When I was in my 50s, I still felt young. I had the typical aches and pains that physical therapy took care of, so my lifestyle was fulfilling. I am now in my early 60s, and my body is changing. I do some form of exercise every day, even if it’s just walking for 15 – 30 minutes. I drink lots of water, and I am careful about my eating habits. I have lost a total of 42 pounds over the past 15 years, so I thought I was ahead of the game. However, it seems like every time I go to the doctor for a routine check-up, something is wrong. This number is too high or that number is too low. We need to do this test or that test shows something “suspicious.” Something is growing in your body that you were totally unaware of … How did that happen? How do I make it stop?! It’s discouraging, but my older relatives and friends tell me it’s the norm. It’s a natural part of the aging process … the body slowly breaks down as it ages. It makes sense, but it’s still discouraging.
What I have learned to be thankful about is that I have a spouse who is very supportive of me and will give me a ride to my doctors appointments if I need one. I am thankful for my health insurance. I am thankful to have the resources to get done what I need to get done, whether it’s medical tests, surgery, physical therapy, rehabilitation etc.
How do you handle the aging process? Please share your aging experiences by joining us at The Fifty Plus Network:
