Even though I’m 86, I intend to remain active, healthy, and happy. However, aches, pains, and anxiety can get in the way. If the mind-body connection is valid, and research suggests it is, I’ve been experimenting with three practices.
Todays comment is for me quite a change in behavior as I usually after washing my hair don’t go outside as it’s still drying without applying some kind of technique to help it look more fashionable. Completely unnecessary. Just brushing well makes it shine and that is as fashionable as I need it. and then not using any make up only a little Chapstick on my lips so that they don’t chap! Kind of simple but at first, I felt a little shy about going out and doing things like that but now I feel a lot more natural just my little thing for today hopefully, I’ll do it again. Thanks for the screwing me on and many others.
This is brilliant, Janice! You are so wise and helpful to us olders! I look forward to your posts every week. I am not sure what 86 sounds like, but you do not sound like 86 to me. Proof that YOU are aging well , if you ask me.
You are so inspiring Janice. Thank you for your honesty too. I too suffer with anxiety and assumed that there was something wrong with me, but I see more and more that anyone can be affected, even a psychologist. Thanks too for suggesting Qi Gong. I wonder if you have any recommendations as YouTube is a bit overwhelming these days.
Hi Silvana, For YouTube, I’ve been watching Ksensy. She has numerous short videos to watch. I’ve also watched the Satori method, but I didn't like it as well. Lots of people do, though. When I type in the word QiGong, I get lots of options.
Thank you. I appreciate hearing from someone who has been down the road a little further than me. I have also like Qi. The one I use is a morning detox which I did learn from a YouTube video. I have been doing it since August. I have been healthier than other winters. Don't know for sure if that is the reason, but I will keep doing it because I like it.
Hi Julie, That’s good to hear about having a healthier winter. This one was a rough one for me. I also like it and will keep doing it and maybe it will help.
I got up this morning to find a mouse drowned in my bathroom toilet and the news of two world leaders clashing dangerously. Then I read your post. For me too, that observing non-judgmentally is the greatest challenge. I am 87 this month. I too am interested in Qi Gong, though I have not yet developed my daily routine with that practice. I too benefit from breathing, meditations, and mindfulness practices. You wrote in reply to a comment below, "I must confess it takes more diligence than I planned initially." I do so agree with that for myself too.
I recently changed one aspect of my life that has made a new difference for me. I have sought more help to run my household. This past year I have experienced more arthritis pain than in previous years. I have slowed down and it was taking me almost all the hours in my days to manage my household. I live alone with a dog, two cats and two chickens. A short drive away I care for my 2 horses, a farm cat, and I ride a horse out once or twice a week. Now I am paying for helpers with all of the house and animal care and management. If I were in a care home I would be spending a great deal more on my care.
Now I am paying much less than care home would cost in order to free myself up for the activities I love, being with the animals and water colour sketching and to ensure that I can live in my own home independently. I can now do about 5 watercolour sketches a week with great enjoyment where it was hard to get to that activity before I hired some help.
Thank you, Janice for your inspiring and encouraging writing. I will get back more seriously now to the Qi Gong routine.
Hi Sylvia, I have found qiGong to be very helpful in many ways - at least so far. My daughter and I met this afternoon for our daily art time- ours is with acrylic paints. I love the idea of paying for helpers that allow us to do more of what we want. Take care.
When my parents and I visited San Fransisco a few times a year we always admired the Qi Gong and Tai Chi students in the park. It was the only time my mother considered doing exercise. She promised that if I found a way to move and live in California she would join me in the park for exercising. I'm not giving up... if the opportunity presents itself I will be going to that same park one day and imagine that she's with me 'exercising.' Nice article.
This is great Janice! Thanks for sharing Tracy's essay with us. I took a Qigong class a few years ago and it was very interesting. I look forward to hearing more about how it's going for you.
Ride like the wind! I just came home from my first "e-trike" ride of the season and I told my husband I feel 40 again... well, maybe 60... and I'm pushing 80 this year. There is still snow on the ground and it's 42 degrees but on my rides I am so fully present with myself that I feel like a new person inside. Who would think that would ever happen?! Magic is in my body again!!
Even though I’m 86, I intend to remain active, healthy, and happy. However, aches, pains, and anxiety can get in the way. If the mind-body connection is valid, and research suggests it is, I’ve been experimenting with three practices.
Todays comment is for me quite a change in behavior as I usually after washing my hair don’t go outside as it’s still drying without applying some kind of technique to help it look more fashionable. Completely unnecessary. Just brushing well makes it shine and that is as fashionable as I need it. and then not using any make up only a little Chapstick on my lips so that they don’t chap! Kind of simple but at first, I felt a little shy about going out and doing things like that but now I feel a lot more natural just my little thing for today hopefully, I’ll do it again. Thanks for the screwing me on and many others.
This is brilliant, Janice! You are so wise and helpful to us olders! I look forward to your posts every week. I am not sure what 86 sounds like, but you do not sound like 86 to me. Proof that YOU are aging well , if you ask me.
Hi Sharron, Thank you. I must confess it takes more diligence than I planned initially.
You are so inspiring Janice. Thank you for your honesty too. I too suffer with anxiety and assumed that there was something wrong with me, but I see more and more that anyone can be affected, even a psychologist. Thanks too for suggesting Qi Gong. I wonder if you have any recommendations as YouTube is a bit overwhelming these days.
Hi Silvana, For YouTube, I’ve been watching Ksensy. She has numerous short videos to watch. I’ve also watched the Satori method, but I didn't like it as well. Lots of people do, though. When I type in the word QiGong, I get lots of options.
Thanks for the recommendation Janice. Ksensy looks like just the kind of thing I need. Many thanks.
Thank you. I appreciate hearing from someone who has been down the road a little further than me. I have also like Qi. The one I use is a morning detox which I did learn from a YouTube video. I have been doing it since August. I have been healthier than other winters. Don't know for sure if that is the reason, but I will keep doing it because I like it.
Hi Julie, That’s good to hear about having a healthier winter. This one was a rough one for me. I also like it and will keep doing it and maybe it will help.
I got up this morning to find a mouse drowned in my bathroom toilet and the news of two world leaders clashing dangerously. Then I read your post. For me too, that observing non-judgmentally is the greatest challenge. I am 87 this month. I too am interested in Qi Gong, though I have not yet developed my daily routine with that practice. I too benefit from breathing, meditations, and mindfulness practices. You wrote in reply to a comment below, "I must confess it takes more diligence than I planned initially." I do so agree with that for myself too.
I recently changed one aspect of my life that has made a new difference for me. I have sought more help to run my household. This past year I have experienced more arthritis pain than in previous years. I have slowed down and it was taking me almost all the hours in my days to manage my household. I live alone with a dog, two cats and two chickens. A short drive away I care for my 2 horses, a farm cat, and I ride a horse out once or twice a week. Now I am paying for helpers with all of the house and animal care and management. If I were in a care home I would be spending a great deal more on my care.
Now I am paying much less than care home would cost in order to free myself up for the activities I love, being with the animals and water colour sketching and to ensure that I can live in my own home independently. I can now do about 5 watercolour sketches a week with great enjoyment where it was hard to get to that activity before I hired some help.
Thank you, Janice for your inspiring and encouraging writing. I will get back more seriously now to the Qi Gong routine.
Hi Sylvia, I have found qiGong to be very helpful in many ways - at least so far. My daughter and I met this afternoon for our daily art time- ours is with acrylic paints. I love the idea of paying for helpers that allow us to do more of what we want. Take care.
When my parents and I visited San Fransisco a few times a year we always admired the Qi Gong and Tai Chi students in the park. It was the only time my mother considered doing exercise. She promised that if I found a way to move and live in California she would join me in the park for exercising. I'm not giving up... if the opportunity presents itself I will be going to that same park one day and imagine that she's with me 'exercising.' Nice article.
You are a wonderful inspiration.
Patti: That would be pretty special, I think.
This is great Janice! Thanks for sharing Tracy's essay with us. I took a Qigong class a few years ago and it was very interesting. I look forward to hearing more about how it's going for you.
Keep on rocking 2025!!
Hi Donna, I like it a lot so far, but we'll see how it goes. 🩷
Ride like the wind! I just came home from my first "e-trike" ride of the season and I told my husband I feel 40 again... well, maybe 60... and I'm pushing 80 this year. There is still snow on the ground and it's 42 degrees but on my rides I am so fully present with myself that I feel like a new person inside. Who would think that would ever happen?! Magic is in my body again!!
Noel, How great is that!!! I love it!