Hi,
I made bad financial choices and lost all my retirement savings at age 69–trying to determine if anyone recovered from such a devastating experience? Is it too late to still enjoy life? I’m getting very depressed about the situation and would love to hear from other 70 year olds.
Thanks,
Abbie
Jane, Age 72
Blue Zones are areas in the world that have been studied because of the longevity of their populace.
Oh to live beneath the azure blue sky in Ikaria, Greece, where the air is clean and the water sparkles, pure and cold, and the hillocks beckon the walker. I would happily trade in my car, give up the rides to the Mall, to bask in the brilliant Aegean sunshine, tend hearty gardens, and eat wonderfully nutritious food…with my glass of wine.
This Blue Zone, described by Buettner, seems a dreamy place to live; long afternoon naps, pleasant evening with pals, and exceptional health. People there live unusually long lives; they are in good spirits, and they stay well, until the end.
Is it possible to borrow elements from that tableau…(My husband just brought home goat’s milk)…and reap some of the same benefits? Or is this American landscape already too polluted by chemicals in all we breathe, eat and drink?
Our exercise is contrived in gyms, not natural in the fresh air. Our meals come in various plastic packages, not pulled fresh from the land. Our environment is noisy with traffic, not peaceful with the sounds of nature floating around us.
It takes concerted effort, to even try to capture the essence of that place, and those lives. Fresh vegetables and fruit, yogurt without chemicals, lots of purified water to drink, more walking, more time with comrades, work that is joyful, pleasure that is frequent.
Okay, I’ll try the goat’s milk, but first, another glass of wine!
Anonymous, Age 66
I was shocked last year when I realized I was 65. This year the additional year was no big deal. My story is not so great. I chose poorly when I remarried. We are now separated and I’ve had to go through bankruptcy proceedings. I’m now on a very limited income for the next five years. I will be 71 at that time and I feel it’s too late for me to accomplish anything in the way of security for the time I have left. I have a part-time job and my social security, which will cover my basic expenses until I’m ready to die.
Nancy, Almost 70
Turning seventy in four days!
I read about this blog in the Taos Institute’s July 2012 Positive Aging Newsletter. I am delighted to find it just before my turning point in four days – a lovely birthday surprise! Turning sixty five and becoming Medicare-eligible was a turning point for me too. This was actually the first time I experienced some angst regarding aging. I am a counseling psychologist and organizational consultant. I worked primarily in medical centers and adult education. During the past five years I have learned more about and worked as a volunteer in the aging well field. I have been married for thirty four years, have two sons in their 20s who are still single and an extended family who live nearby. I hope for grandchildren in the near future. We live in the country near Seattle. I am active at Seattle University in multiple roles, volunteer in social justice and aging well projects, enjoy a robust spiritual, social and cultural life and delight in sailing the waters of Puget Sound and the Straits of Georgia.
I lead and participate in two aging well learning communities, one based in Ignatian Spirituality and one secular, which meet in-person monthly. One of them has met for three years. Being part of these communities is such a gift and opportunity for continued personal growth for all of us. We read books, view films, hold an annual Poetry Out-Loud Festival, have potluck dinners, go to community events and share our lives with one another resulting in laughter, tears, insight and rewarding relationships.
Turning seventy is a major transition for me. I am seeing myself as part of the “young-old” and have both gratitude and angst about the change. I am committed to age well with consciousness, courage and contribution. Having companions on the journey will help me follow through on that commitment. I am delighted by the invitation 70 Candles offers to join this virtual community. I accept with pleasure. Thank you for the invitation.
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Sandy, Age 70
When I turned 70 last January my 87 year old friend exclaimed “the 70’s were the best time of my life!” She also said the 80’s haven’t been too bad either. Her secret….staying healthy and active.
I have a lot of friends older than me, so I still feel like one of the younger ones. However, I’ve begun to spend money more freely, with the attitude of “I’d better live it up now as the end may be near”! Like one other woman said, I hope I don’t end up a “bag lady” living out of my car!
Thanks for this great idea…..don’t you just love what women are doing these days!
Pat, Age 68 years, 8 months
Today I met my sister-in-law for morning tea as it was her 70th birthday.
She was not happy at the realization that she was now 70, but I pointed out to her that it was a good achievement to now be at the age of 70 as she has had a happy life and good health. For you see my circumstances are different as I have suffered cancer in 2007, and again in 2009. I am now well, so when I will be 70 in December 2013, I will be very happy to have made it to that age.
Here’s looking forward to a happy & healthy future.
Barbara, Age 78
Don’t know if this is exactly a story, but I thought I’d tell you a couple of ironic things. I went to the dermatologist. While I was there I asked him about a kind of dark indent in my cheek. I’m overweight, but he told me it was from a lack of fat right there! I also have spider veins and some varicose veins on my legs. When I found a black spot on the back of my tongue, I had it checked out at the dentist. He said it was very definitely a varicose vein! I couldn’t believe it.
Sharon, Age 70
Life expectancy was never 70 when I was a child! At least you weren’t functioning as you had previously. I have been married twice, have 3 grown children, 1 step son and exchange children around the world. Awesome 5 grandchildren ages 26-2. Some days I feel too old for those little people. I was a school principal after my first marriage, got my CNA at age 66, worked in a home for elders for fun, now cut their hair 1x week, married a guy 12 years younger, work full time as a religious education director for our church. My life is great although I complain about aches and pains and weight!
I worry about the next 20 or so years. Have I saved enough money to survive, will I out live my cat? Stupid stuff. Mostly it is up to God as everything is “his plan”. My mom said “Life has been a great roller coaster ride.” She died at 96. We all have ups and downs and life goes on. There is so much I’d like to do, like finish beauty school which I dropped out of, but realistically I don’t have time.
I’m very fortunate. Blessed with relatively good health and a positive husband and extended families. Friends from long ago who join me in this 70th year.
There are as many ways of exiting a career as there are women who work. Following are some of the comments from women in our 70Candles gatherings, as they discussed the role of work in their lives and how they experienced the denoument of their careers.
“I love working. I have continued to work, off and on.”
“Earning money is a sense of security for me. The idea of not working gives me a sense of being unsafe, so I continue to want to work.”
“Work is important to me I really identify with my work role.”
“I’ve worked, but that’s not who I am. I think it’s unfortunate if you have to identify yourself by your work.”
“I’m in favor of the balance in life. If you’re having fun and something gives you pleasure, then why do you feel pressure to give up working?”
I had a hard time when I stopped working. It took me about a year to adjust. The loss of my mangagement role, being a boss of something, was difficult for me. But I am busier now, running around in a new routine, than I ever was.
I don’t know who I am when I’m no longer a pediatrician.
“I loved my job, and was afraid to stop teaching. There was a wonderful mix of people in the school, and I was working with my closest friends. I don’t make transitions easily so when I retired, I immediately wanted to return to teach.
Then, my replacement went on leave, and I was asked to come back. It only took 5 minutes back there, and I knew I wanted out.”
I was a teacher before my children were born. Then, I became what is known as a “Professional Volunteer,” and I will never retire.
“I retired almost 15 years ago. I was a teacher—a kindergarten teacher—and it’s the only thing I ever wanted to do. About a year before I retired I was overwhelmed by this sense of anxiety. I knew it was time, but I wasn’t ready yet, so I took an extra year. When I went back a year later and saw what the new, younger teacher was doing I said, ‘Gee, I never thought of that,’ and I knew I had made the right decision.”
I have nightmares that I’m back teaching in High School!
My industry is so technologically challenging for people our age. We’re dealing with people in their 30s and 40s who grew up with computers, and we didn’t. For them, it’s natural; for us it’s a learning experience and a daily challenge.
“I retired early, and knew I wanted to learn to paint. I went to the senior center for classes, and then stuck with it. It is my passion now. ”
More to come……
Anonymous
Soon after I retired, I was asked out to lunch by my retired friends. As I walked toward the restaurant, it started to rain. I felt my feet getting wet, and when I looked down, I discovered I had walked out in my bedroom slippers!
I went went back to work.