Maintaining our mental well-being as we age.

Dr. Monte Peterson feels that flexibility and adaptability are critical personality dimensions of successful aging.  Older persons who lack optimism, humor and relatedness find it difficult to be flexible and & adaptable and may be at risk for emotional collapse. 
I fully agree with the above.  When we are older, physical, social and monetary limitations may be placed on us.  It would certainly be beneficial to get passed these limitations or accept them by being adaptable and flexible.  For example, learning to live on a smaller income or substituting walking for running.
In the book "Secrets of Becoming a Late Bloomer", men & women who have found ways to make their later years rewarding are interviewed.  The authors give four dimensions of their "secret of attitude".  1.Learn to appreciate and respect your age,  2.Understand and respect the reality you find yourself in, including whatever circumstances you haven't the power to change,  3. Recognize what's within your power to change and  4.Remember that what is always within your power is the ability to modify your attitude toward a person, circumstance or an event.