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When we’re really young, we worry about almost nothing. Once we have children, a lot of new worries begin and they don’t seem to slow down as we continue getting older. At least not for me.
Factor in health, money, and grandchildren… and it’s not easy sometimes. In fact, all of this is exactly why I made the DevotedGrandma website. I wanted a place and community exclusively for us grandmas to find help, support, and, of course, fun ideas and ways to better connect with our amazing grands.
That said, my worrying was getting a lot worse up til about a year ago when I began making changes.
So I want to share some of my top worries as a grandma and how I handle them. I hope that my insights can offer some guidance and inspiration to you as we navigate this exciting, challenging, and rewarding chapter of our lives!
1. Health
Maintaining good health is essential for aging gracefully.
You know that, I know that, everyone knows that. But it’s still really easy to let ourselves go.
Prioritize your health by eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly. I also go to my doctor’s appointments and get my recommended health screenings, and recommend you do the same!
It can be scary but it’s so important. I have a couple of friends from church that just refuse to go. I worry about them so much. We have to stay on top of our health!
The healthier you become, the better you feel, and the happiest you are!
2. Safety
Staying safe is another concern.
It doesn’t help that we tend to be the targets, both online and offline. I even shared my own story about getting scammed and what I did about it.
To feel more secure, here are a few things you can do:
- Keep emergency contacts on hand: Make sure you have a list of emergency contacts and keep it in a visible place, like on your fridge or by your phone.
- Stay socially active: Being around others is a great way to stay safer and connected so people will know if something is wrong.
- Avoid scams: Seniors should be cautious of scams and frauds, especially those related to finances or healthcare.
- Practice safe driving: Seatbelts, glasses (if you wear them), etc.
- Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
There are plenty of other ways, but those are just a few.
3. Finances
In today’s world, it’s more expensive than ever but there are also new ways to save money, make money, and manage money!
There are apps like Mint, EveryDollar, and YNAB (You Need A Budget) that make managing money so much easier than the old fashioned ways. There are also more side gigs than ever before – here are 13 ideas just about any grandma can do.
Feeling financially secure is, as we both know, important. I know it isn’t easy.
4. Grandchildren’s Well-being
I love my grandkids and worry about their well-being way too much. I do my best to stay involved in their lives, listen to their concerns, and provide guidance when needed. You should also make sure to respect their boundaries and let them live their own lives of course!
Staying connected and being there for them helps me feel more fulfilled and less anxious about their future.
That’s pretty much what the entire DevotedGrandma website is all about!
5. Social Isolation
Social isolation is a common concern for seniors, especially after retirement. To combat loneliness, stay connected with friends and family by calling or texting regularly, attending social events, and joining groups or clubs that interest you. I also recommend volunteering in your community and participating in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Staying active and involved can help us maintain a positive outlook and feel more connected to the world around us!
You are always welcome to email me if you’re just looking for someone to talk to. <3
6. Aging
Aging is an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t make it easy.
However, I try to view it as a new chapter in my life rather than something negative. I focus on staying active, engaged, and learning new things to keep my mind and body sharp. I also try to make sure to get enough sleep and take care of myself emotionally by seeking help if I need it.
Keyword: TRY! It can be tough. But those simple tips help quite a bit. At the end of the day, Age is just a number.
7. Caregiving
Depending on your age, it could weigh on you that you’ll be a burden to your family some day. I know none of us want to end up being forced into a nursing home. It’s one of the biggest fears we all have.
By talking to your family now, you can avoid extra stress if or when that time comes. Research all the caregiving options – you might learn that there are some much better options nowadays than a long time ago.
Maybe some day they’ll make nursing homes a lot more fun so we won’t dread it lol
8. Technology
Technology is continuously changing, and it’s something that can feel overwhelming. However, I try to stay informed and educated about new technology and how to use it. I also ask for help from family or friends if I need it.
Learning new technology can be intimidating, but it can also be so fun and connect us with people all over.
If you use a computer, I recommend NordVPN’s Threat Protection first and foremost. That way you can explore all the websites you want without worrying about getting hacked, scammed, or any other number of annoying situations.
My most important advice here is: don’t fear technology! You’re (usually) not going to break anything at all, so see what you enjoy. I taught myself how to make a website after all… who would’ve thought?
Note: the NordVPN link is an affiliate link. If you use it (highly recommended) you are supporting the DevotedGrandma website because I get a small commission. Thank you!
9. Travel
I love to travel in theory but I worry about all the details. So much.
Thankfully these days there are so many resources out there. We can better understand the area, book accommodations that work best for our situation, and generally just be more prepared.
I promise you that any anxiety you’re feeling about travel and thinking you can’t do it, everyone else is feeling the same! Nobody likes the traveling part, but the destination is worth it.
Use sites like OnlyInYourState.com to find wonderful places to visit, then check Yelp, TripAdvisor, Booking, and other sites to make sure they have good reviews. The Internet has so may resources to make take the anxiety away.
10. Grief and Loss
And finally, perhaps the worst one. Seeing those that I went to school with or, even worse, in my family pass away is just really hard. Even though I know they’re in a better place, it doesn’t make it much easier.
By having a solid support group and talking about positive memories and experiences with them, it helps so much. Keeping our loved ones alive through our memories is so valuable.
Grandmothers have a lot to worry about as we age, but by taking practical steps to address our concerns, we can enjoy our golden years with greater peace of mind.
Whether it’s prioritizing our health, staying connected with loved ones, managing our finances, or planning for the future, there are many ways to tackle our worries and maintain a positive outlook on life.
Let’s continue to support and uplift one another as we navigate this exciting chapter of our lives! Together, we can overcome our worries and enjoy the many blessings that come with being a grandma.
