I’ve been keeping a secret from my adult children for years — here’s what they don’t know about my life

Living alone at 86 means lying is sometimes necessary. I don’t intend to deceive, but avoiding certain conversations with my adult daughters—who monitor my well-being—makes it easier. They want reassurance that I’m staying healthy and active, but their expectations differ from those of my aging friends. So, I navigate these demands with small, indirect lies to keep the peace. (Video: Getty Images)