Reading recommendations on coping with aging

[Scuba]

We all know that as we age, we lose capabilities and that we must accept it and adapt to it. I’m grateful to still be alive and have the abilities we do still have. However, I do find it depressing sometimes that DH struggles with heart disease and I’m struggling with injuries that impact my ability to do activities I enjoy. I also get anxious thinking about future potential loss of cognitive and physical abilities.

I’m looking for some practical books with tangible suggestions on how to accept, adapt, stay positive, and not worry about what we can’t control. Intellectually I know I need to keep a positive attitude, but I find it challenging at times.

Anyone else who has felt this way and found a book that helped?

 

[FREE866]

Following

 

[braumeister]

A couple of good threads you might look at:

Happiness

The Stoicism Thread

 

[wolf]

For me, get out and socialize. Church and Senior Center gym. Talking to fellow seniors, with similar issues helps a lot. Try and talk to people who have a "positive" outlook. Also, a sense of humor makes a load of
difference.

 

[pacergal]

I have an app "Todays Hope.com" on my phone.
It is from Al-Anon, however, I find the daily affirmations and stories about acceptance can be applied to many situations in my life, not associated with addiction.

I also have adopted an "Attitude of Gratitude" for my daily living as much as possible.
I have a quote by my desk, I think I found here on the forum:

There comes a time in your life when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you happy.
Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't . Life is too short to be anything but happy.
Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.

 

[bfrank12]

Mary Pipher "Women Rowing North" is a book for women growing older. However it has concepts for everyone.

"Bliss doesn't happen because we are perfect or problem -free but rather because over the years we have become wise enough to occasionally be present for the moment. We have acquired the capacity to appreciate what simply is..Yet, in spite of our situations, whatever they are, we all can have our days when we feel like a three-legged cat drenched in sunlight"

 

[Scuba]

Thanks to all who responded. I’ll report back if I find something else worth sharing.

 

[Scuba]

I ordered two books from Amazon. One had some interesting information about perceptions of aging in various cultures, along with practical tips on various issues related to aging, including everything from travel to healthcare to legal and financial issues, and even an entire chapter on the process of dying. This book is called “I’ve Never Been Old Before.” The other was a workbook I had high hopes for, but it was mainly about CBT and problem solving for problems that actually have real solutions.

While somewhat interesting, most of the “I’ve Never Been Old Before” book is not geared towards coping with the emotions surrounding aging, loss of capabilities, and loss of relationships as one ages. So far the most helpful insights I’ve found have been online. One example I found helpful is a brief article by Mayo Clinic about resilience. This was mentioned in the book.

How to build resiliency

Are you made of tough enough stuff? Learn tips to improve your coping skills.

www.mayoclinic.org