In many ways it's easier for me because of my age...I had more years of good physical health/mobility than many people.
My own belief is I have a shade of depression that is different from the depression I struggle with from my abuse.

The stronger emotion I feel is grief...
I was also very athletic; soccer and basketball were favorites.
Soccer was a mixed league with nothing given to any woman on the field...it was hard play and exhilarating and I loved every aspect of it.
I was devastated when I had to give it up.

At times I still weep for the things that were taken from me. It also forced early retirement from my career as a psych nurse. This still hurts me deeply...

But yeah, I get very depressed when I'm in pain, can't pick up and leave whenever I so desire, have to ask for help when I'm used to giving it.
OTOH, I've met incredibly courageous people of all ages. I've also met some incredibly stupid people...
Asking me what happened makes me nearly as angry as when I'm asked if I ever helped one of my wounded die when I was in Nam.
There are some things that should not be asked, and I don't give a flying flip about the chance to "educate" that ignorant person.

I deflect some of the worse attitudes with humor or get-in-their-face.

Thanks for this post, Christina.
It's teaching me about younger people and their difficulties--what isn't presented to the public in general.
Perhaps someone will learn that us seniors have our own heartaches.
BTW, I am so sorry for the reactions of those seniors. Not all of us old broads are cluck-clucks.

Peace and power,
Cap