Perspective: Strategies to Manage Our Health as We Age
Ron Jeffery B.A., M.Ed. | Wellness Committee Chair
As we age, most of us will notice physical and cognitive changes from when we were younger. We always knew that we would see physical changes – we can’t stop time (or gravity) and are reminded of it every time we look in a mirror or see ourselves in a photograph. We also might notice ourselves becoming more forgetful. What did I come into this room for? That person looks familiar, but their name escapes me. None of this is catastrophic, though it may become somewhat alarming on a personal level as we become more aware of it.
Topics of conversations with our friends and family that used to focus primarily on our busy lives (travels, books we have read, films we have seen, or the latest successes of our kids or grandkids) start to include our latest visits to the doctor, medications we have been prescribed, and considerations of downsizing and reducing the amount of “stuff” we have collected throughout the years (and that our kids most likely do not want). Recognizing that we are getting older is, more than anything, a reality check!
There is always the sobering reality of “slowing down” that may require adapting how we move, and perhaps mobility aids or surgery to correct an arthritic knee or hip. A form of jealousy might creep in as we see others our age or older who are still hiking up a mountain, riding their bike, playing racket sports, or bending into shapes we could only dream about in yoga class.
A frustrating realization is that we might not be able to do things like we used to.
This can begin to significantly impact our quality of life, with the danger some of us may begin to withdraw or stop looking at the future with dreams like we have had throughout our lives.
Never Stop Dreaming or Planning For A Better Day!
Most of us have had experiences throughout our lives of successes and failures, in our careers or personal lives, or because of illness or injury. We have had setbacks, and we have bounced back.
The slow progression of age is manageable – we don’t just wake up one day “old.” We have the luxury in retirement to reflect, try new things, go new places. We have time to adapt to these changes and enjoy where we are in life at any given moment. Rather than planning for the end of our lives, it is more important to plan for living fully for the time we have left, no matter how long.
Life Happens
My wife and I hosted a group of retirees to Portugal this past March on a month-long holiday at a resort in the Algarve – something we look forward to in various destinations each year in the spring. We began the first week leading walks and hikes in the beautiful surroundings in Carvoeiro, and everyone was energized to do what they could, regardless of ability and mobility – we all “adapted.”
Towards the end of the first week, I began to experience a health issue that resulted in a visit to the local hospital where a minor procedure was done to alleviate the pain. After a few more days, I was advised by local doctors and ARTA health insurance (never leave home without it!) to return to Calgary for treatment and follow-up in the event there were complications.
Needless to say, there were complications. I went from hiking hills in the Algarve to laying in a hospital bed for 17 days with a major infection from the “minor” procedure earlier. I went from a reasonably fit 75-year-old (celebrated in the hospital) to being unable to walk, and then progressed from a walker to cane upon returning home.
I mention this not for sympathy, but to illustrate how quickly our lives can change and force us to “reboot” and figure out a way to move on. The day I am writing this blog, I returned from the doctor to realize the arthritic damage in my feet, neck, and back from the infection and inflammation is likely permanent and I will not be able to walk “normally” as I did two months ago, again. I can walk unaided, but slowly and with some pain. No biking, no pickleball, no skating.
So, my question to the doctor was: “Give me a path I can follow to be as active as possible and with the highest quality of life I can have moving forward.” I am ready to get up tomorrow and begin!
Move Improve
What My One-Eyed Dog Taught Me
(Along with Anthony Hopkins and Dick Van Dyke)
The day after I returned home from Portugal, I had to take our 15-year-old Australian Labradoodle to the vet hospital as she had sudden pain in her left eye. The news was not good, as they indicated it had ulcerated and would have to be removed. Long story short – after I returned myself to hospital for the next two weeks, our little pup came home with stitches and one eye.
On my return 17 days later, with two walkers and other aids in tow, she stayed by my side. I was very concerned I wouldn’t be able to help her when my wife was out, if she needed to get up or down the stairs or on or off our bed. Being confined to the walker to get around and having my own issues on the stairs, I learned a quick lesson of attitude and recovery. My one-eyed dog, seeing me get up, jumped off the bed, ran down the stairs and out her dog door to go to the bathroom. I stood there at the top of the stairs with my walker and watched this happen. Yes, she bumped into the coffee table on the side with no eye, startled when we approached on the wrong side (she is also deaf now), and yet carried on.
My response? The walker went into the closet, the cane came out, and my entire attitude about it all was: “If she can do it with one eye and carry on and live life to the fullest, so can I.” That was the last day I used the walker. Though very weak from my ordeal, I began the process of recovery.
Last week, I attended the ARTA board retreat and began writing, photographing, and enjoying life again despite some physical limitations. Life has changed – but has not ended. Every day is to be cherished and family, my pup, our friends and the world we live in are worth living for and engaging with.
Perspective II
Anthony Hopkins said, “I am fully aware of my mortality, but at 87 years old, I still wake up every morning with the desire to misbehave. Age is not a barrier when you find passion in what you do. The real secret lies in keeping your curiosity alive, continuing to learn, and not letting the fear of time stop you from enjoying life. Every day is a new opportunity to create to laugh and to show that it is never too late to move forward with enthusiasm and joy.”
Dick Van Dyke, in his 99th year, was asked what the secret to a long productive life was from his perspective. His response was, “Keep moving,” as he danced his Mary Poppins dance to the Coldplay song “All My Love.”
In our own lives, if you can’t do that tango or jive anymore, wiggle your toes as if no one is watching. Both can give joy to your life!
In the classroom, we all made plans and adapted our lessons based on our students, resources, and abilities. We motivated others. Don’t forget in retirement to motivate yourself.
Regardless of the challenges in life as you age, keep perspective, and keep moving!
Ron Jeffery B.A., M.Ed.
Wellness Committee Chair