Optimism for the western pessimist: it coukd be worse - I could have been born a child in Darfur

Oh, and I meant to relate that to the section on being logical. If I am working with somebody that is not stubborn and willing to accept that someday they might get bed sores and they might want to prevent that with a simple solution. Acceptance is key to this growing old process, but it is media controlled perceptions that are life altering. Thanks for this article.

Over the years as a caregiver, nurse assistant, I have found the air pressure mattress or air pressure mattress pad best for preventing future bed sores. Medicare should cover it in most cases.

This is a very informative article to those of us "on the other side of the proverbial hill" and to their families. It gives us common sense action that we can do something about ourselves. It gives final control back to those who feel everything is being taken away. I believe there should be more "positive" influence given to those experiencing the tough process of aging.

I like the article but it's just very hard to adopt these ideas. I am 53 and I feel 83. I have fibromyagia and my husband had a stroke. He gets around pretty good but he also has othe issues because of the stroke so I have to work through pain and meds to get things done. I also am raising my grandaughter, she's 9 and I've been raising her since 3 after her mother/my daughter passed away at 23 . I still feel the pain of that everyday. So reading your article on paper sounds good but how to make this work in my everyday life. The article again is great but not for everyone. Please write a part 2 of this article and include the real people that are living in pain mentally that's causing physical pain and inflictions.
Thank you.............................

Thank you for sharing Dr. Jeste's insights with us. I'll admit to being somewhat surprised (I thought he was going to say things about eating right and exercising and socializing) but what he says makes sense. Attitude really is the most important factor.

Easier said than done.

I am a priest and a psychotherapist, and I am 87 years old. I want to confirm everything Dr.Jeste says. And I am living through it! I encourage all who read this article to ponder it deeply.

All these wonderful methods of growing old and enjoying your golden years are often repeated. They are simple on paper (oops-screen!) but the "how" to adopt these methods eludes many of us.....like eating right and exercising as the cure for being overweight.

The only way to actually live these truths is to live in the "now". It can also be called....mindfulness.