Introduction
Whatever you think about aging is probably wrong.
Even though the things you thought about old people are now probably about you, you likely had them wrong because no one really tells us what aging is going to be like, possibly because, if we knew, we might kill ourselves.
Yes, most of the surprising aspects of aging are a revelation, and sadly most of them suck.
A great number are body-related. Time will tell if the millennials who practically live at the gym fare better or wear out sooner, but those "of a certain age" are learning our bodies seem to have "best before" dates we weren't privy to.
Some of it, too, is attitude. If I literally bit my tongue every time I thought things were better before, I'd be speechless, which might make some people happier. Instead, I try to focus on the bright side.
And there is a bright side. While there are many unhappy surprises about getting older, thank goodness the positive ones outweigh those negatives.
I share those saving graces as well as things you can do — or not do, since, after all, you are an adult making your own decisions — to stave off the ravages of aging.
Except for those entries based on personal stories, everything has been researched. We’ll have resources posted here soon, too. They aren’t the sole sources used, but they are good ones to refer to if you’d like more information than the “fact snacks” served up here to avoid indigestion.
I hope the following observations are enlightening, guffaw-inducing, and perhaps even worth sharing with others who also are heading into the aging abyss.
I may have done things differently if I'd known — worked out when I was younger, not been so hard on my body, skipped a few rock concerts, and so much more — and the rest I want to laugh about.
So let's laugh.
Mary Westheimer
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