The road I live on isn’t paved. It stretches for a mile – a dusty avenue wide enough for two vehicles, and treacherous after a heavy rain.

I knew this a dozen years ago when we found our property, which ultimately became our home, at the end of this road. But I never loved the drive in. My aging compact car rumbled fiercely every foot of the way; forget ever staying clean.

About a year ago, someone told me about an alternate route, a smoother road. It takes me a bit out of my way. But it’s gentler, so I travel it to and from my home all the time now.

Recently as I cruised along, I considered this question: What would my life be like if I did most things the easy way?

When it Comes to Aging Well, There’s No Substitute for Hard Work

Life’s hard, and we work hard at it. And Thomas Edison was undoubtedly a genius. We grow up believing his words that there’s no substitute for hard work, and other messages like it – ones that have been downloaded into our psyches for most of our lives.

In our 20’s we struggled to find ourselves. We worked at this, stumbling along the rocky path to adult-ing, a journey fraught with potholes and pitfalls.

In our 30’s and 40’s we’d strive to enjoy the benefits of our hard work. We searched for the career path or the life partner. We raised our children and the balances in our retirement funds. One can argue we worked hard to create an easier life.

Now it seems like every 21^st century information outlet believes that once we turn 50 we reach a golden milestone, sort of a promised land.

Yet many of us then face new obstacles: ailing or aging parents, jobs that have sucked us dry, older children who are as needy as ever. Loss of a spouse or loss of our own health. There’s no painless way through some of these turning points.

Doing things the easy way can feel impossible. Aging well takes effort, but, it is worth it!

Embrace What’s Easiest and Leave the Rest

I realize that obstacles and life changes await us at 60 and beyond. But there are some things we can do to allow more ease into a life that will continue to challenge us.

Along with finding a new way home, I’ve discovered a few other opportunities to take the easy way out.

Ease Up During Your Day to Day

I try to make it easy on myself every day.

I avoid ladders and tall step stools and all that needless climbing and stretching that are not in my exercise regimen. I let my dishes air-dry, wear a short hairstyle, and hang my clothes in the closet according to color. That makes it simpler for me to decide what to wear.

Online ordering and home delivery have changed my life. I’ve given up all-day travel from store to store on an endless hunt for things I can now find with a few clicks of a button.

Choosing the path of least resistance, even in the smallest ways, feels better.

Ask for Help

If there’s one thing I’ve learned by now it’s my limits.

I’ve found that there are people eager to install, move, deep clean, paint, or haul. All the activities that sound hard to me.

You can do it yourself if it’s easier, and you can ask someone to help you when it’s not.

Nourish Yourself

There are endless simple ways we can be nourished in our everyday lives. I look out the window a lot. It’s a peaceful, colorful view, and all it requires is a few minutes of my time.

I’m also more selective about how and with whom I spend my time. It’s hard to crawl out from underneath relationships that are less than life-giving. It’s easier to avoid them in the first place.

There are a lot of things in the world that will lighten your heart and ease your life. Seek them out, or let them find you.

Stay in the Flow of Life

Living a lighter, easier life means we can stop paddling against its current, resisting what’s happening. We can learn to trust that events are happening in our favor and just let go, at least for a while.

And if switching to “cruise control” is hard to do, you can always ask for help.

Life may not get easier as we age, but our life choices and the paths we take can smooth our way. Little by little, we can learn to “try easier” instead of trying harder.

What do you do to stay healthy and active? Would you be willing to ask for help when the task you’re attempting to do is too overwhelming or difficult? What does aging well mean to you? Please join the conversation!

I actually like seeing Dr. Delfs. Because I see her regularly, she knows me and shows an interest in both my life and my health. She makes me feel better, emotionally and physically, when I visit. Well – usually.

I’ve just learned that a shocking percentage of adults over 65 avoid going to the doctor for a variety of reasons. This behavior puts them at great risk.

According to a survey by the Mesothelioma Center, 16% of seniors NEVER visit a doctor after noticing health symptoms, and 17% wait over a week. That’s a third of the senior population risking serious health complications by avoiding their doctors.

What are these “slackers” thinking? Why would they avoid much-needed care when it’s the best way to continue a healthy life?

Are you one of them? I blush to admit that sometimes I am.

Which of these (foolish) excuses fit you? (I’m guilty of the first two.)

I’ll Wait to See If My Symptoms Disappear

“Give it a few weeks, and if you’re still experiencing these symptoms, come back in.” How many times have I heard this advice from my doctor? I often wait out those few weeks on my own before going in, but there are some symptoms that require immediate attention, especially in this era of Covid-19.

Symptoms like severe pain, a bloody stool, or unrelenting diarrhea need to be diagnosed quickly. It’s best to call in and let the triage nurse help you decide whether to wait out your symptoms or not.

I Can Self-Diagnose

The Internet is a tempting tool, especially in the arena of health. It’s interesting to look up symptoms on the Mayo Clinic or WebMD site, and if they’re minor problems, that’s probably OK.

Of course, your doctor is the best person to evaluate your situation. He/she will ask questions and check out other things you may not have considered.

Another problem with self-diagnosis is that you can make a serious misjudgment. Don’t work yourself into a lather over a self-diagnosed case of cancer when your problem is a simple case of heartburn.

Let your doctor help you sort through the information and order the tests required to rule out more serious ailments.

I Can’t Afford to Pay a Doctor

It’s important to have an annual physical even when you’re healthy. Your doctor can evaluate symptoms you’ve experienced recently and help screen you for any more serious conditions that may be in early stages – the best time to intervene.

If you believe you can’t afford such preventive care, contact your local health department and ask about programs to help cover your medical costs. Every state (and country) has safety nets for individuals who can’t afford care, but you need to be proactive in accessing them. Make that call!

I Just Don’t Have Time

What could be more important than maintaining your health? You’re probably retired, and perhaps you’re a busy retiree. If you have time to watch a television program or sit with a book or magazine, you have time to see your doctor.

This, my friend, is the weakest of excuses. It sounds more like denial to me. Make an appointment for a physical today.

I Hate to Bother Someone to Take Me to the Doctor

Many of us need to rely on public transportation or on others to get us to important appointments. Most communities have special services like senior buses or rides, but you need to make a contact for an appointment.

Also, there’s nothing wrong with calling on a friend or relative to bring you to a doctor. Wouldn’t you do the same for them if you could? Have the grace to let others help you.

I Don’t Want to Hear the Bad News

We’re all very good at denial, but ignoring symptoms out of fear is the worst thing you can do. With nearly every health issue early intervention is the best way to overcome it – or at least to slow it down.

In addition, the time you’ll spent worrying will do two things: delay treatment and undermine your emotional well-being. We all know that a positive attitude is one of the most effective treatments, so it follows clearly that worry and depression have the opposite effect on your health.

According to the U.S. National Council on Aging, “approximately 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease, and 77% have at least two. Four chronic diseases – heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes—cause almost two-thirds of all deaths each year.”

Don’t you owe it to yourself to take good care of yourself as you journey into the final decades of your life? Make these years healthy and productive by scheduling an annual physical exam and visiting your doctor whenever you experience new health symptoms. You’re worth it, and your loved ones will appreciate having you around longer.

Have you ever decided not to visit your doctor even though you needed to? Which symptoms do you usually ignore? What reasons have you come up with to not visit your doctor? Do you go for an annual physical exam? How do you feel afterwards? Please share your thoughts and let’s have a conversation!

If you love to travel, it’s quite likely that you have had plans affected by the pandemic. If you’d been dreaming of a particular trip, you’re probably kicking yourself for waiting.

Yet as restrictions start to relax, it’s hard to balance the desire to travel and support one of the hardest-hit industries against the nervousness created by Covid-19.

As transport providers, attractions, and other complementary tourist service providers begin to alter their protocols and gradually re-open, where will you go?

Don’t Burst the Bubble

Keeping your household bubble intact while traveling is likely to be the safest way initially to see more than your backyard. Holidays that limit your exposure to other households such as camping, RV hire, and holiday home rental are about to become very popular.

Deal or No Deal

Traveler confidence has taken a beating and the industry has responded. Take a look at the offers available to you. There are some great deals around, often accompanied by free last-minute no-quibble cancellation offers.

Make no mistake, the travel sector has taken a huge hit and suppliers large and small want you back.

Watch and Wait

Maybe you’re not quite ready to resume adventuring, but there’s nothing to stop you planning and dreaming of your next vacation.

Having restrictions placed on your freedom of movement certainly focuses your mind. What is it you want to do? Where would you love to go? What had you been putting off for a ‘special’ occasion?

If there’s one thing the current travel restrictions have taught us, it’s that there is no time to waste: why put something off?

Had you been musing about a safari holiday or considering an expedition cruise or looking at adventure travel options? With time on your hands, there’s no better time to plan.

If you’re looking for a new experience you’ve time to consider your options too.

Secret Agent

It’s hard to keep up to date with changes as rules start to relax. What was not allowed yesterday might be open next week. Your travel agent will be able to help you navigate fluctuating regulations as well as find the best offer out of the many to choose from.

We love your excitement when we book your holiday and know that the post-pandemic holiday glow will be somehow sweeter.

If you want some inspiration, check out our virtual vacation webinars.Each week we escape to a different destination.

What travel plans did you cancel because of the pandemic? Will you be visiting that same location once the restrictions are lifted? Or have you made different plans already? What’s the first place you will visit once Covid has become history? Please share with the community!

Jennifer Aydin’s Leaf Print Cropped Leggings on Instastories

Real Housewives of New Jersey Instagram Fashion 2020

Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Jennifer Aydin totally looked like queen of the jungle Paramus in the leaf print cropped leggings she wore in this mirror selfie with her daughter recently on Instastories. And if you’re wondering how much they cost, well let’s just say that this classic, very well-known luxury label that’s surprisingly not Chanel definitely does not come “cheap.”

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Versace Leggings

Click Here For Additional Stock

Photo: @JenniferAydin

Originally posted at: Jennifer Aydin’s Leaf Print Cropped Leggings