Aging can bring changes to people's bodies, minds and relationships — changes that many are often not prepared for.

Erlene Rosowsky, a clinical psychologist who specializes in aging , says many people don't see these changes coming because society is obsessed with youth. The emphasis is on all things "anti-aging," she says — not the realities of getting older.

"There is a lot of ageism in society, which bolsters the illusion of control and avoiding it," Rosowsky says.

But once people begin to experience some of the realities of aging, they may find that younger folks don't really get it.

A couple of years ago, my mom, then in her early 80s, was given a slate of knee exercises to do to keep her mobile. "I've realized I'll have to do these exercises for the rest of my life!" she announ

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