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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The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.