I often hear women in their 70s and older say, “Old Age is such an annoyance”.

You know the saying, “Life’s what you make of it?” This is not only a phrase, it’s also true.

You may not be able to do much, but you can often change your life if you are willing to try. If you decide to try, you may be able do much more than you thought possible. Even the simple act of TRYING can be energizing.

Consider the things that are said about older people and how to deal with them.

I’m a Victim: While there are many noncompos-mentis people, those of us with a good sense are able to detect phishing schemes from a distance. Anyone with a sound mind wouldn’t respond to an e-mail from Nigeria, or anywhere else for that matter, promising us millions from a deceased uncle (we didn’t have) in exchange for $500.

Instead: Buy a few shares of McDonald’s and see it grow. You can start right away. You can open an account with Schwab, or any other investment firm.

When I was young and poor, but still hopeful, I put $200 in McDonalds stocks that I could not afford. The stock continues to increase. The stock I bought is worth much more than what I paid. I’ve given some shares to my grandchildren. As the commercial on TV for the chicken-fryer suggests, you can “set it and forget about it.” It is not too late for you to buy a chicken fryer, despite your age.

Isolation: Many older singles looking for love join dating sites in the hope of meeting a partner. Possible? Of course. Likely? No. In more than one episode of Dr. Phil, he has shown how seniors looking for love can get the ride of their life in terms of finances. The loneliness that can result in desperation is sad.

Instead, volunteer to help those who have greater emotional needs than yourself. We may discover the love that we desire by giving ourselves. When we give to others, there are so many gifts that come our way.

Living a life of memories: For many older adults, memories are all they have to keep them busy. Many older adults don’t know that they could get a job or volunteer if they were mentally and physically capable. The job doesn’t really matter as long as the emotional satisfaction is there.

In a Shark Tank TV show, a woman was knitting purses for a living and looking for other women to work with her. The woman went to an older retirement community nearby and discovered a wealth of women over 50 who were skilled knitters and paid well. Everyone was happy, but most importantly the retirees found new meaning in their lives. Their personalities also came to life. Because they felt and looked better, it was because they had been useful. The “nudge” they received helped them get back in the “real world”.

Instead: Find a job. Any job will do. The government’s leisure-oriented retirement leads to a decline. Never underestimate the importance of working for both your body and mind. You can’t afford to lose your brain.

Sadness loves company. I dislike the fact that retirement communities, government-sponsored programs and other senior services offer too many chances to meet “misery likes company” friends. It may be a way to promote camaraderie, but it is not good for you.

Instead: Create your own senior center of rebels who are determined to overcome life’s roadblocks, embrace the benefits of advanced age and serve “non members.”

In many ways yes, old age is a pain. It doesn’t need to be. There are many ways to improve “old age”, and make it more enjoyable for you and other people, if you’re mentally capable. Never think that you’re “too older” to accomplish what your soul or psyche is begging for. Dare to be brave. You can do it!