Aging: Expectations vs Reality

Donna Nichols • July 23, 2021

When we were young, we had these expectations of how our lives would be when we were older.

How did that work out for you?

Not even close in my case!

I was going to have a big, beautiful house with servants, be a full-time writer, have lots of money (without having to work for it), be able to do whatever I want any time I want, have a great husband, and look like a supermodel.

Well, I do have a great husband!

Sometimes you just have to laugh at the things life throws at you, otherwise, you’ll be miserable. You have to remember, things always work out the way they are supposed to, there is a plan for everything.

Remember when we were young and we walked along the curb or ran up or down the stairs?

Now we have to look down at the curb and step up or down ever so carefully and forget about stairs!!

Who would have thought curbs and stairs would be scary?!?!? You can actually throw a hip out just by stepping off a curb!

What the?

I remember when I was a teenager and I thought 70 was so old , HA! Now, when I hear someone passed away at 70 years-old, I think, Oh my, they are so young! Funny how things change over the years.

Aging: Expectation vs Reality

I like what Neil Gaiman said, 

“There are things I miss about being younger - chiefly the ability to pull all-nighters and keep working and working well; and being smiled at by girls I didn’t know who thought I was cute; and I wish I had the eyesight I had even five years ago… but that stuff feels pretty trivial.”

Remember when you were younger and you’d get off work, go out for dinner or eat at home, then go out and do something, go to a club, play golf, walk on the beach, anything?

Or how about traveling? Do you still do that like you did when you were younger?

How long has it been since you started a new hobby? No, not thought about it, actually started it.

We all have good intentions, like starting a new hobby, we think, Oh, I’d love to start doing this or that, but what happens? You eat dinner, clean up, watch the news and are ready for bed at 8:00 p.m. HA! I know I am!

The energy level is gone!!

Also, how about sitting up all night watching tv. Now, it’s too uncomfortable to sit in a chair and watch tv, so you watch it from your bed. How did that work for you? How much of the show or movie did you miss?

I usually pass out within fifteen (15) minutes. Gotta love getting old.

When you were young you never had to write your passwords or phone numbers down, now it’s like you have to have a book for everything!! I have to write down EVERY phone number AND have them stored in my phone.

Passwords, forget about it!! I try to pick the easiest ones I can think of so I can remember them. If you do write down your passwords, PLEASE make sure they are in a safe place!!

There are so many expectations we had when we were young that do not turn out like they were supposed to, but that is life and you have to laugh about it or you will shrivel up and die.

I want to leave you with a couple of closing thoughts.

Not everyone gets the privilege of getting old. Do whatever it takes to enjoy it.

If you’re looking for other senior living articles and resources then click here.

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.

Eleanor Roosevelt

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322 or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.

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What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.