Smart Senior

“Aging up” (getting older) can be more than a little challenging. Seniors have been telling me for years that “getting old isn’t for sissies,” and like many other old sayings this one is based on a certain amount of truth.
Challenges present in many forms. Functional disabilities related to chronic illness, failing memory, difficulty seeing or hearing, or minor aches and pains hit when you least expect it. Good genes and a healthy lifestyle factor into the equation, but what really matters is how you face these challenges.
That sounds good, but what does it mean? It means that you need to take an interest. Recognize your limitations, stop feeling sorry for yourselves, and “get a grip.” Find out what you need to do to adapt and move on with your life.
Fall prevention is a good example. It is easy to be immobilized by fear after a fall, but keeping it from happening again is about more than making a few home modifications. Down deep it is about admitting that you are afraid and figuring out what to do about it.
Seniors struggle with this because it requires quite an ““attitude adjustment.” It requires admitting that you are vulnerable, and understanding that another fall could spell the end of life as you know it. Think about that. Now, say out loud “I could fall again and I have to accept that things cannot go on the way they have been.”
Put aside pride and come to terms with your “disabilities.” Accept that you are vulnerable and plan accordingly. Educate yourself; learn everything you can about the “disorder” that is threatening to derail your life. Develop a plan and modify your lifestyle. Turn insurmountable challenges into “little annoyances” that you can deal with. Focus on staying as active and joyous as possible.