I am 73 years old. Like most who have lived this long, I have been confronted with events that have been both mentally disturbing and physically challenging. In my case, the breaking of all the spurs at the base of my spine caused an instant change in my mobility and lifestyle, altering my awareness of how quickly your comfort zone can change.

Lucky for me, my support base was efficient and my attitude was a sense of control. Later in life, my commitments both physically and financially increased. With my partner gone and my home mortgage level a financial burden even when I was employed, I...