"...lower bone density, reduced muscle mass, stiffer blood vessels, and slower metabolism. Organs tend to lose functional capacity, skin loses elasticity, and vision and hearing senses weaken." Oh, yes. I have all this going on. Big time. All at one time. How do I handle it? I snivel a lot. And then I take a blissful nap. hahaha. Janice, I just chide myself and count my blessings. I can still hear, speak, see, write, tend to my daily basic needs. I remind myself that I am doing lots better than some, even though my garden is going to hell...
Such a wonderful way to excuse the mess out in my front yard - it's own new character! That might work for my messy hair and un-ironed shirt as well - the new me. Fully intentional!
I’m with you. Recognizing what does work well, even with a little or a lot of assistance, is reason enough to be grateful. I count my activities
(driving, medical issues under control, cooking and shopping for myself, some travel, celebrating events with family, friendships etc) as freedoms that irrespective of the natural progression of aging physically and emotionally, allow me to stay rational and accept for example, some wrinkles, hair thinning,
seeing, hearing decrease, walking carefully and feel grateful there are appliances for it all. Life may be a
bit different but at 80 years there is still so much yet to do that is welcome.
At 83, this is the first year I see the changes. I travel internationally and the work trip to Africa last month was so much more tiring and frustrating than ever before. Mostly, it's the flight that does me in as financially I have to travel in coach for 30ish hours. I needed more time, more thought to execute, and yes, more help from my team who travels with me. I realized this is going to be the end of my career and I feel very sad. I'm already committed to thru next April, then I have to face the reality that I'm just not the girl I used to be.
Yes, I notice the aging. But as I gradually lose my husband to dementia, I am having to take on all kinds of new responsibilities that require both mental and physical challenges. Both my brain & body are having to come out of retirement to hold our lives together. Should be interesting to see how this works out.
I really appreciate your insights and honesty, Janice. Although I’ve never thought of myself as invulnerable, until recently, I’ve enjoyed excellent health and the ability to travel internationally three or four times each year. Each time another good friend or acquaintance has died or faced a debilitating illness, I’ve felt incredibly sad and increasingly contemplative as I spend more time reminiscing about the past. Now that I’m coping with limitations due to health problems myself, I sometimes feel angry and frustrated while also regretting that when times were good, I took most of the wonderful experiences and connections with friends I’ve had for granted.
I appreciate your honesty and the positive example you set by honoring your lived experience over boilerplate expert advice. At 75, my latest accommodation is arthritis-strength acetaminophen. Some days, my joints are too painful to live with all day. This is recent, unwelcome, and depressing.
Have you noticed your body aging, and what adaptations are you making? Because it does and we might have to consider some adjustments.
Thank you for this valuable information. Your honestly is fantastic
Janice I so appreciate your pieces.
"...lower bone density, reduced muscle mass, stiffer blood vessels, and slower metabolism. Organs tend to lose functional capacity, skin loses elasticity, and vision and hearing senses weaken." Oh, yes. I have all this going on. Big time. All at one time. How do I handle it? I snivel a lot. And then I take a blissful nap. hahaha. Janice, I just chide myself and count my blessings. I can still hear, speak, see, write, tend to my daily basic needs. I remind myself that I am doing lots better than some, even though my garden is going to hell...
Hi Sharron, That's true - we need to do remind ourselves of our blessings and there are many. I guess the garden will have it's own character.
Such a wonderful way to excuse the mess out in my front yard - it's own new character! That might work for my messy hair and un-ironed shirt as well - the new me. Fully intentional!
I’m with you. Recognizing what does work well, even with a little or a lot of assistance, is reason enough to be grateful. I count my activities
(driving, medical issues under control, cooking and shopping for myself, some travel, celebrating events with family, friendships etc) as freedoms that irrespective of the natural progression of aging physically and emotionally, allow me to stay rational and accept for example, some wrinkles, hair thinning,
seeing, hearing decrease, walking carefully and feel grateful there are appliances for it all. Life may be a
bit different but at 80 years there is still so much yet to do that is welcome.
We are, then, of the same tribe, Andrea. ☺️
Doing all that I can as long as I can. Mostly, adventure travel. And lots of moisturizer and lip cream. Ha.
Hi Holly, the adventure travel sounds wonderful.
At 83, this is the first year I see the changes. I travel internationally and the work trip to Africa last month was so much more tiring and frustrating than ever before. Mostly, it's the flight that does me in as financially I have to travel in coach for 30ish hours. I needed more time, more thought to execute, and yes, more help from my team who travels with me. I realized this is going to be the end of my career and I feel very sad. I'm already committed to thru next April, then I have to face the reality that I'm just not the girl I used to be.
Hi Patty, That is the sadness for me as well. I'm not the girl or woman I used to be and I miss that life.
Yes, I notice the aging. But as I gradually lose my husband to dementia, I am having to take on all kinds of new responsibilities that require both mental and physical challenges. Both my brain & body are having to come out of retirement to hold our lives together. Should be interesting to see how this works out.
I really appreciate your insights and honesty, Janice. Although I’ve never thought of myself as invulnerable, until recently, I’ve enjoyed excellent health and the ability to travel internationally three or four times each year. Each time another good friend or acquaintance has died or faced a debilitating illness, I’ve felt incredibly sad and increasingly contemplative as I spend more time reminiscing about the past. Now that I’m coping with limitations due to health problems myself, I sometimes feel angry and frustrated while also regretting that when times were good, I took most of the wonderful experiences and connections with friends I’ve had for granted.
I appreciate your honesty and the positive example you set by honoring your lived experience over boilerplate expert advice. At 75, my latest accommodation is arthritis-strength acetaminophen. Some days, my joints are too painful to live with all day. This is recent, unwelcome, and depressing.