It's Difficult to Age and Face Changes

The challenges that come with growing old.

Changing and Aging

I am 82 years old and fortunate to be in good health, except for one challenge. I have peripheral neuropathy. According to the Mayo Clinic, the peripheral nervous system carries information between the brain and spinal cord, which make up the central nervous system, and the rest of the body. It does this through motor nerves that control movement and sensory nerves that send messages about touch, pain, and temperature. One of my symptoms is poor balance, which sometimes leads to falling. This makes living alone more difficult. Simple tasks, like stepping off a curb to cross the street, require extra care. Snow and ice are even more dangerous for me than for most people.

Last night, with the help of my wonderful family, I moved into a retirement community. It is a very nice place, and the evening was an adventure. Later, I took my dog, Nikki, for a walk. The automatic doors worked fine when I went outside, but when I tried to come back in, my electronic key fob did not work. It was a Sunday night, and no one was at the front desk. I stood outside in the freezing 20-degree weather, unsure of what to do. Then I used my iPhone to call my daughter, who came right away to help me. Just as she arrived, a staff member who was about to go home came to the door and let me in. In the end, all three of us walked inside together.

Adjusting to a new living environment is never easy, but it can be especially difficult and confusing when you are in your eighties or older. Everything is unfamiliar—the layout of the building, the new faces, and even the daily routines. Simple tasks that once felt automatic, like finding your way around, suddenly require effort and concentration. I have spent my whole life building routines that make me feel comfortable and secure, and now, in this new place, I have to start all over again.

There is also a sense of loss that comes with such a big change. I no longer wake up in my old home, surrounded by memories and familiar surroundings. Instead, I must learn to make this new space feel like home. It takes time to adjust, to form new habits, and to build connections with neighbors who are also going through their own transitions. Socially, it can be difficult as well. While I am fortunate to have family support, I still need to put in the effort to meet people, find common ground, and establish friendships.

This small episode with my key fob was just one example of the unexpected challenges that come with change. There will be more moments of confusion, frustration, and uncertainty. But I remind myself that this is a process. Each day, I will become a little more familiar with my surroundings, a little more comfortable in my new routine, and a little more at home. I am grateful for my family, for Nikki, and for the kindness of others who step in when needed. As I continue to navigate this new stage of life, I know there will be more adventures ahead, both difficult and rewarding.