Ok, so how do you survive in France?

SORRY, Pamela.
I have just re-read your post and now realise that when I replied early (TOO EARLY) this morning I had completely misunderstood your wording.

It was the DREAM that lasted 59 years, n'est ce pas?

I stupidly took it to be the sum total of two periods of your actually living here.

Rest of my answer still applies - any help I can give is yours for the asking.

Rest of my answer still applies - any help I can give is yours for the asking.

Lots of exercise and a positive attitude, as often as possible anyway!