INDEPENDENCE & GROWING OLD

[bd8344]

I feel the same way.  I live in an independent living apartment building but because a lot of the people who live here came directly from the hospital when they moved in, we ended up getting a nursing office that offers assistance with household chores but we are not an assisted living facility.  If we have surgery, they can help to set up things for when we return home.  It is great to have when you need it but I have to say that I try not to have them do it for me but when I have things I cannot do like reach my top shelves, it is great.  I still do my own housework and laundry and do not want to have to be at home for someone else to do it for me. lol.  I like my independence.

[LydiaN586309]

I am what I call a "baby senior."  I'm just 62.  But I am so encouraged by all of my fellow seniors here.  Your vitality and will to live as fully and as long as you can is truly inspiring.  Thank you all for sharing.

[TracyofCotuit]

Your attitude is wonderful, and I believe it's one of the reasons you are happy and independant in your life! I applaud you and hope that when the time comes that I should give up driving, that I will know it, and not fight it. Shortly I will either buy out my 2015 Prius C lease, or turn the car in and lease another. I still really love driving. 

I found your living situation very interesting as I currently live in an apartment that I used to share with my sons, close to 20 years ago. I have looked at alternative styles of living but for now, this place still works for me.

The one thing in my retirement that I need to change, is that most of my friends and acquaintenances still work full time and so Ineed to broaden my horizons a bit. If you have any suggestions, please share.You don't sound smug to me, but savvy.

Off to church shortly, but I enjoyed reading your views.

[Falcore17]

I'm a 67 year-old, retired male, and am exceedingly fortunate to be in good health. I've always been athletically active. I still run competitively logging 40-60 mile training weeks & 5K-to-Half Marathon racing. *IMPORTANT: My wife -- also 67 years-old and healthy -- trains the same. We include 3-days of weight workouts, and walk our dog daily. Regarding the financial front, we've always been savers/investors, are on the same wave-length, and carry little-to-no debt. Therefore, we're blessed to be physically and financially independent (*as always, one-size doesn't fit all). Lastly, we wish everyone good health, happiness, and prosperity.

[sunsetters]

I applaud you for taking charge and getting him out of there!  Medicare has to start coming up with ways to help people get back home.  Sometimes they absolutely will not let a person go home.  We have to change that.  Home heals!  I bet you would have done a better job right from the get-go!

[clarices695169]

I am pushing 68, could have taken a little bit better care of myself but still up for a challenge. Just got back from Italy where I studied Italian culture for 8 credit hours from a university here in my state. Four weeks of heat. It was physically daunting. No A/C. Meals were 5 flights up. Old cobble stones challenging my knees and ankles. I knew that there was no major medical facility near by... I was shaken but, never missed a class; never late. I went on every field trip. 

I was definitely the oldest person there.

The point that I want to make is this: If we are lucky we are going to LIVE!! The operative in growing older is GROWING. We must continue to challenge our minds and bodies daily. Some challenges and changes are going to come and won’t be welcome, however, we must commit to growing. Meet new people, search for new knowledge. It helps with the pain management, believe me. 

Lon, you are tough, you should be proud! You have learned new technologies and let them assist you in adapting..Buona Fortuna!

[anshb2662a8]

I have always been independent so that is not a stretch for me. Growing old is a new experience. I see this new experience as no big deal. It aint over til its over. I have had health scares and I have been sick but I keep looking forward. I dance, I do art, I sew and I do more things that make me happy. I also stay away from people who sing the blues and not in an entertaining way. It is easy to sit around and complain but it is hard to get off your duff and do something about it.....I don't have that problem because if my health declines and I am bed challenged, I'm still riding this life til the wheels fall off......64 soon to be 65 and I ain't done yet.......

[anita7950]

I think its wonderful so many in their 80's are able to take care of themselves. I am in that group.  I love being told how young I look. And..I do.   Fortunate!  I have long blonde hair  still have a sexy figure  love to dance   play cards  exercise   and  do all the things I did when I was 20.  

Good genes.   I live with my best friend Lily  she  is a beautiful cat.  

I still go out with male friends    and women     enjoy plays  movies concerts   .Still drive at nite. I know I am fortunate  and I count my blessings.  My sister is  5 years older  than I   and is looking for a boyfriend??   (haha)  why not-   She is really gorgeous.

[am54885493]

I imagine we all want to remain independent and live full and productive lives as seniors. Personally I never want to burden another family member or my children, either financially or as a caregiver. And then there’s the dreaded isolation factor ... these things all need serious thought and my determination today could change if some event sets things in a downward spiral - Lordy! I guess, live for today but plan for future scenarios is my motto. 

[dl73698250]

Becoming independant is something we do while young. Getting old is when you realize that it will never happen.