COMMENTS

19 responses to “Open Thread Update: How Was 2023 for You?”

1. 2023 was a year of new beginnings for me from my seven-year-old pup who adopted me to signing up for events. AARP has provided so many opportunities for me to stay connected with others while remaining in my home. While I recently learned of a medical situation not curable, knowing it is manageable by tweaking my lifestyle is comforting. By participating in book club, movies for seniors, films, line dancing etc. I don’t feel isolated when I choose to avoid large, inside group activities. tnx!

   Reply to kathy

2. At the end of every year I go through my journal and list the highs and lows. This has been the best year since 2019. The previous three years were full of illness and bereavements. At our age some illness is inevitable but it was all kept at bay this year which enabled our travels to Prague, Norway and Portugal. I found Senior Planet last February which has improved my fitness immensely thanks to all the wonderful and expert trainers.

   Reply to Christine McLafferty

3. 2023 was not great. I relocated and am trying to put things in place. I am the primary care giver for my mother who has alzheimer. I have a medical situation…. Senior Planet & AARP have kept me centered and given me the strength to keep moving forward. Every day I look forward to stretch classes, tai chi, strong bones etc. etc. I join as many classes as I can. This community has been a life saver. I am so grateful. Thank you for being here. Happy New Year.

   Reply to CN

4. A banner year for my poetry/prose. I had five featured performances in San Francisco venues and one in Petaluma. I attended the AWP in Seattle and met more authors from all over.
   This was my second Christmas without the mentor who helped shape my life since I was 19; Dr. Jefferson died at age 96 after a full and rich life.
   Good news from my medical specialists: no harsh intervention needed! I am holding my own, thanks to my spiritual training.
   But my heart aches for Gaza citizens.

   Reply to jeanne powell

5. I had a falling out with a close friend during the summer. He was angry and said he needed some space so I was left hanging for months. I sent him a holiday card and he texted me: See you in 2024. It was a Christmas miracle that he forgave me.

   I’m teaching a memoir writing class at a senior center in New York City and it’s gratifying to help people tell their stories. I’m also writing articles for Senior Planet.

   I had Covid ( first time) but recovered quickly.

   I turn 75 in 2024.

   Reply to Kate Walter

6. Fast away the old year passes…how true! My year started with telling my long-time friend that our relationship was not working for me; we’re still ‘together’ but for me there is little emotional connection & I’m at a loss as to what to do. He’s a good guy, but I’m not sure I can still be the gal for him. On the plus: I quit smoking, am enjoying doing many things with my gal-pals, and have the ok from my NP to join a gym! Here’s to building strength & endurance in ’24!!

   Reply to Nancy

   1. You told your friend…good for you. I had a longtime gal friend more or less disconnect with no telling, saying anything. It caused me to not know what to do; so I wrote one last note to her saying it seemed as though we have drifted. I thanked her for having been an important part of my life at one time. It calmed me to feel I had done all I could and has made it easier to move forward clear minded.

      Reply to kathy

7. 2023 has been a challenge… My heart stopped beating multiple times, went code blue while wife was sitting outside my room… felt so bd for her, I fell and fractured my eye socket in 3 places, had a pacemaker implanted, surgery was postponed two times due to sickness so I spent a whole week in the hospital, was diagnosed as having prostate cancer, had a ablation surgery, had major flood damage to 3 levels in my home… Still alive and kicking though so I think 24 should easily be much better!

   Reply to Dennis Dickson

8. This has been a pretty bad year for me. It started with 3 Uti’s in 3 months this summer. My husband left in Sept.and we will be divorcing in the near future after 51 years of marriage. He has moved on but I lost all of what I thought were my friends. I miss having friends. Just recently found out my
   15 yr old grandson has a very rare form of cancer on his retina. It is inoperable. Will do radiation soon. I am trying to remain upbeat but it has been difficult. Thanks for listening.

   Reply to Peggy Lambuth

9. I’m so grateful that I can give 2023 a 9! Though my husband of 32 years died in ’21, I’ve been able to stay healthy, keep active, gather with dear friends, make some upgrades to my home, & look forward to traveling in 2024 with my best friend. I did have major back surgery in October which has relieved my pain, so even that has turned out well.
   The reason I didn’t give it a 10 is that I’m missing male energy and companionship in my life. I’m 82, so dating apps are daunting!

   Reply to Carol Nicholson

10. 2023 had been a sad year for me. I was ill more than once during the winter. Summer was great with my garden and hobbies. When school opened, sick again. I had to resign for illnesses.
    Lost the best brother anyone could have in October. I am still grieving. During this time lost the best furry family member anyone could want. A sad year altogether, ending soon. Hope and pray 2024 will be better.

    Reply to Adeline Davidson

11. 2023 could have been better. My partner fell in the street and fractured her right shoulder. It’s an ongoing healing process but it’s been difficult for both of us. I’ve been having extensive dental work that’s cost a pretty penny. A very good thing that happened this year is finding Senior Planet, especially the Open Mic and Singer-songwriter evenings run by Maggie Rothwell. An opportunity to interact with other musicians and SP members has been wonderful for me.

    Reply to Corinne Curcio

12. Aw, thanks for the mention! We appreciate YOU, too; you’re a great editor!

    Reply to KATHLEEN DOHENY

13. 2023 was a pretty bad year for me and my wife. She lost her youngest son, the second child she’s lost, she was in the hospital for dehydration three times, she’s doing better, and she fell, cutting her head open. As for me, I’ve found out that I have a lot to learn as a care giver.
    2024 we’re hoping will be a much better year. All in all, we’re grateful for what do have but will be glad to see 2023 in the rear-view mirror.

    Reply to Bruce D Knoblock

    1. Bruce I’m so sorry to learn of your issues and hope 2024 is a better year for you and your wife.
       Caregiving can be a challenge, but AARP has free resources and information just a phone call away.
       Agents are available to take calls Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET at 1-877-333-5885. The support line is also available in Spanish, at 1-888-971-2013.

       Reply to Virge

14. I only joined Senior Planet about two weeks ago, so this is all still new to me. I will be joining in with the community today, time permitting.

    I would rate my year as a 3. Marriage problems, loss of my younger brother, ill health – you name it, I think I went through it. But, I do believe the worst is over. Here’s hoping for a better 2024!

    Reply to Kayne Bartlett

15. 2023 was a mostly good. I’m grateful for another year. I have good friends, a nice canine companion, ok financially, have a nice house, health is basically ok, my mind is sharp, have a good psychotherapist, take Tai Chi lessons, have a personal trainer.
    On the down side, my girlfriend has serious health issues and she’s the sole caregiver for her only sibling who has dementia and cannot perform any activities of daily living for herself. I am very lucky and God has been very good to me.

    Reply to Eric Albert

    1. Caring Kind (Alzheimer’s Fdn) might be able to help you and your partner with all the changes that happen with a loved ones mental health, as well as physical.

       Hoping for end to the wars, as well as heavy rains with flooding this New Year coming.

       On the better side, know i can get back to exercise with all Senior Planet offers, always makes one feel better.

       Grace n Peace, Lucy

       Reply to Lucy

    2. Thanks for asking! This year, my sweet mom died. She’d had a long, vibrant life; her last years diminished by dementia and poor mobility. In the end she needed 24/7 in-home care. Her death was protracted and hard; we need more reliable caregiving and more compassionate death options. The silver lining is my sisters and I are clearing my mom’s home and relishing the memories. It’s bittersweet, fun, sad and loving. We miss our mom but appreciate more than ever all she did for us. Bless all.

       Reply to Cheryl