Have the changes of aging surprised you? While everyone experiences aging differently, Terri Jones has witnessed it as a Seniors Guide writer, covering topics that now resonate personally. Can you relate? Perhaps you can add a few of your own!
I started writing for Seniors Guide when I was 51. At the time, I was working full-time, both of my parents were in good health, and I didn’t personally know anyone in a senior living community. Topics like osteoporosis, downsizing, and senior discounts were foreign concepts to me; however, I was a marketing writer, so I was experienced in writing about things I knew very little about.
Fast forward 13 years and I’m now just a few months shy of my big 65th birthday. These days, all those topics that I had to feverishly research are really hitting home for me. As I’ve grown into my role, I’ve realized just how dramatic the transition from middle age to old age really is. It’s not unlike going from childhood to adolescence, only with keratosis instead of pimples and body hair decreasing rather than increasing.
As I crossed that great divide, here are some of the changes – large and small – that I’ve experienced. I bet you can relate!
My top changes of aging
Body
Back then: People always commented on how thin I was, but I never really felt that way. I’d done some sort of exercise most of my adult life, but I’d never really worked hard at it. I always chalked up the pretty low number on the scales to genetics.
Now: I appreciate how trim I really was back then. These days, despite working out regularly and improving my diet, I’ve acquired a squishy belly, lots of cellulite, and even that dreaded bulge of fat around my bra. I’ve also added about a pound a year since my 60th birthday, which is concerning.
What I’ve learned: I can’t look like I did in middle age, as hard as I might try. All I can do is eat right and stay active!
Doctors
Back then: My health was good, and I didn’t go to the doctor much. However, if I developed a new ache or pain, I was on the phone to my primary care doctor immediately.
Now: I have osteoporosis and arthritis in my left knee and regularly visit a rheumatologist and an orthopedic doctor for these ailments. And almost every time I visit the dermatologist, they want to freeze something off my skin.
What I’ve learned: Before picking up the phone to call the doctor, I wait at least week. More often than not, the pain is gone by then … and replaced by a new pain!
Medications
Back then: I had high blood pressure, but it was well-managed with a low dose of medication. I also took a multivitamin. Those were the only two pills I took each morning (and sometimes I even forgot to take them!). When my mother-in-law gave me an extra pill organizer that she had on hand, I shoved it into a drawer. Those things were for old people!
Now: I’m taking a stronger blood pressure medication, combined with a water pill, plus that multivitamin, fish oil, calcium, and Vitamin D. When I have problems sleeping, which is more and more often these days, I use a non-narcotic sleep aid to help me doze off.
What I’ve learned: Pill organizers are a godsend! I also keep an updated medication list in the notes on my phone for when doctors check my medications.
Related: Medication Reminder Apps for Busy People
Work
Back then: I worked from home, and sometimes I’d start writing as soon as I got out of bed in the morning and for hours every evening. I squeezed the fun stuff in around my work.
Now: Work is less about the money and more about the satisfaction and workout for my brain in this stage of my life. Since my husband retired this year, I now squeeze the work in around the fun stuff!
What I’ve learned: It’s beneficial to have purpose in your life, but it’s equally critical to enjoy the heck out of it!
Perks
Back then: When AARP started soliciting me and businesses offered me senior discounts, I simply laughed and tossed everything in the trash. In my mind, claiming these discounts was tantamount to admitting that I was old, and that wasn’t going to happen in my early 50s.
Now: I keep a calendar of when all our local businesses offer senior discounts and take advantage of them as much as possible. I even remind cashiers that I’m a senior in case they can’t tell (a girl can dream!).
What I’ve learned: If businesses want to reward me for living this long, I deserve it!
Priorities
Back then: My priorities were myself, my new husband, and my animals.
Now: My earlier priorities are still important to me; however, today I take time to focus on my older family members, too. Once a week (or whenever there’s an emergency), I drive an hour each way to visit my dad and stepmom and help them however I can. I also spend time with my dad’s sister, who is approaching 90, and stay in touch with my mom’s brother, who has had many health problems.
What I’ve learned: When I was in my 50s, a dear friend of the family, who was like a mother to me, passed away unexpectedly. When I received the call, there was a note on my desk reminding me to call her. I had such regrets, not just because I hadn’t called but because I hadn’t prioritized her in my life. I promised myself that I’d never have that regret again.
The changes of aging can be challenging and a little bit scary, but entering this stage of life has also caused me to evolve and grow. My newfound wisdom almost makes the cellulite worth it!
Also by Terri Jones: 6 Strange Changes of Aging, Plus Action Steps
