Yes to this, Ginni. "It remains to be seen how long we can repair and reconnect the metaphorical tire and if our bodies will continue taking off for new adventures. But I assure you, I will soar." I use the shorthand TBD as we don't know how this or that will what, turn out? End up? End? I say we make plans as insurance in case we have a future and so far, we've been cashing in on those insurance plans. One day, I suppose we won't but until then, we keep making plans, TBD. I have had numerous repairs, all seemingly still holding together fairly well. I am fortunate in that no new knees or hips and so I continue walking, both as prevention and as enjoyable outings. I will not itemize the list of repairs because I believe that letting it all hang out is about as attractive as it sounds. Suffice to say, those fixes are still in place and seem to be working sufficiently. I will say that I have a team of five people that help me manage my ongoing health. Number one is herself, whom I call S. (Susan) wife of 28 years, our second time around for both of us, she being 76, me at 87. Second in line is my PCP, primary care physician, third my cardiologist, the fifth one in the past 10 years because we have moved several times. The fourth current consultant is a pulmonologist who works in concert because, you know, heart and lungs work together. Like your tires and landing gear or maybe if you push the plane anaology, engine and pilots. Fifth could be either a dermatologist or a dentist, take your pick. You can call these good, well-trained people body mechanics and for mind and spirit, which they're certainly attuned to, I rely on other sources. Another story for another time.
Spot on! For me… I get to learn how to place bandages on parts of my body that have never experienced a “Sticky Pad”. As I age, the main goal is to keep going. The fun part is twisting my brain around from dismay to excitement. So far, I thinking I am winning on that point. Another good thing about aging is that I have met and welcomed seven new people into my life, all wanting to help me, at a cost of course, but then that’s why doctors stay around. #NuffSaidbyDean
Right on Dr Ginni! I had days that were filled with question marks but I always felt the answers would come and when they did, is when I was back on the runway, ready to takeoff for a new adventure.
I received a newspaper supplement dated December 17, 2023, in a special (Solano/Yolo) Senior Living addition to the Sunday newspaper. I saved it. I read it every once in a while to remind me of something, where I can say "Oh, yeah, that's 'normal' for my age!" It was written by Judith Graham of KFF (formerly known as Kaiser Health News). I'll bet you could find it on the KFF website, its title is: "Let's have an honest conversation about what to expect as you age."
I won't go into details, but she mentions all the ramifications of getting old, which our doctors for the most part will not address. And she describes them with a gentleness that allows us to accept these "facts of life" that can be so hard to swallow!
What we have to remember is that nowadays we humans are living longer than ever, especially here in America, where most people have access to good health care and nutritious food. (Obviously, not all parts of the world have these luxuries!)
I never imagined that I'd live this long (83), because my relatives all died much younger---even 70 was considered a very long life, and all my grandparents were dead before I was born. We are living so much longer, but many of us don't change our eating habits, or (like me) are too reluctant to take the time to walk every single day! I love to walk! Why is there such resistance? It's like the fact that we need to drink more water, but are we ever actually thirsty? (There's a reason for that little anomaly.) And exercise? What's that?
Little by little, as we age, we have more conditions to deal with. That's the price we pay for having taken care of ourselves all along the way, otherwise, we too would be long gone! For me, as much as I love my family, I also love my Christian faith which gives me HOPE for a "better life a'waitin' on the other side." Without that hope, aging would be quite dreadful (speaking just for myself).
Thanks for listening and for giving us this space to comment, Ginni.
Just because I’m bionic and just had the furniture in my (body) house rearranged doesn’t mean I’m the “o-word”, by glory! Still getting up every morning and thanking the good Lord for another minute on the clock! 😊
Yes, never stop planning. There must always be a destination for me. Whether it be a trip, lunch with a friend or a myriad of other things that occupy my mind in preparing for the future so I can take it head on. I have had three spare tires fixed, i.e 2 hips and a shoulder, other joints in various stages of repair or recovery, but they all lead to more exciting adventures. I never want to stop exploring right up to the day when It is no longer physically or mentally possible. Funny you should choose Steve Miller. I just got notified yesterday that their concert we have had booked in Murphys for months is cancelled. This is the second time they have cancelled their appearance there. Guess I have to keep planning. They are still on my list to see before they are too old to play a concert any more.
Yes to this, Ginni. "It remains to be seen how long we can repair and reconnect the metaphorical tire and if our bodies will continue taking off for new adventures. But I assure you, I will soar." I use the shorthand TBD as we don't know how this or that will what, turn out? End up? End? I say we make plans as insurance in case we have a future and so far, we've been cashing in on those insurance plans. One day, I suppose we won't but until then, we keep making plans, TBD. I have had numerous repairs, all seemingly still holding together fairly well. I am fortunate in that no new knees or hips and so I continue walking, both as prevention and as enjoyable outings. I will not itemize the list of repairs because I believe that letting it all hang out is about as attractive as it sounds. Suffice to say, those fixes are still in place and seem to be working sufficiently. I will say that I have a team of five people that help me manage my ongoing health. Number one is herself, whom I call S. (Susan) wife of 28 years, our second time around for both of us, she being 76, me at 87. Second in line is my PCP, primary care physician, third my cardiologist, the fifth one in the past 10 years because we have moved several times. The fourth current consultant is a pulmonologist who works in concert because, you know, heart and lungs work together. Like your tires and landing gear or maybe if you push the plane anaology, engine and pilots. Fifth could be either a dermatologist or a dentist, take your pick. You can call these good, well-trained people body mechanics and for mind and spirit, which they're certainly attuned to, I rely on other sources. Another story for another time.
Spot on! For me… I get to learn how to place bandages on parts of my body that have never experienced a “Sticky Pad”. As I age, the main goal is to keep going. The fun part is twisting my brain around from dismay to excitement. So far, I thinking I am winning on that point. Another good thing about aging is that I have met and welcomed seven new people into my life, all wanting to help me, at a cost of course, but then that’s why doctors stay around. #NuffSaidbyDean
Right on Dr Ginni! I had days that were filled with question marks but I always felt the answers would come and when they did, is when I was back on the runway, ready to takeoff for a new adventure.
I received a newspaper supplement dated December 17, 2023, in a special (Solano/Yolo) Senior Living addition to the Sunday newspaper. I saved it. I read it every once in a while to remind me of something, where I can say "Oh, yeah, that's 'normal' for my age!" It was written by Judith Graham of KFF (formerly known as Kaiser Health News). I'll bet you could find it on the KFF website, its title is: "Let's have an honest conversation about what to expect as you age."
I won't go into details, but she mentions all the ramifications of getting old, which our doctors for the most part will not address. And she describes them with a gentleness that allows us to accept these "facts of life" that can be so hard to swallow!
What we have to remember is that nowadays we humans are living longer than ever, especially here in America, where most people have access to good health care and nutritious food. (Obviously, not all parts of the world have these luxuries!)
I never imagined that I'd live this long (83), because my relatives all died much younger---even 70 was considered a very long life, and all my grandparents were dead before I was born. We are living so much longer, but many of us don't change our eating habits, or (like me) are too reluctant to take the time to walk every single day! I love to walk! Why is there such resistance? It's like the fact that we need to drink more water, but are we ever actually thirsty? (There's a reason for that little anomaly.) And exercise? What's that?
Little by little, as we age, we have more conditions to deal with. That's the price we pay for having taken care of ourselves all along the way, otherwise, we too would be long gone! For me, as much as I love my family, I also love my Christian faith which gives me HOPE for a "better life a'waitin' on the other side." Without that hope, aging would be quite dreadful (speaking just for myself).
Thanks for listening and for giving us this space to comment, Ginni.
Just because I’m bionic and just had the furniture in my (body) house rearranged doesn’t mean I’m the “o-word”, by glory! Still getting up every morning and thanking the good Lord for another minute on the clock! 😊
Yes, never stop planning. There must always be a destination for me. Whether it be a trip, lunch with a friend or a myriad of other things that occupy my mind in preparing for the future so I can take it head on. I have had three spare tires fixed, i.e 2 hips and a shoulder, other joints in various stages of repair or recovery, but they all lead to more exciting adventures. I never want to stop exploring right up to the day when It is no longer physically or mentally possible. Funny you should choose Steve Miller. I just got notified yesterday that their concert we have had booked in Murphys for months is cancelled. This is the second time they have cancelled their appearance there. Guess I have to keep planning. They are still on my list to see before they are too old to play a concert any more.
This is really oh soo important..love tire on runaway analogy to aging!! Great writing!!
Thank you..Leslie