How to not be a grumpy old woman (or man!)

Although I'm certainly not a grumpy old woman (and I don't plan to be one anytime soon), I feel that I have encountered my share of them and often feel rather dim-witted or downhearted afterward.

What can make old women grumpy?:

• Ill health or pain
• Loss of ability/function
• Grief or loneliness
• Boredom... or business
• Dissatisfaction with one's appearance
• Lack of sleep
• Lack of resources
• Jealousy
• Helplessness

There are a lot of things that can make women unhappy, and thus grumpy. Hell, I guess women can be grumpy for no apparent reason, although there may be one or more or of these reasons on the back burner. Any of these things might make a woman irritable, impatient, and plain grumpy.

With some reasons listed above, we can think about how to work with them to help women with their grumpiness.

• Find something positive - So your joints hurt, your hair isn't blond anymore, and you're old. You're alive, though, and there are still so many things to try to experience in the world. Hopefully you have a friend, food to eat, sunrises... and if you don't, then perhaps you can refer to some of the tips below. This might be easier said than done...
• Exercise! The benefits of exercise are endless. You can improve your general health, lose weight, get a great start to the morning, prevent the onset of diseases, and more! You can find a workout buddy and go out in the morning for a great start to the day.
• Eat good foods - Don't think that because you're old that you can eat whatever you want. You still need to maintain your health. Look at Jack Lalanne! He's 92 but he looks amazing because he drinks juice all the time. But you can let food be an indulgence every once in a while. Make it a date and go out for a good meal. Try a new restaurant or a kind of food that you're unfamiliar with.
• Take care of yourself - You can look great at any age... if you think you deserve it. Don't neglect your looks. Use moisturizers. Stay fit. Go shopping for new clothes.
• Keep in contact with people - Give your grandkid a call. Ask your kids to visit often. Be friendly to the mailpeople you see. Smile and talk with the people you do business with, even the bagboy at the grocery store. Don't have any family around? Join a senior center, fitness club, book groups, anything with other people. Maybe you can hire a friendly caregiver to keep you company and teach you some things. You might even want to get a pet!
• Try something different - Look into adult classes and try something you never thought you'd do. Take salsa classes, make jewelry... go skydiving! Travel and see places you've read about. Maybe you can try a new style of clothing. Don't exclude yourself from the riches that the world has to offer.
• Keep busy - Bored? There are so many things to do, even within the comfort of your own home. You can read a book, start an online business, or learn a new language. Away from home, there are a wealth of things to try (see above).
• Prioritize - Too much to do? Think about what you need to do and then what you want to do. Life is good, so spend it doing the things that you're passionate about.
• Seek help - Maybe you can't get over the loss of your spouse. You don't have as much money as you want or need. Either way, there are many professionals available to assist you, whether you need help with healthcare, finances, psychology, or other aspects of life.
• Try to see that people often have good intentions - I feel sometimes that older women will get short with me when I try to do good things for them. Yeah, so I'm not the smartest or the most able person, but I'm doing my best, and I just want you to know that.
• Remember that you're not too old for anything - Never let your age hold you back from anything that you want to do. There are people everywhere of almost any age who have done crazy and amazing things. Keep an open mind.