I just made it to my 76th year of life! Cue the 76 trombones as a fanfare!!

Immediately after the number 76 enters my mind the word “trombone” follows it. Who can forget that rousing line from the song in THE MUSIC MAN.

I am just beginning to feel joyous about being another year older, especially since I feel like I’ve aged much more that one year.

The last year of my life-year 75-was difficult for me as it was for everyone. My grandchildren felt cheated of their year of junior high school, high school, and college. My children had to cope with difficulties as well. My heart was sad for them. There was too much sadness.

Each of us had our own burdens. I stayed home most of the time and sad to say I felt less inclined to exercise, to get things done around the house, and to eat healthy foods. I missed going to the Senior Center, the gym, seeing my Tai Chi friends, going to church, traveling, and doing volunteer work. I missed the theater, ball games, and the museums. I missed seeing my extended family and seeing my children and grandchildren as often as I used to see them. I stayed home because I did not like wearing a mask and because many places were shut down and because I did not want to get COVID-19.

Finally, I was able to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It was such a relief!

How have I fared since then? Now I feel safe to get out. At first it was hard to get out and about after being at home so much. I almost felt disengaged. I still wore a mask at first. Getting past that notion of wearing a mask every where was stressful.

What has been the effect of basically losing a year? Others I talk to that are my age feel the same as I do-that we have aged more than a year. I ate too much, sat too much, was alone too much, and had too few activities, so I am paying the price. It became easier to not go out for a walk or do other exercise. My stamina is not as good as it was. I feel stiffer and less mobile. Even my balance is not as good as it was. I tire easier than before COVID hit. At times I feel “fuzzy” in the brain. Of course, when I first began to get out again, I was depressed because of the change in my abilities since 2019.

As I began to socialize again and get out more, I slowly moved past my depression and concern. Now I feel happy and confident and ready to face the world. Recently my sister and her family and my family finally were able to see each other again after over a year. What an exciting day. The children had grown and we had a great time catching up on everything.

I have heard that when you get older, you must not stop being active and now I really believe this is true. Now I am on a new path. Walk, move, go, stretch, see, and do whatever one is able to do, but do not stop. Hopefully, the aches and pains and fuzziness will start to be less noticeable. Even if they are still there, I will not give up.

SO CUE THE TROMBONES. I am glad and proud to be 76 years old and ready to get back to being Donna.