I was surprised about feeling wiped out from a mere cold. At least that’s what I thought a runny nose, a cough, and a slight fever amounted to. Sleeping nine to ten hours a night wasn’t enough; in the afternoons I’d doze off on the couch while watching TV.
This is another indication of age-related decline, I grumbled. Our immune systems weaken. We get sicker than in our younger days.
PAUSE TO RETHINK THIS POST.
Do I really want to write about the physical changes of aging again? Readers have already heard about osteoarthritis, that classic ailment of old age, in my knee and about my back’s acting up more with the years, maybe from arthritis too. I don’t want to become the stereotypical older person whose favorite topic is her aches and pains.
I was reaching for the delete button when my real topic came to mind: accepting that my body isn’t what it used to be. I’m surprised, almost affronted, by each new sign of aging, even though nothing could be more predictable.
Attitudes about aging — now, that’s a relatable topic to write about. I’ve listened to other 70somethings who also feel taken aback by age-related changes. They’re upset about having to give up a much-loved sport, or active vacations, or getting on the floor with grandkids.
“We Baby Boomers are having a harder time mentally with aging than our parents did,” a friend observed. “We were such a youth-focused generation, we never thought it would happen to us.”
If you had to deal with health problems at a younger age, feel free to call me privileged. I have been fortunate to be able to take good health for granted until recently. And nothing life-shattering is wrong with me. The only thing the medical folks have advised is doing more strength exercises for my knees and back. How burdensome is that?
Yet I think some of my concerns are legitimate. My favorite volunteer activity for 17 years, giving Chicago Greeter tours, involves at least two hours of walking. If my knee gets worse, will I have to withdraw from Greeter? Lately after a couple of hours in a museum, my lower back hurts. Will that make me hesitate to plan a city vacation?
If you’re a Baby Boomer, I’d like to hear your thoughts about coming to terms with aging. Maybe you’d be willing to comment below, anonymously if you prefer. How does physical decline (whether real or anticipated) make you feel? If you accept it, how did acceptance come about? What does acceptance mean for you?
You may help me with an attitude adjustment, or we’ll help one another.
PS I can’t promise to not write about specific aches and pains again, but when I do, I’ll make it a constructive piece about antidotes.
Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell's poignant take on this matter ... https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/3530822107859449591/
ReplyDeletePoignant is right, Molly. Love the honesty.
DeleteI'm a boomer and can definitely relate to the shock of actually getting older. My 50, 60, even 65 year old birthdays never bothered me. But at 70, there was no denying that I had become a senior citizen. Looking in the mirror or seeing photos of myself confirms it. And being retired now for a few years is a reminder every day. I don't miss work. I miss having a place to go everyday. I have some minor physical issues, it takes me longer to get going in the morning, and have learned what I can't do any more, but at my 50th High School reunion —almost 3 years ago now— having learned that more than one third of my graduating class did not make it to 70, I don't complain as much. I worry, but don't complain. : ) Regarding dosing off and napping, I have the opposite problem. I can't sleep. Even when I'm tired I don't get sleepy. I find it impossible to nap during the day. At night nothing really puts me to sleep except Ambien, which I only take occasionally because I don't want to become dependent / addicted to it. I am actually jealous of people who can sleep easily. And there is proof people that get good deep sleep, live longer. So that's another thing I have to worry about... and that keeps me up at night!
ReplyDeleteThanks for replying, Ken. My grade school class had a reunion a few years ago, and like you I was shocked that one-third of my classmates were gone. So yes, we are fortunate, especially if our physical issues are minor.
ReplyDeleteyes, I agree 60,65 didn't bother me or hold me back from anything.
ReplyDelete70 is another story, all the body parts have run out of warranty!
I miss the energy I use to have. I miss the friends and family I have already lost. It makes you reflect, don't sweat the small stuff
and enjoy each sunrise as it comes.
Good advice, Sue, especially "Don't sweat the small stuff."
DeleteAgree 100 percent with your column and the comments. 70s are definitely different. I am trying to decide if I should challenge myself more by scheduling places to be, projects to complete or if I should baby myself, read all those books on the shelf and learn to nap.
ReplyDeleteA few weeks ago, I crossed off the last item on my household projects list. Of course there will be a new list eventually, but I am feeling relieved to be taking it easy for now.
Delete