Things You Did to Make Seniors Years Better

Bonnie said:
What is it with husbands and apartment living? ...
When I tried to convince my (now late) husband that it would be a great move, he reacted like it was an instant death sentence.
No conversation about it. Period.

And I too am very happy with my apartment living these days. It's an easy and worry free life.
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When I would mention it to my husband, not even saying an apartment but a small house in the city he'd say no way. When I mentioned moving into a senior community then he'd say living around old people would make him old faster. He was a year older than me.
 
feywon said:
@Chris21E

i feed the wild birds, they know and will be out there to remind me. The Red Winged Blackbirds when around (don't stay the winter) will chirp sharply before i feed them, and sing after. Last summer had the great pleasure of a young hawk that would light on things rather close to observe us. i'd talk to him and he'd tilt his head quizzically.
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Just like my hummingbird start to sing when I stepped out. So many dips themselves in the fountain, I change the fountain a lot.
 

katlupe said:
When I would mention it to my husband, not even saying an apartment but a small house in the city he'd say no way. When I mentioned moving into a senior community then he'd say living around old people would make him old faster. He was a year older than me.
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One thing I've found out about this not-the-retirement-or-old-age-I-was-hoping-for situation I'm in is that I'm a member of a large club. I know of a couple IRL couples who, because the wife is in just as much denial as the husband about needing to downsize & either move closer to kids or to things they can walk to, are either putting it off or looking into retirement/senior communities and not liking a thing about it (the units are too small, there are too many old people, etc.) and will have a sudden thing happen, like a stroke, fender-bender, whatever and their kids are going to sweep in and stuff them both into a single bedroom in one of the kids' houses. Seems to me it'd be better to plan ahead but most don't want to.
 
katlupe said:
When I would mention it to my husband, not even saying an apartment but a small house in the city he'd say no way. When I mentioned moving into a senior community then he'd say living around old people would make him old faster. He was a year older than me.
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Some just do not want to be reminded of the passing years. Sorry to hear that and will not stop it from happening. Best to make adjustments not fear it. I'm not noble just realistic to cope better...
 
officerripley said:
One thing I've found out about this not-the-retirement-or-old-age-I-was-hoping-for situation I'm in is that I'm a member of a large club. I know of a couple IRL couples who, because the wife is in just as much denial as the husband about needing to downsize & either move closer to kids or to things they can walk to, are either putting it off or looking into retirement/senior communities and not liking a thing about it (the units are too small, there are too many old people, etc.) and will have a sudden thing happen, like a stroke, fender-bender, whatever and their kids are going to sweep in and stuff them both into a single bedroom in one of the kids' houses. Seems to me it'd be better to plan ahead but most don't want to.
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That is so true...
 
Knight said:
I didn't mention keeping a few items for memories sake & selling or donating everything else was part of our conversation. Two of our 3 sons live close enough to help with carrying boxes. Everything else will be bought once she figures out what is needed. Just like planning our retirement planning for what is coming makes living in the present so much easier.
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Learning so much from real in-the-moment situations. It's easy to get discourage but even giving in or up will not change a thing, taking action even a small one can ease what is ahead of us...Find something to enjoy or eases things that do not make things worse.
Much Love to All in this journey .
 
Chris21E said:
Learning so much from real in-the-moment situations. It's easy to get discourage but even giving in or up will not change a thing, taking action even a small one can ease what is ahead of us...Find something to enjoy or eases things that do not make things worse.
Much Love to All in this journey .
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Problem is, the things I've been finding to enjoy or ease things is buying too much stuff like knickknacks, sigh. 😄
 
Cataracts were so much fun that I had them done 3 times.
After the 2nd time I asked the doctor "how long was I on that table"? He replied "under an hour, why do you ask"? I answered "because that table is as hard as a tombstone".
The last time I went in in the morning and was home for lunch. The first time was in 1976 and they kept me in the hospital for 2 nights.
 
Manatee said:
Cataracts were so much fun that I had them done 3 times.
After the 2nd time I asked the doctor "how long was I on that table"? He replied "under an hour, why do you ask"? I answered "because that table is as hard as a tombstone".
The last time I went in in the morning and was home for lunch. The first time was in 1976 and they kept me in the hospital for 2 nights.
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More than once? I do not know how long mine lasted, I could hear lots if water., kept thinking this is an ugly grey kaleidoscope...
 
katlupe said:
Three years ago I moved from my house in the country (and my husband) to an apartment that is in a senior living building. It is downtown and close to everything. So I opted to not own a car. I bought a mobility chair and use that to get around to stores and the park. My apartment is set up for disabled tenants and that has made me more independent.

I have mobility issues and even use a walker in my apartment pretty much all the time. But I don't feel old. I am busy and learning new things all the time. Life is good for me.
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That is the way , this post is to share ways to get pass all the changes that happen, no matter the turns.
 
Knight said:
Things done to make senior years better
For Health
1. Retired early @ 54
2. Thought about southwest, low humidity & reducing arthritis as a health issue in later senior years.
3.Bought rancher moved to southwest.
4.Main benefit less chance of falling because of no stairs to go up or down.
5. Secondary benefit of southwest, ability to get outdoors to walk & enjoy a less sedentary life style.
6. Began diet & exercise as daily routine vs. sedentary.
7. Stopped all junk food as a meal. Used to be convenient when working.

Financial
1. Paid cash for home relieving stress of mortgage payments.
2.Considered age progression the rancher would be with stucco exterior & tile roof to eliminate exterior maintenance.
3. Adjusted portfolio as needed to continue increasing retirement income.

Late 70's Body repair
1.PRK (photorefractive keratectomy)
2. Cataract removal
3. Complete rebuild of cervical spine.

At 80 with my head firmly connected to my spine, excellent vision, only med for genetic cholesterol. Things done & still doing translates to. Life is good.
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Wow Please explain what you mean by "complete rebuild of cervical spine" ? I have multiple spine issues and am considering what I can do to reverse/prevent/mitigate etc.
 
I didn't really decide on my retirement since my company "cut me loose" at 63 due to Covid. I am now 64. But I always prepared for it.

For my health, I started working out 15 years ago and have not stopped. I have more time now so I go to the gym 5 days a week. Elliptical and strength training are always included, and I walk 1-2 miles around the lake near our house when the weather is nice.

I prepared financially by having the maximum percentage of my paycheck put into my 401k for at least the past 10 years. I still worry about outliving my savings, but at least I know I did everything possible to make my senior years comfortable.
 
katlupe said:
When I would mention it to my husband, not even saying an apartment but a small house in the city he'd say no way. When I mentioned moving into a senior community then he'd say living around old people would make him old faster. He was a year older than me.
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I totally agree with him. An apartment / small city house and especially a retirement community, all sound like hell to me. Fortunately Mrs. L agrees.
 
Chris21E said:
Or at less bad.
I took a chance and had cataract surgery, worth it not to be blind.

I try to eat fresh fruit and avoid overeating. Take a few supplements like magnesium because when low I ended up in the ER.

Having an air filter also helps. I noticed that those who have my condition can live beyond 80 with heart failure. Will not even think about a transplant.
I hurt still manage to get through it.

This also works

How do you ease the effects of getting older? Thank you
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We started a YouTube channel when we retired. It keeps us active getting out and about seeing sites. We didn’t want to retire and sit on our front porch in our rocking chairs. There will be a time for that….but while we’re physically able we want to travel and experience life!
 
Homeschoolie said:
Wow Please explain what you mean by "complete rebuild of cervical spine" ? I have multiple spine issues and am considering what I can do to reverse/prevent/mitigate etc.
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I don't think you can do anything to mitigate spine issues. I had the choice of injections or surgery to relieve nerve pain due age related disc issues. He did separate the discs from c1 to c 7 by putting in pins & fusing others. I have no nerve pain now but the muscle nerves that were causing the pain were crushed beyond the ability to recuperate. The loss of the muscle nerves for my left arm & hand left me with little to no use in my arm & hand. Even though I lost that use I feel that choosing surgery was the best long term way to go for enjoying life.
 
Jackie23 said:
So many good tips on preparing for our old age in this thread, I will soon be 81, so I think I have arrived..ha
I can only add to those that mentioned a healthy diet, a low carb no sugar diet. Stay active, keep bill payments and finances as simple as possible.
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I reinforced the eating 'healthy' part of my life right after the Christmas holidays ... I'm soon to be 79.
I walk plenty everyday, but was feeling weaker, and needed some different exercises for body muscle and upper arm strength.

I made it a challenge, and in the process I have lost 2 whole sizes, 7 inches, and have normal blood pressure.. No meds.
 

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