Getting older isn't for the faint of heart
Aging can reduce us to the sum of our parts, but there are aids to help
My body and I have been ambling along merrily all these years. Lately, however, many of my body parts have assumed a life of their own, and have been clamouring for attention. Keeping my body parts working takes some effort these days. In no particular order, here is an inventory:
Eyes: Sometime, in the long ago, I received my first reading glasses. Things were going well when, in my 80s, lightning struck. I was diagnosed with macular degeneration that was treated with monthly eye injections for the following eight years to help stay the progression of the disease. Then about three years ago came two cataract operations to correct my blurry vision. I now appreciate whatever vision I still have to help me enjoy reading, which is my favourite pastime.
Ears: As eyesight worsened, another blow hit about the same time. My hearing was rapidly deteriorating, calling for insertion of hearing aids first in one, then in both ears. After having to curtail my reading, this next blow attacked my other passions, going to the theatre and the movies. Conversing with friends in person or on the phone became more difficult. Installing tiny batteries in hearing aids was a new skill to be learned. Help, too, was available through a special telephone that enhances voices. Good thing I can still enjoy listening to the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, as I have done for many years.
Hands: For a pianist and a typist, as I had been in the past, losing agility and having arthritis in the fingers are major inconveniences. My piano-playing days are over — I was a student of classical piano in my youth — but typing, especially with the advent of the computer, I can still manage. Doing hand exercises helps.
Feet: They also claim special attention, ordering me to insert special insoles in shoes for walks.
Otherwise, they remind me, I might have a repeat of Achilles tendinitis, a year-long struggle I would just as soon forget.
Bladder: Overactive or irritable, it is an organ of great importance. Disturbing your day and keeping you up at night, it is like an unpleasant noisy neighbour you wish would move out of the building.
Stomach: Eating a healthy diet and keeping my weight constant have become a major concern. Add to that cholesterol issues, and I have my work cut out for me. Of course, advice and warnings are not lacking. Eat this; don't eat that. Check labels for sodium content; cut down on salt and sugar. Eat lots of fibre, fruits, legumes, vegetables. Eat lots of fish, not so much red meat.
What is a Hungarian girl like me, whose favourite food is Hungarian salami (a definite no-no) to do? I have one life to live and, for better or worse, I will try to eat right, but don't take away my Hungarian salami!
Teeth: I still have my own teeth — with some modifications — but they seem to require more attention these days, due to possible gum inflammation. Neglect, as my dentist warns, could lead to cardiovascular trouble. So I am happy to fulfil my obligations, visiting the dental hygienist regularly, using my electric toothbrush daily for the prescribed two minutes, flossing and using mouthwash. Considering the alternatives — dentures or implants — I consider it money and time well spent.
Disturbing your day and keeping you up at night, (your bladder) is like an unpleasant noisy neighbour you wish would move out of the building.
Head: Now here is a topic of great importance. It was said that sometimes your head lies to you and I would agree. Still, how do you keep your head — and the thoughts inside it — straight? Advice abounds. Try yoga, breathing, mindfulness, meditation. Exercise to improve your mood. Keep your mind active, stay busy and learn something new.
For me, keeping my spiritual life active via my Catholic religion has been of major importance.
Here's hoping all my parts will co-operate and between environmental impacts and nutrition (which of the top-selling milk alternatives is best for you?) keep me going for some time to come. Wishing you the best of luck, too.
P.S. In my column on mobility aids, I forgot to mention non-slip bathtub mats. Don't forget to install one.