The woman wrote in obvious distress that she was repeating herself. Felt depressed. Brain fog. Admitted to the occasional suicidal thought. She was terrified she was getting Alzheimer’s’ disease. At this point, she is committing to a long, possibly painful and confusing process of testing at a major university.

What’s going on? Don’t we all feel like that some days? Well yes, and no. Let’s consider the possibilities.

Is Alzheimer’s the Only Possible Problem?

Over-the-counter and commonly-prescribed medicines can cause brain fog, dizziness and our ultimate enemy: falls. It’s a very good idea to research all the pills you’re taking to see if any of them – especially in combination with others – may be causing what ails you.

Head Injuries Can Have a Later Life Effect

Ask yourself this hard question: Have I banged my head over the course of my life? And if so, how many times, and how seriously?

This could have been at any time, from a fall as a kid, to a horseback riding incident, to a recent fall in the bathroom. Any time you crack your coconut, you may be a candidate for post-concussion syndrome.

While I find the Mayo Clinic’s advice wanting, it is important to acknowledge any and all head injuries, for they are cumulative.

PTSD, Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Can Get Worse

As we age, and particularly if we also suffer from PTSD or depression/anxiety, some of these symptoms can get worse. You have a host of good choices: get active, get moving, get social, eat better, and move move move move move.

The more oxygen you deliver to your brain via better habits, the better. The more pills you take for your symptoms, the worse you’ll get, if for no other reason than those very pills may be causing dizziness, disorientation and depression. When all else fails, question the meds. Always question the meds.

Never Ever Assume That What You’re Feeling Is a Natural Part of Aging

There are too many excellent examples of supremely healthy folks in their 80s and 90s who present none of these same symptoms. Among the reasons: regular exercise, eating a lot of healthy greens daily, and being surrounded by a richly rewarding social support system.

Increase Your Oxygen Intake

Increasing oxygen intake has to do with better breathing, more exercise and better nutrition so that your circulatory system works more efficiently.

If your symptoms are severe, find a way to increase your oxygen through an oxygenation system. They are increasingly available. You may want to buy one, or visit an office where they are available, with supervision. At this point they are more available through chiropractors, sports medicine and holistic healing clinics.

I installed an oxygenation system in my downstairs gym and it has made all the difference. However, each of us is unique, so take the time to research options, give them a try and see if they work for you. They can be costly, but my brain health is worth the investment.

Mental Decline Is Not a Predictable Part of Aging

If we take care to protect our brains, our health and our bodies, mental decline is not a predictable part of aging. We are supremely well designed to age well, with all our faculties.

If you are presenting with any of these symptoms, and most of us do at some point or another, it serves to not panic first, but to do our due diligence.

Take the time to carefully research what you’re taking. Too many caregivers don’t consult each other in elder care and vast numbers of us – and most especially our very elderly parents – are taking far too many meds, some with dangerous interactions. It’s up to us to do the research to protect our brains, our bodies and our health.

Above all, don’t assume the worst. There is a very real possibility that those symptoms arise from something simple, and a quick change here and there may clear the fog.

Have you made healthy changes that have resulted in clearer thinking? What have you found to help you deal with the occasional senior moment? Have you quit pills and opted in for more exercise and a better diet with great results? Please share your stories in the comments below.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

It’s nice to know that we’re living in a time where getting cosmetic procedures done like plastic surgery is no longer looked down upon (It shouldn’t be! Do what makes you the most confident! Especially if it’s safe and done by a medical professional!) But for some, going under the knife isn’t in the cards, and finding alternatives that work similarly is like finding a needle in a haystack—nearly impossible to do, but glorious when it occurs.

So, we’re overjoyed to say that one of those needles is on sale. It’s the L’Oreal Paris Collagen Moisturizer, and thanks to Amazon, where so many beloved products have slashed-down prices for Prime Day, it’s marked down to just $9.

Making timely decisions is tough, but we’re here to help you. Here’s a bit more about this beloved moisturizer: The day and night cream was generated to feed your skin “intense hydration” that will, according to the brand, “fill in the appearance of lines and wrinkles and helps restore moisture for smoother, plumper skin.”

Now, we know that marketing lingo can be a bit overstated, but reviewers seem to back up all of the above claims. In fact, over 21,000 shoppers have given the product perfect five-star ratings.

RELATED: Jennifer Aniston Uses This Tatcha Lip Product To Get Her Plump Pout

Courtesy: L’Oreal Paris.

In fact, one reviewer who used to rely on botox to minimize the appearance of their wrinkles, said this moisturizer replaced their need for the procedure entirely.

I’m 68, having a blast with my new “career,” and I feel really good about what I’m doing. Eight years ago I retired from the “day job” and haven’t looked back.

I’m more engaged and excited about what I’m doing than I’ve been in years. I’ve learned so much, met so many super people and realized that I can successfully explore my passions, even at my age.

Being positive and looking forward to each new day has always been my outlook on life. It got me through cancer, the death of my parents, divorces/breakups – not to mention being out of work and almost penniless at one point.

My positive attitude also helped make my move to Thailand a smooth transition when I retired. I’d always told myself I would retire on a tropical island, and I did!

Trying New Things After 60

I’ve always loved to write and have loved cats since I first saw one. Giving back and helping others is also something I really believe in. I looked around and saw such unhappiness, depression and a pessimistic outlook on life from so many my age, that I decided to combine my passions to help them.

The Happy Cat is dedicated to Boomers staying positive, making good life choices and finding happiness each and every day as they journey through life.

At 61 I started my Happy Cat blog. At 62 I started a YouTube channel for videos taken here on Koh Lanta, the island I’m proud to call my home. At 63 I started an online shop to go with my website. The shop features cat-themed products from Thailand. What could be better than a cat-themed shop for someone like me! Last year I created a Giant Cat and other sculptures off of plastic waste lighters.

And I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve done it all myself; the planning, the strategy, the technical side and all the promotional marketing. And I don’t find it stressful at all. I feel great, confident in my new career, and more importantly, I’m having a blast!

Here are 5 reasons why trying something new is good for us, especially when we are over 60.

Exercise for the Brain

Trying new things provides an excellent way to exercise our brains. Doing something different means that we’ll be learning new ideas, concepts and skills. Brain exercise is important as we get older. The brain is like a muscle; if it isn’t used, it gets weak.

Involvement in the Present

Trying something new keeps us involved in the present. Whether the something new is a new sport, hobby, place to live or a new business, the act of making a change keeps us involved in the present, in the here and now.

Often, when life gets boring, we can reminisce about our lives and focus on the past. We seem to take comfort remembering where we used to work and live, and have wonderful memories of those no longer with us.

While we all have these thoughts, we have to be careful that they don’t take up the majority of our time. It is easy to slip into our memories – ignoring the present – when it is the present that we live in. A new situation keeps us engaged with living in the present.

Interaction with New People

New situations give us an opportunity to interact with new people. Trying something new is an excellent way to also meet new people. Loneliness can be difficult as we get older. Our circle of friends and family seems to continually shrink and it is hard to meet new people. But starting something new provides us with a super opportunity to meet new people with similar and complimentary interests.

New Interests and Opportunities

Trying something new provides the opportunity to find new interests and make our lives more interesting. Many of us get so wrapped up in our lives with our jobs and families that we never try activities or hobbies. We always say, One day I’ll do this or that. Well, now is the time. New interests make our lives more interesting, and this helps us nurture a positive attitude for looking forward to each new day.

Financial Awareness

Engaging in new activities also requires us to get involved with our financial situation. The majority of us are no longer accumulating; we are spending, downsizing and often worrying about our spending.

This isn’t a bad thing. We need to often review and analyze our financial situation. It is important to know what we have, what can we do and what could be done to free up some funds for our new interests. It also gives us a feeling of satisfaction that we figured out our finances. We gain a sense of autonomy as we are doing it ourselves. We feel strong and in control of our lives.

Try it you may like it! A friend of mine is always saying “Never try, never know,” and she’s right. It’s fun and exciting to try something new. And if you find you don’t like it, well, you can always try something else.

It’s all good!

What was the last “new thing” that you tried in your life? What benefits have you found? Or, what is holding you back from starting a new project or following a new passion? Please share in the comments below.

Kristin Cavallari’s Chloe Tote on Instagram

Kristin Cavallari 2022 Instagram Fashion

Kristin Cavallari is the G.O.A.T when it comes to vacay fashion. And now she’s the G.O.A.T when it comes to vacay accessories too. I mean how cute is her Chloe tote and grey fedora she had at the beach?! KCav def has vacation style in the bag and because of that we now have a new tote and fedora in the (shopping) bag.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her Chloe Tote

shop other colors:

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Click Here to Shop Her Janessa Leone Hat

Photo Credit: @kristincavallari

Originally posted at: Kristin Cavallari’s Chloe Tote

Of course, the answer is, “Nothing.” There is nothing wrong with me just as there is nothing wrong with you – in case you were wondering. However, I am in the age group considered to be old and undesirable for employment.

I am not alone! Since embarking on this Herculean task of obtaining gainful employment and posting my trials on my Facebook page, Aging Disgracefully, I have found so many women of a similar age in the same situation. They are all mid-60s to mid-70s.

I have heard from women in their 70s who have had to go back to teaching because they just can’t support themselves. Women in their 60s struggling to make the rent. Women of all ages who have lost everything through divorce or the death of a loved one.

Women who have no family or support, and others who have too much family. You know, those families who are looking for a doormat.

This seems to be a universal problem. I have received messages from women in the USA, in the UK, Australia, South Africa and even India. That one really threw me!

What’s Wrong with Me?

I concluded that there must be something wrong with me because not only was I not receiving acknowledgement of my applications, I wasn’t getting any interviews either. “Is it because of my age,” I wondered.

Here Are Four Things I Suggest You Do

I settled down, as you do, and spoke to a couple of recruitment agency ladies who had asked me in for an interview. They seemed to think it was a combination of looking for part-time work and my age.

It’s illegal for anyone to ask how old you are, so I can only assume they guess my age from the list of items on my CV!

Change Your Resume/CV

You must change your resume/CV. In the interests of working, I very soon learned to include whatever was relevant to the specific job. I have a variety of qualifications, which, to people looking to hire, make me over-qualified. Yes, that old chestnut!

Be prepared to bend the truth and give the employers what they want. In all honesty, you need to do that with the recruitment people as well.

Understand Political Correctness Is in Action

I can only talk about the UK, but here they have managed to raise political correctness to an unprecedented level. It’s like walking on eggshells. These people have little to no sense of humour.

It may be an age thing, but a lot of what goes on seems to be rampant stupidity! My advice is to smile sweetly and agree. I know, it’s not good for women our age but sometimes we must do it.

Limit Conversation About Your Capabilities

I am constantly being told by recruiters that I mustn’t say “I have excellent communication skills.” Apparently, employers think you’re being boastful and they don’t like it.

All I can say to that is, “Shame!” If you have a talent, you should be able to let people know, especially if you know they’re looking for it in a person/employee.

But, do not make the mistake of over selling your strengths and capabilities. They don’t like it, as I found when I went for an interview at a chiropractor’s office. You guessed it, I didn’t get the job.

The Truth

If you’re looking for a job, then, like me, you will be facing the same bigotry or ageism because that’s what it is. Perhaps we can’t call people bigots nowadays. It may not be politically correct. But is does seem as though any woman up to 30 can get full or even part time work!

Despite ageism being outlawed, most employers prefer someone who looks young (ish). They do not seem to be interested in women who are intelligent, articulate, capable, wise and know how to behave in any environment. I know, fellow job-seekers, that you have found this to be true.

How to Find Work in Your 60s

I would love to be able to offer a viable option to help solve this problem, but I really can’t.

I have my own business and I write. I run courses and a variety of other things, but they are all solitary pursuits and I really want to be able to communicate with other human beings. The money would come in handy too!

My only suggestion is that you register with every recruitment organisation possible and hope they get your specs right – good luck with that one!

Spend a couple of hours every morning going through the jobs recruiters send you. Apply and send a very focused cover letter. The worst that can happen is you’ll be rejected. Or ignored. You simply must keep on keeping on.

Avoid stress. Meditate, walk or do anything that lowers the frustration level. I have considered going back into coaching. Review all the talents you have and how you may be able to revive them. But that, of course, is a topic for another article.

Are you looking for work? Have you been forced to return to work? What have you done to get work? Please share – we all need a hand on this one.