With the Lenten season upon us, I have heard folks discussing what they might give up between Ash Wednesday and Easter.

One man joked that as he has aged, he's had to give up so much, he has nothing left to sacrifice.

That comment brought to mind a couple in their 70s, friends of ours, who no longer travel because they say packing all their medications and medical devices is too much trouble.

Canes and braces, sleep apnea machines and glucose monitors make life easier and more comfortable at home, but they're a pain to take along on a journey, say many older adults who rely on such equipment to keep them safe and healthy.

Other seniors don't want to venture too far away from their doctors and familiar hospitals.

I'm not one to give up easily, so I disagree with older adults who claim they have to give up activities they enjoy as they age.

Adapting is the key to having our proverbial cake and eating it, too.

Recently, my husband and I took a one-night bus trip to a wonderful, historic resort in the mountains of New York.

The bus was full, and I would guess about 90 percent of the travelers were older than 60. I've noticed the same population on day trips, also by bus.

That makes sense because as people age they tend to drive less. They also drive shorter distances.

Thus a comfortable, relaxing motor coach becomes the vehicle of choice for older adults not ready to stay home for the rest of their lives.

We are fortunate to live in an area that's just a short distance from many worthwhile travel destinations.

While many sites can be visited in a day, others offer an opportunity to spend just a night or two away from home and yet make us feel as though we have taken a delightful weeklong journey.

We are also fortunate to have three major bus companies in the Lehigh Valley area, all of which can transport us on one-day getaways or multiday excursions.

For older folks who no longer can drive, local public buses are a godsend. And they are free for anyone over 65.

Three of my neighbors who don't drive use LANTA buses to go everywhere, from grocery shopping to doctors' visits to the malls to Musikfest to college classes.

One woman rides the bus daily to a senior center to play cards and have lunch.

These seniors travel from their Allentown homes to Emmaus or Schnecksville or Bethlehem or Easton as easily as if they had cars.

Another friend who loves cinema and tries to see most new movies has had to adapt in order to continue an activity she enjoys.

Because of failing eyesight she no longer drives at night. But matinee shows at several local theaters allow her to see movies in the daytime, when they also cost less.

A woman who used to walk several miles most days of the week did not want to give up her favorite exercise when she developed foot and joint problems that hampered her mobility.

Now she walks in the malls, where benches are placed at frequent intervals. She sits and rests when necessary, enjoying the mall's climate-controlled environment and feeling of safety.

Countless easy riders of baby boomer age are trading their bikes for trikes, those popular three-wheeled motorcycles that offer greater stability and safety.

As our aging muscles weaken and our balance is compromised, trikes offer a wonderful solution for older riders who aren't ready or willing to give up the exhilarating feeling of freedom only a motorcycle can deliver.

If reading has been a favorite pastime over the years, diminished eyesight need not curtail this satisfying activity.

One man who has early-stage macular degeneration bought a magnifying lamp which provides both magnification and bright LED lighting, allowing him to once again read without frustration.

When faced with the challenges of advancing age, don't give up and don't give in.

Adapt. And keep on going.