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Death Calculations

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Posted 8/2/2013 6:16 PM (GMT -5)
I turned 60 about a month ago. I'm more preoccupied than ever with death. At night when I lay my head on the pillow I start to do these weird calculations about how much time I may have left. I think that 10 years ago seemed like it was yesterday and that in that same amount of time I'll be 70 and could be gone by then. I'll think I may have only 10 winters and 10 summers left. I may be alive roughly 500 weeks more. You get it. I know it's sick but I do it anyway.
Posted 8/2/2013 10:15 PM (GMT -5)
I'm sorry to hear you're worrying about this!

As far as your statement that it's sick, we all worry about things we wish we didn't. I have some intrusive thoughts that scare me senseless. It's okay - you're in a place where people understand.

The thing is, 70 may be an average life expectancy, but I've started noticing that I know more and more people of what I used to consider extraordinary age. Late 80s, late 90s, even over 100. I know four people who are around 105 - and I live in a very rural area.

My 76 year old mother-in-law currently has a flower garden of over 400 plants that she keeps in perfect condition. No weeds dare peek their heads. And fertilizer? Psshhh... she's a home compost and keep your worms thriving woman. (And she's a diabetic breast cancer survivor who has been through congestive heart failure.)

I think part of it is that healthcare is so much better than it used to be. And since you're on an anxiety forum, I bet you pay attention to your health. lol!

So, if you're going to count those winters and summers, you probably need to add 20 or 30. :)

Honestly, I'm exactly the opposite. I find it exhausting to think about the years stretching out before me. I try not to think about anything past three months, because I panic if I do. Our minds are funny things, aren't they?
Posted 8/3/2013 12:41 AM (GMT -5)
Hi jerry,

It is not unusual for mature people to ponder their mortality. Everyone thinks about it from time to time. As people age, it is a natural concern/curiosity/fear to think of when their time will come.

However, if this is a thought that is becoming obsessive, and causing you to lose quality of life and sleep...then you will want to do all that you can to divert your thinking into something productive and positive.

When you have these troubling thoughts, try to counter them with statements such as "I have many years left to enjoy myself" or, "I do not have to worry about this for years to come."

You may also want to switch gears, and instead of worrying about how much time is left...start planning! Keep a journal next to your bed and start to write down the things that you would like to try or accomplish. You could even keep books on travel or hobbies and read up on these when the worries try to take over.

When you replace these things for the negative thinking patterns, your brain will eventually turn away from the anxious thoughts automatically, and you will find yourself more hopeful and excited about the future!

Post with us anytime...we are here to care and support!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 8/3/2013 1:01 AM (GMT -5)
Hey Jerry, You were Born once, You will die once, why do it every day, once is enough, Thats all God requires.

Larry 71 and counting! ***
Posted 8/3/2013 6:14 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Y'all,

I'm sixty-seven and my age is the least of my worries!  What troubles me is reacting to every little upheavel in my life...turning little things into gigantic things that would just blow over if I'd just leave them alone.  I'm trying hard to just learn to roll with the flow when the flow isn't going to drown me to begin with. 

I go to my local senior center for lunch and to visit with my friends and I know many people who consider me a "youngster."  There is a man there who is 97 years old...he takes the two hour bus trip to the casino once a week and has a great time!  He just recently bought fifteen pairs of jeans at the center garage sale and said he figured the jeans would give him many years of good wear!  Now that's thinking of living and not dying!  He is definitely planning ahead!

BTW, Larry, I love your answer to Jerry. 

Take care,  Joni

Posted 8/3/2013 3:24 PM (GMT -5)
By the way Joni, "Your Jail Bait" lolololo

Larry ***
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