Do Not Abuse Your Body

We are used to our body's capability in terms of physical exertion. But we have to consider our age especially when we reach that magic number called senior years. Our bones are not that strong and maybe even brittle. Our movement is not that agile anymore, slow and with lesser power now.

That is the problem with some seniors, they forget their age. They work or do things like they still have young bodies. I know of several cases on this issue of aging body. An old woman going to the market on her own. She slipped on the wet floor of the market. She's fortunate not to suffer a broken bone. Another case is a neighbor who cleaned their garage - carrying heavy things that caused exhaustion. He landed in a hospital.

When I am outside and it starts to rain, the tendency is to run to a shaded place. But I always remind myself that I am not that young anymore and running may not be appropriate at my age. I walk fast instead of walking. At least I am careful and aware of my strength and weaknesses.

 

You're right, @Corie Henson ... but I have to say that my gut tells me that when I mentally allow myself to "accept" a higher age and act accordingly, it will start my decline. I don't want to decline... I won't consider myself "senior" until... maybe 75. That's just me... but even then, I hope I'll just slow down a wee little bit.

Actually when you're walking in that rainstorm, I'm afraid I'd be ahead of you yelling "Come ON, Corie, you're getting soaked!"

 

I
ll just get wet. I love walking in the rain.

 

@Corie Henson
You're so right Corie - all these fitness fanatics, I have heard, having to have knee and hip replacements
Moderation in everything is a good saying

 

Yep, we have to be careful. A fall that wouldn't do too much to a child will break our hips. Just happened to someone I know in Maine. He's in better shape in his 70's than I am at 65. Always goes wandering and pondering as he calls it in the wilderness in Maine. Well, a few days ago he he slipped in his sandals on a step. Fractured his hip. Surgery and 5-6 weeks therapy to look forward to.

He posted a pic from his hospital window in Maine, they have some great views!! I wouldn't mind being in that hospital!

I hate when the pic doesn't go where I want it to....should have been after the post.

 

That's also our concern. Bearing in mind that you are old may make you feel old. There is a saying here - think young and feel young - so that would be defeated. However, we have to take a balance in everything. Right I can still eat what I want although admittedly I am overweight. With physical exertions, I can still walk the whole day although my feet would be complaining at the end of the night. I understand that they are somewhat abused when we go abroad for a tour. But generally, I still feel younger than my age so I am just on the lookout for may limitations like running. I easily get tired and sometimes I gasp for breath that's why I try to remember that running is not for me.

 

Like Clint Eastwood said in one of his films (Magnum Force) " A Man has gotta know his limitations" & so I know mine.
Despite Rheumatoid Arthritis and one other Auto Immune Disease I try to stay physically active with walking, swimming & Tai Chi.

 

I don't believe in babying my self. If something hurts use it til it doesn't. If you run fast enough it's way harder for old age to catch up. And if I'm really lucky when it does catch up I'll find myself standing at the pearly gates as it gets hold of me.

 

You mentioned Tai Chi. We were in Hongkong last weekend. On our last morning, we visited the nearby Kowloon Park where we so Tai Chi practitioners all over the park. It was already late morning, past 9am, but there were so many groups, mostly old women. Some have accompanying music but most have nothing but their movements. Here is one photo that we took of that old man. After some tai chi movements, he did some stretching and the flexibility of his body amused us.
You can see the background in the photo of the people lined up, that's one group of tai chi performers.

 

Oh... my. Did you try it, @Corie Henson ?

 

I'll have to ask him because he didn't say what hospital. Looks like a nice hospital to be in...if you have to be in a hospital.

 

Be a friend to your body, Give it work, food , and rest. Be aware of your body's limitations too.Don't let yourself become excessively fatique from either work and play. I remember all these reminders from a friend who is also a physical therapist.