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gail's avatar

I felt as you did about turning 70. So, I hung on to 69 like it was my last breath. When 70 came, I did NOT take it well. This coming from a person who has worked out like a Trojan warrior for over 40 years, high impact, high intensity cardio, strengthening, power walking for hours, biking, hiking. I was crazy into working out and made the time to do it. In my later 60's, I found I could not maintain the highest level cardio and had to put the brakes on a little. I was not happy about that. When I turned 70, I was morbidly depressed. I really hit rock bottom, it just felt like the end of the world. Interestingly, about 8 months into it, I started to change. For some reason, on a particularly peaceful March evening, 2020, my being shifted and I decided I was OK! Still working out, lifting weights, had just joined a wonderful woman's group (something I had never done before), and of utmost importance, I began to *accept*, also to start taking more small risks, not worrying about every.little.thing. Something might give me a bout of gerd, eat it anyway once in awhile, you have meds! I smiled. Within 2-3 days, covid lockdown. That pretty much challenged my new lease on life, but I was still able to work out as I always did, with a step, using my many internet instructors, who had become kind of like friends. Today, I am 73, and I wish I were back turning 70 with my happier outlook and no covid ahead. But, if we're going back, I'll take 40 or 35. No younger for sure.

I still work out but at a lower pace because that is where my body wants to be, but I *push* it. I figure if I die exercising, that's ok. Still lift weights, do a bone builders class which I've done for about 5 years now, have added balance work and find that kind of oddly rewarding as you can actually get better at it, even at an advanced age.

Doc, you will do fine. And keep dancing. I am not a Dead Head but the song that has kept me moving both physically and mentally is Touch of Grey, long version. Seriously. From catchy, upbeat tune to the amazingly fun lyrics, it never gets old for me and always lifts my spirits. I promise, you won't be able to sit still and you *will* smile. It's also a great driving song, but be warned, hard to drive when you want to be movin' and groovin'. Sigh. Best to you at this turn around the bend. You got this.

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Cheryl's avatar

The year I turned 69 we packed up everything we owned, tossed it into storage, bought a new BMW and hit the road to travel America. Drove across country twice in the six months we were on the road. Traveled from California to Maine into Canada and back to Nevada and back to New York and then home to California. One of the best years of my life. That was six years ago. Need to get on the road again. Have fun!!

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