We all have things we might like to change about our physical bodies and we can to some degree though diet, exercise, make-up, cosmetic surgery, and other ways.  No matter how we change the outside if we never change the inside, we never really change.

As we age we feel even more insecure about our physical bodies. Age brings a whole new set of problems and worries that we have never faced before. Everyone gets older, it is part of the cycle of life.  Some people cope better than others.

Being single and getting older has its special challenges.  Who is going to help you when you are sick?  Who is going to encourage you when you are depressed? Having a partner or family as a support system is important.

We have to learn to accept our bodies as the temporary vessels that wear out. Enjoy life while you are young, but take care of your body as you will live in it a long time.  

You’re single and think there must be something wrong with you for not being married. Then you get depressed about it and withdraw from friends and family, when you need them the most. On the outside you may be functioning normally, but inside you’re dying to find love and don’t know where to begin. The choices seem overwhelming and you’re afraid they will lead to a dead end anyway, so you withdraw.

Don’t withdraw or develop destructive habits. Stay positive and engage with people in healthy activities. Get a hobby that will connect you to other people, join a professional club, gym, or go to a church. Do volunteer work regularly.

I had a battle with the single blues for many years. At work, I was fine, but then I would go home and withdraw from everyone. Because of my inactivity, I gained weight which was beginning to affect my health.

Finally, to end my withdrawn state, I starting going regularly to a non-smoking venue that gave country/western dance lessons once a week. I stumbled though the dance lessons and frustrated the instructors with my lack of coordination. The dancing began after the lesson and it took me three months to get the courage to get on the dance floor and dance with someone.

After country dancing for a while, I started learning ballroom dancing with the local ballroom association. They also offered Argentine Tango, so I started taking tango classes.  Later, I found another group that swing danced, so I joined that group.

Reconnecting with people through dance helped me to overcome the single blues. Dance helped me to regain my health and gave me a new confidence. It challenged my mind and body. There are many ways to overcome the single blues, find something that interests you.

Everywhere I have lived, I always find a safe place to get out and walk regularly. Whether the streets of a quiet neighborhood, a greenway trail or a city park, it has always been important to me to find someplace to walk regularly.      

Near where I live in Raleigh NC, Lake Johnson park is a nice place to relax and enjoy being outside. It has a multi-purpose building with a boat dock, concession stand, meeting room, and outdoor deck. There is also a long walking bridge/pier that is popular with men and women who enjoy fishing from the side rails.   

The Lake Johnson trail is a popular afternoon destination for walkers, runners, people with dogs, and the occasional bicyclist. The paved section is about 3 miles around the lake and walking at a medium pace it takes me about one hour and ten minutes to complete the loop.

You will see people of every size and description making the trek around the trail.  People play catch with their dogs by throwing things in the water for the dog to retrieve. Mothers and fathers are pushing strollers, cute girls and handsome men are running, seniors are walking, and a multitude of languages being spoken as people stroll by.

Walking has always been an important part of my physical exercise and a way to relieve mental stress. During the winter, it is often a challenge to schedule walks when the weather is good, but walking during the longer evenings of summer is a pleasure. So get out and walk, it does your mind and body good.

All my life, I have taken good care of my teeth with regularly scheduled dental cleanings and checkups. So today I went to my bi-annual dental cleaning appointment, a round trip of about 375 miles. You must think I live in a very rural area without a dentist nearby, but that is not true. There are many dentists in Raleigh, NC area where I live.

Currently, I do not have dental insurance, so I kept my appointment with my dentist in Charlotte, NC, a round trip about 375 miles. Even with the gas expense, it was more cost effective for me not to change dentists at this time.

When seeing a new dentist they want to take current x-rays, perform a full examination, do the dental cleaning, and give a recommendation of needed dental procedures.  All this doesn’t come cheap, about $300 or more. Some dental offices require two appointments: one for the examination and recommendations; another for the dental cleaning.

Once you are an established patient, seeing the Hygienist for a dental cleaning will cost $100 or so. Having a good Hygienist who takes the time and care needed to do a thorough cleaning is important in helping to minimize dental problems that might develop later. Not all Hygienist are equally skilled and caring, so find someone you like and trust with your dental health and keep regularly scheduled appointments with them.

Driving the long distance to my dentist did have another benefit.  On the way back, there was an evening milonga in one of the towns I drive though, so I stopped and enjoyed some tango dancing. I was planning to go anyway, so I was able to combine the two trips. Tango is often danced in close embrace, so having good dental health will be appreciated by your partner.