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I admit to having trouble aging gracefully. I have a very young mind and spirit and do not look my age, but my body is starting to deteriorate, and I am going through some medical issues and a lot of pain. The pain and the limitations my condition has put on me is what's causing my somewhat depressed attitude.
I have some friends with MS, going blind from diabetes and one with a rare autoimmune disease who have gone through hell, yet they are courageous and just carry on. I am trying to seek inspiration from them and work on my attitude (which is everything). I think, perhaps, this is all still kind of new to me, and I haven't accepted yet that I can only manage my physical problems, but I can't make them disappear. I pray that I change my attitude and my approach, or I am going to turn into a miserable old lady no one will want to be around.
Attitude is the key. I have seen 50 year olds that act like their grave is already dug. They are bitter, angry and depressed. I have seen 90 year olds that laugh and joke and tell stories (sometimes over and over and over) and seem to enjoy just being alive. Life is about making out of it what you can, not regreting what you can't or did not experience. I mean look at the 30 year olds in wheel chairs that go skiing, play basketball and have a full life. It might be harder to overcome the challenges of aging as we get older and less able to adapt, but if you make a habit out of it early and your outlook is good, aging well will likely follow.
As far as the stuff about keeping up with the times, that's suspect. My dad, for instance, doesn't know how to use a computer. He doesn't want to know. He is very old fashioned and has antiquated ideas about life. He is plenty happy. He doesn't begrudge the present or resent that things have changed, he just doesn't want to partipate on many levels.
Honestly, just accepting that you will get old and be diminished in some ways, while being blessed with other advantages like wisdom, experience, etc. is more than half the battle. Those of us that can't accept that are more than likely doomed to become frustrated and bitter. Nobody likes getting old, but if you accept and embrace it you will age with grace.
There is an interesting thread on the "Great Debates" forum which relates to this one. It's called "Old People, Why So Rude?" Some posters disagreed with the basic premise of the OP, while others agreed, giving various explanations. In any case, one poster brought up a subject which could be an answer here: medication.
I accept the fact I cant do the things I used to do,and respect those who can still do those things.
some people get upset because they watch younger people doing things that they can no longer do.
I just think (to myself) oh if you only could have seen me when I was young!!! But I am not so I enjoy the memories rather than get upset over things that I cant change.
any day my pulse is beating is a great day!!!!!!
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