worth, there seem to be lots of chair exercises to be found on the Internet or YouTube, I'm finding.
There is always more to learn. For me life represents an opportunity to grow and expand and that means new challenges and experiences. This past year I have joined toastmasters, helped a dear friend write two books, restarted piano lessons, started snow skiing again, and began studying spiritual development through the Arthur Findley college in England.
Hi James, How cool is that! And so true - there is always more to learn.