When do you officially recognize that you are growing not only “older” but “old”? It has more to do with health than anything. After years of being as “healthy as a horse” you finally realize that even that horse has a shelf life.
Things can happen quickly when you reach the point of no return and you may not be prepared. Your doctor wants to see you every six months instead of yearly, and it seems he always finds something wrong. Issues surface that you weren’t prepared for; loss of a loved one, a stroke, that first fall, a heart attack, or diabetes.
How in the world do you prepare for these eventualities? Four of my friends wrote in their Christmas letters that they had at least one fall this last year. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported, but it was a wake-up call for all concerned.
Falling is one of the biggest challenges because like it or not bones become more fragile, feet painful, balance precarious, and senses not as sharp as they once were. All these things combine to make you feel older than you want to admit. I guess the key is to just be careful, although I still struggle with this, and imagine you do too. Move slowly when getting up and making sure you are balanced before you start walking.
Safety precautions are always important:
• Staying physically fit with regular exercise
• Have eyes and ears tested regularly; wear your glasses and hearing aids all the time
• Be aware that almost any, it seems most, drugs can make you drowsy or dizzy
• Get enough rest
• Use a walking stick or walker if you need them
• Safety proof your home
There are no guarantees with anything but if you learn to slow down, be mindful and careful, and take your health and well being seriously you can at least stay ahead of the game.
Protect your health by participating in your community, exercising body and mind and practice safety at all times you can protect yourself and keep the “old” feeling at bay.
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