Are their any seniors that have taken the negative experiences in life and stayed positive, happy & funloving?

Question

What's your secret to staying young, alive, and hopeful with all the negative that exists in our world today? How does it all compare to when you were young? Is it pretty much the same or is the world a much different place today? I'd love to hear stories and would appreciate whatever anyone over 65 has to say.

Answer 1

I have always been an optimist. It is the only way I could have survived some tragedies in my life. I also know theat when life is raining on you and there is a personal hurricane or other destructive part of your life, the sun will come out again.
I have a deep faith in the lord, but do not belong to a church since the ones I attended seemed to be far less tolerant of others that I am.
The world is a different place today, I keep learning and experiencing life. By giving back to others, I feel total joy. Perhaps that is my personal secret to happiness.

Answer 2

I'm 66 this year and so much has changed. I am also a Canadian citizen. The government takes more and more
away from us. A lot of the drugs I must take are no longer
covered. On the other hand, I am blessed with a wonderful
husband, grown married kids and 8 grandkids. They are the
joy of my life. So much has changed and it is hard to keep
up with it. Our son wanted us to have a computer and the
internet and I said no way. A friend gave us computer, etc.
and I cut my teeth on it. Then our son gave me a new computer and I broke down and got the internet. We use to
use the mail system and telephones to keep in touch. That
is a huge change. I am able to keep up with the kids in the
states, friends we don't often get to see, and spend a lot of
time here on answers. Our friend who gave us the first
computer said, "I have created a monster." And laughs because I am further ahead than she is. When I was younger
it was a whole different world. I grew up on a farm in the middle of nowhere. Our fun was climbing trees, riding the horse, running through the woods, playing baseball with
our closer friends. I hope I explained it well. Thanks for asking.
Our faith in Jesus has been the support we have needed
through the tough times. My hubby had cancer, we lost our
youngest son, and Jesus has been with us through it all.

Answer 3

There has always been negativity. When I was a child in the 50's we were afraid of "The bomb" . My mother told me ,when she was little there used to be people carrying signs saying the end is near. The difference is today we hear more negetive or bad things at a moments notice. Before TV, we saw our news when we went to the movies and they were always showing the atom bomb and what it could do if one was dropped. What we don't know can't hurt us. I have had a lot of negative things happen in my life but have found that it makes you stronger. There are a lot more people now living in close proximity in the cities and more cars making more traffic which I find very stressful.There are lineups for everything which was uncommon when I was a child. Whenever I am waiting in a line at the grocery store, there is always someone complaining about being in a hurry. Everything now is rush, rush, rush! Kids now are more afraid of going out alone . When I was a child ,my brother and I explored the entire city we lived in and played out all day everyday. Now you can't even entice kids to go out anymore and I find that very sad.

Answer 4

Well there has been plenty of negatives and I feel more than my share of tragedies. There is so secret to getting though them and remaining positive. It takes a while, but one day you find yourself humming and smiling. Soon you are active with friends and family. You must always have something to look forward to, a get together, a lunch or dinner out, a trip. I read the news daily and just shake my head, but don't let it get me down. I'll do what I can by voting. I donate to the Salvation Army. I report for Jury duty when called.
I don't think the world has changed much at all, just the technology. Kids are older at a younger age and I don't think as well educated. The schools are there, they just are bothering to learn. It's their lost, not mine.
Whats left of my life I intend to enjoy I am 62 and hope I'm good for another 20 years or so.

Answer 5

I am not a senior but can tell you my parents story which I believe is beautiful.
My Dad retired at age 55 (lucky) and for ten years my parents lived in the home we all (4) grew up in. When we all left home, graduate, and master's under our arms it was time for them.
They bought 3 lakefront lots and built a home they designed and love. My Dad became a published author, and my Mom continued her involvement with her church.
My Dad & Mom grew up in a very small French Canadian Community in Western Canada. My Dad was the first high school graduate ever and his family was the poorest in the community. My Mom remembers them taking vegetable from their garden to feed his family.
In the 1920's my father's family was one of the richest in the communtity. When the depression hit they became one of the very poorest...Ha, ha get this my Dad was born on Jan 1, 1930...talk about a babe of the depression.
I cannot say how they did it except that they had a faith to fall back on. Determination and a picture of what they wanted they wanted for us children.
Having known hunger, my father determined we never would. And we never did.
My Dad now is a publisher, he's 77 and loving everyday of his life. My Mom is the "Love of his life." I am so happy I have had the opportunity to see that ( after all the ******** of child raising) I love the fact that they still love each other.
My parents are probably the most interesting people I know. I love being with them, learning from them and am so glad that their grandchildren (those close) have had the opportunity to know them.
I don't think this answered your question at all but the best thing to do is keep current. You don't have to agree with society but be aware. The worst you can do is to stop living...I'd rather die digging dirt for flowers than for my grave Ha, Ha.

Answer 6

I'm 64. I ended up a single parent with three sons, 5, 8 and 11. she walked. Disappeared. Got a judgment for child support, never saw a dime. Raised them myself. That included a job transfer from AZ to Los Angeles and back. We all look back on it and are amazed we made it. That was a long time ego. Included a lost job due to down sizing as well.
How did I (we) do it? When I looked around there was no one except friends I could turn to. So, I sucked it up, made sacrifices and got through it.
That included the two youngest getting busted for drugs as teens.

Answer 7

I'm not over 65, I'm 52 & disabled, but I'll tell you what got me through. My sense of humor. Sometimes sarcastic, sometimes dark, but it got me through. I'm not really sure if you want to hear this stuff.

I'll give you one example. If you want to talk to me further, you can e-mail me: Our boss banned the wearing of sunglasses in the office. My (now ex) beat the crap out of me. I had a broken nose & 2 black eyes. My 2 responses were that I can take a punch better than the guys I work with, and that they should see the other guy.

Everyone was afraid to say anything & I broke the ice. He was later arrested & is my ex.

Answer 8

I'm a boomer and I can tell you one thing about having a lots of true girlfriends it was somehow hard for me to do and I think I may just have the same problem and I still don't understand why!!! I guess that's what makes life interesting, huh!!! My secret to staying young is I just don't give a crap anymore!!! But, I am fun loving!!!

Answer 9

Against all odds, I have managed to maintain a certain amount of sanity (some may disagree), and kept my sense of humour. Let go of the past and move on, and embrace every day, as if it is your last.

As to the world, it is so different, you could write a few books. But moving with the times, and keeping the old morals, makes a happy medium.

Answer 10

Let the waves wash over you and roll with the flow. Swim parallel to shore to swim out of the rip currents.