How to live comfortably in "senior citizen" phase?

My wife recently, quipped jokingly, "the body parts where we do not apply some ointment, or pain reliever have become very minimal now". Very true! Senior citizens start getting pain and ailment all over the body, without any exemption. It starts with 'headache' to 'pain in the heal'. Like any engine getting rusted over it's lifespan, the body parts of human beings too get worn out, over a period. That is how God has designed us.

The pain and ailment are the results of the sedentary life that we live now (compared to our forefathers). Most of the time we cannot avoid such lifestyle, but we can do amends for this, by resorting to 'work-outs'. It need not necessarily be in 'gym'. There are so many 'easy-to-do' exercises (that can be carried out at our homes). But most of the time we invent excuses for not doing any exercise. Helping the spouse in house-hold chores is another 'important and pleasant exercise'. This way, we can make the spouse happy, thereby we also become happy.

We should make it a point to walk to the nearest shops (mom & pop stores, vegetable market). Walking for 30 minutes a day is considered to be one of the best work-outs, especially for senior citizens. Avoid using 2 wheeler or car for such trips.

We should never indulge in gossip. It corrupts the mind. We should meet with friends as much as possible and talk about topics of general interest. Try to help a friend if he needs it. That very gesture would make you immensely happy. After all, living a happy and contended life is of paramount importance and essence of life.

Indulge in watching movies, which you have missed in your 'prime time' of life. Thousands of good movies (old and new) and web series are now available at the press of a button. Believe me, that spending a few bucks on this is worth it. Those who have the reading habit, can find good books online as well as in book shops. I recently read "Ponniyin Selvan" (Tamil novel).

A major mistake that we 'senior citizens' generally make is, poking our nose into the affairs of our immediate family (son / daughter). It is their life and they know how to live their life. Gone are those days that the father dictates terms, even in trivial things in the son / daughter's life. Our duty and responsibility are to give them a decent life by giving proper education and good upbringing. Rest should be taken care of by the children, which they will most certainly. Get involved only if you are invited. Our relationship with son / daughter or for that matter grandchildren should be like water drops on lotus leaves.

All the more important is that we in our old age should be able to stand on our own legs (even if it is paining!). Sufficient fund for the rest of the life (it could be anything from 'a few months' to '40 years') should be set aside before retiring from active employment or earning period. We should never allow the children to throw us out on the street, by our faulty deeds (like surrendering everything in their name, thinking that they will take care of us).

Even if the spouse dies before us, we should be (to the maximum extent possible) able to take care of ourselves, on our own, though it is easily said than done. It is all in the mindset. If you are a theist, spend as much as time as possible, by engaging in spiritual activities.

We see postings and videos every day from every other person on how to alleviate pain and ailments in the old age. I have also added my name in the list.....!