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How do you accept change as you age?
Aging Well | Last Active: Nov 7, 2020 | Replies (277)Comment receiving replies
@starchy Yes, "We have been conditioned to believe that there is a magic "pill" for everything." That's our instant gratification culture!
My PT & I had this discussion last week. My pain doc asked at our recent (virtual) appointment whether I attribute my improvement to the new med or the PT sessions - I told her honestly, it's 50/50 PT & exercise, maybe 10% the meds. The meds just took the edge off the pain so I could move enough to get started. The PT got me on the right track with correct exercises & proper form, and he has magic fingers when dealing with specific pain issues, but without 2-3 times daily exercises at home & walking, I wouldn't be seeing nearly as much progress.
I repeat the PT + exercise mantra endlessly to the hip replacement group too - they are probably tired of hearing it! I have now rehabbed successfully from 11 ortho surgeries for injuries and/or arthritis damage, and every single one required at least 2 months of at-home daily exercise - my knee took 6 months twice a day & 6 months once a day to get back to full function after an ACL replacement and MCL repair from an bad sports injury - and I was 25 years younger then.
The same is true for diet. I have avoided all the fads - to the point where I was reluctant to go wheat-free about 10 years ago, but listened to my daughters and tried it (I have a wheat allergy, not celiac.) As for the rest of our eating, we eat what I call a "plant rich" diet, but are not vegetarian. Cookies and the like are a very occasional treat - our big indulgence is 2 dark chocolate sea salt caramels after dinner, or a small Dove sorbet bar.
Meat is on our plates about 4 times a week, fish or shellfish once, no meat at all twice. A single chicken serves the 2 of us for 3 meals - first time roasted, then the rest is diced, frozen & served in wild rice salad or stir-fry. Chili made with 2 pounds of meat & 2 pound of beans also makes 4 dinners for 2 - 2 to eat, and 2 for the freezer.
We do most of our shopping at a locally owned produce/meat/bakery shop. On our counter today are tomatoes, cucumber & peppers from the garden, avocado, green beans, peaches and grapes. Any bread is 100% whole grain (not my husband's favorite, but I do the shopping) or gluten-free breads made with a variety of grains as well as veggies.
Our kids have gone through a number of "phases" but now eat much like we do - except both have a much higher tolerance for making a big batch of something and eating it for 4 days in a row than their Dad.
Sue
Replies to "@starchy Yes, "We have been conditioned to believe that there is a magic "pill" for everything."..."
Congratulations on sticking to your guns. Your story is amazing.
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@sueinmn, Sue, what you write about our instant gratification magic pill taking culture is so true. I wish more U.S. docs knew more about the importance of diet as a game changer for some maladies.
I'm gasping at the thought of your 11 ortho surgeries...and resulting need for pt that kept you on the right track for healing. However, you could certainly be a poster child for the benefits that resulted.
The word "diet" really wasn't in my vocabulary until a short time ago when I received a double medical diagnosis that got my attention. Making changes from "whatever sounds good at the moment" to following a plan that restricted some foods and promoted others has made an undeniable difference in my lab values for both. Ummm, however, a bit of recent backsliding and upcoming lab report may renew my focus on "climbing back on the bus". smiles
Your description of a "plant rich" diet is true for me as well because I also haven't ruled out meats and seafood entirely. One of the great benefits of "being here now" is my delight in enjoying veggies that I never experienced growing up in a very small town with one grocery and my dad's garden. While I'm not a fan of 4 days in a row of anything,(I tend to have an allergy to "fixed" routines) smiles, even halving most recipes, there are leftovers to freeze for another time when the call comes for "fast and easy".