As I'm watching my mother decline with age as well as dementia, its made me consider my own mortality and that I might need assistance in the future. Both my mother as well as my deceased mother in law have clung to old ways and have stubbornly resisted any sort of change, which is placing a larger burden on them as well as their kids. My mother in particular has always been all about appearances, and being perfect so she won't change anything that might imply a change in status (eg moving from her too big/too complicated house into an apartment because apartments are for "poor people").
It seems to me that the habits you encourage during middle age helps or hinders the way you deal with old age. My dad was always curious and engaged with the world, and not afraid to look silly trying new things. He was quite with it until his last days. My mother has refused to learn anything new, won't even look at a computer, doesn't understand much of the world and it makes it so hard to see her struggle with even simple things (like using a TV remote). The dementia has lowered her already low frustration level (she only eats ready to go food, as heating food or opening a can is a struggle).
I've always examined how and why I do things, and figured out how to streamline so that I don't use brain power repetitively on the same tasks -like using lists for everything. This is a bit of effort to start up, but saves time and mental energy going forward. I use habits a lot so that I don't really have to think about doing the right thing. I've also made it a habit to regular go through things and purge items. I keep asking myself does this habit/thing/routine continue to serve me on a regular basis.
What other things do you do/see other people do that contribute to a resilient old age?