I’m learning to welcome help when needed. At the beach this week with family, I find that I cannot keep my balance when walking into the lake. But there is always someone there to offer their arm as a steadying post.
I'm 79, living in a 2 story townhouse. Friends tell me they can no longer navigate stairs. While I'm careful and use the handrail, I see these stairs as helping me remain flexible and mobile. I'm grateful for my independence, And I do ask for help at times.
Hi, I walk four flights of stairs a couple times a day at my apartment complex for the same reason you do and I use the handrail, but it's a measure for me that I can still move.
I've been pre-diabetic for a number of years. I tried avoiding all sugar and was shocked that didn't seem to help much. I saw a nutritionist but was disappointed by the sparse advice she provided (mostly company-sponsored flyers). Then I read Glucose Revolution and changed the order in which I eat, always starting with fiber like celery or a salad, followed by protein (usually fish, I've also pretty much given up every other meat except on special occasions turkey or chicken) and finally carbs. The last time I had a blood test my A1C improved enough that I was no longer categorized as pre-diabetic. Also, I try to take a 15 or 20 minute walk after meals. I believe this helps your body burn up some of what is in your digestive tract. I'm anxious to see the results of my next blood test, but I'm hopeful this will continue to work.
Hi Richard, That sounds like an excellent plan. I have Kindle Unlimited so downloaded the book for free and am interested in reading more about what she has to say. So, thanks for that.
Janice, this came up today. I am working with a 92-year-old friend on his memoir — macular degeneration took his ability to read a few years back, and he could have treated that as loss and stopped there. Instead, he switched to audiobooks, learned to navigate them by voice command, and told me recently he's "learned more about flexibility and cooperation." That's it exactly — not fighting to be who he was, just working with what he has now. And he is enjoying himself — he has picked out three books recently to listen to, and they have become part of our conversations.
I've given up trying to fit in the clothes I wore 20 years ago and have given them to charity. I got rid of all my belts because the idea that I ever was able to fit them around my waist was too depressing.
Rather than give up because I can no longer be the mover I used to be, I have decided to decrease my expectations, but push my body to the limit of its “new” abilities. Stairs are an excellent exercise.
Hi Janice ~ great discussion. I've become more of a spectator of sports than a participant now that I'm nearing 80. Last week I loved watching my nephew at an Ironman and this week I was in heaven watching the high school girls' golf team my daughter coaches win an big tourney. I'm excited about supporting the next generation, but I have a new realization after suffering from leg cramps both "nights after." I need to drink lots more water, take my camping chair, and set days aside to recuperate -- if I'm going to be standing and walking that much. Ha!
Hi Jan, I just went for a short walk and was reminded again about the need to drink a lot more water - and yes those recuperation days are becoming a must.
Frustrated by less stamina, I’ve taken to setting a timer for 15 or 20 minutes while I work on tasks. When the timer goes off, I take a break for equal time, then set the timer again.
Exercise “snacks” (terminology used by Will Harlow, PT on YouTube)—short bits of exercise throughout the day (squats while brushing teeth, calf raises on the steps, wall pushups, etc).
Rest when I need it.
Worry less about cleaning my house.
Robot vacuums are my friend! (Shark Matrix is inexpensive and has worked well on carpet or floors).
In what ways are you learning to work with your body rather than against it?
Exercise and listen to it.
Great question!
Walk instead of run, modified yoga. more sleep, epsom salt bath.....more self care since retiring.
I’m learning to welcome help when needed. At the beach this week with family, I find that I cannot keep my balance when walking into the lake. But there is always someone there to offer their arm as a steadying post.
Better sleep and rest seems more of a priority now
I'm listening to her much more attentively, and taking naps when I'm tired, without questioning if I 'should' or not.
I'm 79, living in a 2 story townhouse. Friends tell me they can no longer navigate stairs. While I'm careful and use the handrail, I see these stairs as helping me remain flexible and mobile. I'm grateful for my independence, And I do ask for help at times.
Hi, I walk four flights of stairs a couple times a day at my apartment complex for the same reason you do and I use the handrail, but it's a measure for me that I can still move.
Mindful movement with taking time and not being in a rush
I've been pre-diabetic for a number of years. I tried avoiding all sugar and was shocked that didn't seem to help much. I saw a nutritionist but was disappointed by the sparse advice she provided (mostly company-sponsored flyers). Then I read Glucose Revolution and changed the order in which I eat, always starting with fiber like celery or a salad, followed by protein (usually fish, I've also pretty much given up every other meat except on special occasions turkey or chicken) and finally carbs. The last time I had a blood test my A1C improved enough that I was no longer categorized as pre-diabetic. Also, I try to take a 15 or 20 minute walk after meals. I believe this helps your body burn up some of what is in your digestive tract. I'm anxious to see the results of my next blood test, but I'm hopeful this will continue to work.
Hi Richard, That sounds like an excellent plan. I have Kindle Unlimited so downloaded the book for free and am interested in reading more about what she has to say. So, thanks for that.
Janice, this came up today. I am working with a 92-year-old friend on his memoir — macular degeneration took his ability to read a few years back, and he could have treated that as loss and stopped there. Instead, he switched to audiobooks, learned to navigate them by voice command, and told me recently he's "learned more about flexibility and cooperation." That's it exactly — not fighting to be who he was, just working with what he has now. And he is enjoying himself — he has picked out three books recently to listen to, and they have become part of our conversations.
James, that is very cool in every way.
Being grateful for all I have and worrying less about how people see me.
We're planning shorter trips in time and space . . . but still enjoy exploring new places!
I've given up trying to fit in the clothes I wore 20 years ago and have given them to charity. I got rid of all my belts because the idea that I ever was able to fit them around my waist was too depressing.
Hi CJ, Yes my clothes choices are certainly changing these days.
Such valuable comments .
Rather than give up because I can no longer be the mover I used to be, I have decided to decrease my expectations, but push my body to the limit of its “new” abilities. Stairs are an excellent exercise.
Hi Karen, That's my basic plan as well - push my body to the limit of it's "new abilities."
Hi Janice ~ great discussion. I've become more of a spectator of sports than a participant now that I'm nearing 80. Last week I loved watching my nephew at an Ironman and this week I was in heaven watching the high school girls' golf team my daughter coaches win an big tourney. I'm excited about supporting the next generation, but I have a new realization after suffering from leg cramps both "nights after." I need to drink lots more water, take my camping chair, and set days aside to recuperate -- if I'm going to be standing and walking that much. Ha!
Hi Jan, I just went for a short walk and was reminded again about the need to drink a lot more water - and yes those recuperation days are becoming a must.
Frustrated by less stamina, I’ve taken to setting a timer for 15 or 20 minutes while I work on tasks. When the timer goes off, I take a break for equal time, then set the timer again.
Hi Denise, That's a great idea. One of my unhealthy habits is forgetting to take the breaks.
Exercise “snacks” (terminology used by Will Harlow, PT on YouTube)—short bits of exercise throughout the day (squats while brushing teeth, calf raises on the steps, wall pushups, etc).
Rest when I need it.
Worry less about cleaning my house.
Robot vacuums are my friend! (Shark Matrix is inexpensive and has worked well on carpet or floors).
Hi, robot vacuums - and exercise "snacks" what great ideas.