NOT in the slow lane, YET
The blog is about living life after 70 with joy, resilience, and purpose. NOT in the slow lane, YET is a source of positive, helpful advice encouraging people to set and achieve goals and find joy in life. The blog will cover personal experiences and thoughts and concerns. Topics of blogs will be health, retirement, fashion, travel, and living in continuing care retirement communities. The blogs will be short and appear at least once a month on my website www.nadineblock.com or by email if you choose. Come walk with me.
Living in the Moment: Wisdom from My Eighties.
As I journey through my eighties, I have learned the value of focusing on the present. My parents, in their eighties, bought a Kirby vacuum cleaner with a lifetime warranty. They were so excited, brimming with optimism, while I chuckled at their confidence in “lifetime” use. Yet, their positive outlook was something I could admire and cherish.
Unlike my parents, I do not share their boundless optimism about the distant future. Like many seniors, I plan only a year or two ahead. I increase investments in short-term bonds and CDs, avoid buying clothes with the expectation of wearing them for a decade, and make cautious decisions. Still, every now and then, I lean toward optimism. For example, I hesitated to order office furniture with a six-month delivery timeline. I told the vendor, “Six months is too long. That may be the rest of my life.” Eventually I decided to go for it—choosing to hope over hesitation.
Tools for Living in the Moment.
Focus on Positive Thoughts.
Happiness starts in the mind. Today, on my morning walk, I reflected on the blessings of a restful night’s sleep and painless steps, feeling thankful for being vertical without assistance. I also treasure memories of my two beautiful sons who passed away from cancer. While their time was brief, my life was infinitely richer for having them. I am thankful I have a living son who continues to be so important in my life.
Last week, I shared laughs over a beer in a sports bar with my sons’ high school wrestling friends and their coach. Hearing their stories about my sons brought new perspectives and joy, reminding me of the lively, engaging force of nature of my sons. I was thankful for Coach who helped these boys become men…good, strong men. The boys’ father passed away in 2008. He would have wanted to be there sharing stories.
Of course, not every day is worry-free. Medical uncertainties, ageism in healthcare, and concerns about my grandchildren’s future in these challenging times weigh on me. But I have learned to take life’s challenges head-on. For example, when faced with delayed surgery for cancer years ago, I sought out the nation’s best hospital in the country for that procedure and acted quickly earning myself a decade and counting.
Let Go of Regret.
Living in the moment means not dwelling on the past. Most seniors, including myself, are content with their decisions. My friends and I rarely discuss regrets, except wishing we had spent more time with family. Personally, I am content with my career in education, business, and advocacy, and I treasure the connections I have nurtured over the years. Weekly Zoom calls with my siblings are filled with laughter, stories, and gratitude for the time we have left together.
Be a Lifelong Learner.
Learning keeps us young at heart. In our community, seniors are diving into art with enthusiasm. As the art committee chair, I helped launch “Make Art, even if It’s Ugly,” offering classes in drawing, collage, acrylics, and watercolor. Due to their popularity, we are offering more sessions. Whether it is art, chess, trivia, or book clubs, staying curious and engaged fosters vibrant minds.
Build Community Connections.
Volunteering enriches our lives and our community. From organizing luncheons to managing gardens or recognizing acts of kindness, residents here bring energy and purpose to our shared home. We are not allowed to tip employees but want to show our appreciation for their hard work. Our Employee Appreciation Plan, funded by voluntary donations, ensures the hardworking staff who support us receive meaningful recognition. Helping others is important to us.
Prioritize Health and Well-Being.
Maintaining good health is essential. A useful and comfortable old age depends on our health. Our community offers wellness classes like yoga, balance training, and even drumming, alongside sports such as shuffleboard, pool, and bocce. Travel, even though it needs to be adapted to our abilities, continues to be a joy—I have cherished recent trips to Chautauqua in its historic, outdoorsy New York venue for its cultural programs and scenic beauty. Boat trips which provide peaceful rides, interesting scenery, and a chance to take local excursions are often selected for people of our age.
Cherish Relationships.
Staying social is key to a healthy, happy life. Dining with friends, joining committees, or simply catching up over Zoom keeps us connected. Many of us have returned to our roots, living close to family in these later years. Guest accommodation in our senior community makes family visits even more special.
Celebrate Aging.
We have outlived the life expectancy of our birth years and should celebrate this achievement. In the year of my birth, 1936, the average life expectancy was 58 years. I have exceeded that by decades. I am so lucky because I have had time for growth, hobbies, and reflection.
While I will not be buying a lifetime-guaranteed vacuum cleaner, I choose to focus on the positive aspects of old age and live each moment fully.
Every day truly is a gift. Let us experience the positive.
Note: Copilot editing tools used 4-1-25