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Being Mortal


An eye-opening and riveting look at how how medicine can not only improve life ...
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What is your attitude toward old age? Do you think most people are in denial about their own aging?

Created: 09/01/17

Replies: 6

Posted Sep. 01, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

What is your attitude toward old age? Do you think most people are in denial about their own aging?

What is your attitude toward old age? Is it something to avoid thinking about, or a stage of life to be honored? Do you think most people are in denial about their own aging?


Posted Sep. 12, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
renem

Join Date: 12/01/16

Posts: 292

RE: What is your attitude toward old age? Do you think most people are in denial about their own aging?

I always believed that aging was not for the weak. It takes a lot of positive attitude and stark understanding of what happens to the human body as it ages to get through it gracefully. I have never been one to lie about my age but as a woman I also admit use products that are "anti-aging" with the hope of putting those wrinkles at bay ::;-)::


Posted Sep. 12, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
alycet

Join Date: 04/23/12

Posts: 182

RE: What is your attitude toward old age? Do you think most people are in denial about their own aging?

Aha. It is not so bad. I am there but I am planning what I can accomplish and do with my remaining time. Each year brings on new things that I can no longer do. Here is where priorities come into play. It is not so much denial but surprise that a simple task is no longer simple, that what you could do last week you cannot do this week.


Posted Sep. 12, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Gloria

Join Date: 03/11/15

Posts: 120

RE: What is your attitude toward old age? Do you think most people are in denial about their own aging?

From birth on, I was always surrounded by older people and I think that has affected my attitude about aging. I have seen people age very gracefully and those tend to be people who have been able to adapt to their ever-changing level of physical and mental abilities. Those who are not bothered by using a cane or a walker. Those who have adjusted to assisted living. Those who have accepted hearing aids and taking their medicine. I think adaptation is key.


Posted Sep. 14, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
dorothygo

Join Date: 03/27/13

Posts: 23

RE: What is your attitude toward old age? Do you think most people are in denial about their own aging?

The saying, "you're only as old as you feel" certainly comes to mind. Today it seems that admitting to old age is frowned upon and people try to ignore the signs and obvious lessening of abilities. Gloria's comment about "adapting being key" fits my attitude as well. I have elderly friends who, while nearly 90, resist using their walkers outside of their homes as they feel it makes them seem too old! I know they are fighting and that keeps them going, but sometimes you have to admit the need is there and embrace the changes.


Posted Sep. 14, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
marianned

Join Date: 07/02/15

Posts: 100

RE: What is your attitude toward old age? Do you think most people are in denial about their own aging?

Like Rene, I use products to care for my skin, but I see no vanity in that since Dr. Felix Silverstone, one of the geriatricians Gawande interviewed, does the same thing to maintain skin moisture and elasticity. I color my hair because gray hair with my pale complexion would be unbecoming. I firmly believe that no one can avoid the aging process, but one can slow it down by exercising the mind and the body, and by eating and sleeping well. The "use it or lose it" maxim is important for us to remember as we age.


Posted Sep. 23, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
lilc

Join Date: 04/10/17

Posts: 20

RE: What is your attitude toward old age? Do you think most people are in denial about their own aging?

Dr. Gawande says it all. In short, life is what you make it. Doctors must be educated to keep us in good health through our our lives and be aware of alternative life styles to match our emotional and physical needs.
Such a smart doctor.


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