There is an aging process, and we may not be able to do what we did when we were 20, but we can start at an early age to make choices that support us as we get older.
Thanks, Janice. The same applies to longevity, sustaining myself as a caregiver. Loving compassion for myself and for Mum's sake. Dad had his first heart attack when I was a teenager and a quintuple heart bypass (5-way) a little while later, so I feel exactly what you've shared here.
Always love your lighter notes...but this sheep made me giggle ;-) 'Sticking my tongue out in reply - just 'cos!' ;-)
Well said! I once interviewed a Family Practice doctor who told me there are very few health conditions that cant be cured or at least made better with exercise. Moving is KEY. And diet of course...good thing I love vegetables! 😂 Great advice. Dont wait....start now!
That's interesting. It's what Peter Attila says in his book on longevity. I do have an exercise routine, but I ignore it - there is a price to be paid. And yes, definitely regarding diet. Several years ago I cut back my sugar intake by a half to two-thirds and that seemed to make a difference.
Good advice! We are early 60s and lost too many years, but are working hard on all of this now, so there's still hope. Fortunately, both our boys and their wives are doing a better job of all of this than we did. Thanks, Janice!
The funny thing is we all know this and still very few do it…even though there is a widespread awareness thanks to social media and a large amount of motivational and accountability groups online…what else do people need to live a healthy life?
Hi, I think that's the trick - doing it! Ours was not a conscious to do certain things so we would age better, but there certainly is enough information out there, as you say, to at least live a healthier older life.
I studied 'Outlive' at great length. I zeroed in on health span vs life span. The one thing that bothers me about aging gracefully is that it costs a fortune to do so. Supplements, nutritious healthy food, and staying on top of medical issues are the frosting on the cake, in addition to the four basic components you mentioned. But necessary for the long run if we can afford to do the additional few things needed to keep our bodies running at optimal performance. He comes from a middle-aged perspective. I can't wait to see how he handles the usual aging symptoms such as arthritis, pesky aches and pains, and the body slowing down. We can fight hard but at the end of the day the inevitable comes about, we just have to hope our disciplined preparation softens the blows.
Hi Patti, Your point is well-taken. There is an aging process for sure, which can be managed to a degree, but it's there. I've really noticed this last year - lots more aches and pains and more effort to do certain things. I looked up new exercises for sore knees this morning to see if that helps them.
I have a daily routine to stay flexible. For me it's shoulders, back, hips, and sometimes knees, almost my entire body!! Haha, but if I go off routine for more than two days the consequences are brutal. So moving forward I try doing functional movements daily. The biggest motivator is going to the grocery and seeing many much younger than me on scooters, or using a cane and so forth. My next project is pickleball. I'm working up to it slowly. It never gets easier, but better than the alternative!
I know what you mean about the two days - I try to tell myself that it won't matter, but it does. I really have no excuse, the apartment complex where I live has a fitness room.
That's wonderful. I go to a gym, it motivates me. I have some equipment in the condo and it mostly sits there, unless the gym is closed. So much of working out and staying in motion is psychological, until the true aches and pains take over!
Thank you for supporting caregivers, Janice. I became a full-time caregiver to my partner nearly two years ago, and Charcot Marie Tooth disease does not help me. He is bedbound, type 2 diabetes, and has one and a half legs. We are working to get him into a wheelchair, but after over a year in bed, his core strength has depleted. I safeguard my self-care so I can continue to look after him. Rest/sleep is vital. Eating well is non-negotiable. I get plenty of exercise moving him about and working with the carers. I have occasional rage days and a few online friends I can speak with when I need uplifting and to clear the air. I so appreciate your article as it will help so many others who are caregiving, too. All my best!
Hi Jean, You do have your hands full, don't you? It sounds like you know about self-care which is vital. I imagine that rage days are helpful -mine were crying days. When I was taking care of my husband there was little written about the needs and emotions of the caregiver - which was part of my motivation for starting the newsletter.
There is an aging process, and we may not be able to do what we did when we were 20, but we can start at an early age to make choices that support us as we get older.
I’m 69 now and love having an active sex life. When I reach 90 I want to still enjoy making love.
Hi Ella, Sounds like you are on a good path.
Thanks, Janice. The same applies to longevity, sustaining myself as a caregiver. Loving compassion for myself and for Mum's sake. Dad had his first heart attack when I was a teenager and a quintuple heart bypass (5-way) a little while later, so I feel exactly what you've shared here.
Always love your lighter notes...but this sheep made me giggle ;-) 'Sticking my tongue out in reply - just 'cos!' ;-)
Hi Victoria, I totally agree - it definitely does apply to longevity as a caregiver. I'm glad to read that the lighter notes can bring giggles.
Sheep is competing with cat-matching socks ;-)
Well said! I once interviewed a Family Practice doctor who told me there are very few health conditions that cant be cured or at least made better with exercise. Moving is KEY. And diet of course...good thing I love vegetables! 😂 Great advice. Dont wait....start now!
That's interesting. It's what Peter Attila says in his book on longevity. I do have an exercise routine, but I ignore it - there is a price to be paid. And yes, definitely regarding diet. Several years ago I cut back my sugar intake by a half to two-thirds and that seemed to make a difference.
Good advice! We are early 60s and lost too many years, but are working hard on all of this now, so there's still hope. Fortunately, both our boys and their wives are doing a better job of all of this than we did. Thanks, Janice!
Hi Cherie, It doesn't seem to have been a priority like it is now.
You're saving my life here, Janice, with these reminders. Thank you
Hi Sharron, That's the idea. Share what I've learned and am learning, so others can make healthier choices - and age well.
You have it cornered, Janice!
The funny thing is we all know this and still very few do it…even though there is a widespread awareness thanks to social media and a large amount of motivational and accountability groups online…what else do people need to live a healthy life?
Hi, I think that's the trick - doing it! Ours was not a conscious to do certain things so we would age better, but there certainly is enough information out there, as you say, to at least live a healthier older life.
I studied 'Outlive' at great length. I zeroed in on health span vs life span. The one thing that bothers me about aging gracefully is that it costs a fortune to do so. Supplements, nutritious healthy food, and staying on top of medical issues are the frosting on the cake, in addition to the four basic components you mentioned. But necessary for the long run if we can afford to do the additional few things needed to keep our bodies running at optimal performance. He comes from a middle-aged perspective. I can't wait to see how he handles the usual aging symptoms such as arthritis, pesky aches and pains, and the body slowing down. We can fight hard but at the end of the day the inevitable comes about, we just have to hope our disciplined preparation softens the blows.
Hi Patti, Your point is well-taken. There is an aging process for sure, which can be managed to a degree, but it's there. I've really noticed this last year - lots more aches and pains and more effort to do certain things. I looked up new exercises for sore knees this morning to see if that helps them.
I have a daily routine to stay flexible. For me it's shoulders, back, hips, and sometimes knees, almost my entire body!! Haha, but if I go off routine for more than two days the consequences are brutal. So moving forward I try doing functional movements daily. The biggest motivator is going to the grocery and seeing many much younger than me on scooters, or using a cane and so forth. My next project is pickleball. I'm working up to it slowly. It never gets easier, but better than the alternative!
I know what you mean about the two days - I try to tell myself that it won't matter, but it does. I really have no excuse, the apartment complex where I live has a fitness room.
That's wonderful. I go to a gym, it motivates me. I have some equipment in the condo and it mostly sits there, unless the gym is closed. So much of working out and staying in motion is psychological, until the true aches and pains take over!
This is the best suggestion ever. Start now!
Hi Donna, That it is . . .
Thank you for supporting caregivers, Janice. I became a full-time caregiver to my partner nearly two years ago, and Charcot Marie Tooth disease does not help me. He is bedbound, type 2 diabetes, and has one and a half legs. We are working to get him into a wheelchair, but after over a year in bed, his core strength has depleted. I safeguard my self-care so I can continue to look after him. Rest/sleep is vital. Eating well is non-negotiable. I get plenty of exercise moving him about and working with the carers. I have occasional rage days and a few online friends I can speak with when I need uplifting and to clear the air. I so appreciate your article as it will help so many others who are caregiving, too. All my best!
Hi Jean, You do have your hands full, don't you? It sounds like you know about self-care which is vital. I imagine that rage days are helpful -mine were crying days. When I was taking care of my husband there was little written about the needs and emotions of the caregiver - which was part of my motivation for starting the newsletter.