Longevity brings with it a daunting array of problems; disabilities, loneliness, loss of independence, to name a few. As though I needed reminders, I am assaulted by TV ads for pills to improve my unreliable memory, exercise regimes to revive my atrophying muscles, tasteless “revolutionary” remedies for my recalcitrant GI system, and if all else fails, “a place for Mom.”
Not to minimize the difficulties of aging. Growing old is difficult. It requires all the judgment, forbearance 
and courage I can muster. Some days I cope, others I struggle. But longevity has given me the most precious gift of all; the gift of time. Time to watch our grandchildren grow, to share simple pleasures with my family, to travel, make new friendships and rekindle old ones. To learn new skills. To reflect.
The time to relax my lifelong chokehold on “doing. To learn to simply “be.”
First of all, I’ve really been enjoying your blog. And second, I’m not sure how the internet is supposed to figure these things out … but if you’re feeling at all bad about all of the pharmaceutical ads aimed at you (and I know you aren’t really :), just know that Adam and I are getting constant ads for colitis, psoriatic arthritis, numerous drugs for bipolar disorder (?!), and a veritable smorgasbord other ailments that we haven’t got … so I think the algorithm needs some work!