It was just another birthday. At my age, no big deal.
But this one felt different. As the day approached, I noticed my thoughts growing increasingly dark — ranging somewhere between free-floating anxiety and stomach-churning dread.
Exactly why, I couldn’t say. So I turned to the one trick that always worked for me: Making a list.
Laugh if you want to. But taking pen in hand has never failed to quiet my anxious mind.
So I grabbed a pen and paper and sat down to write. Here’s the result:
Losing my health
As I pondered each fear I’d listed, I was surprised to feel a bit of relief. The simple act of getting my phobias down on paper seemed to soften their sting and make them feel less threatening.
For example, when considering what will happen to my health as I age, I recalled an important fact: The vast majority of older Americans can go about their daily activities without personal assistance.
Granted, we’re probably no longer crushing it at CrossFit or doing our own roof repairs. But we’re cooking, showering, and dressing ourselves (although, in my case, not always stylishly).
Losing my independence
Another calming fact I recalled is that fewer of us are living in nursing homes. For Americans over 65, it’s less than 3 percent. For those 85 and older, the number is still less than 10 percent.
I also remembered that today’s senior housing arrangements are better. A variety of independent living options are available, ranging from 55+ retirement communities and continuing-care communities to senior co-housing and senior home-sharing.
My spry, 87-year-old mom lives in her own apartment in a “Life Plan Community,” which offers services as needed for every stage of life — including skilled nursing, rehab, and memory care.