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A discussion for people over 60: Let's focus on what we can do

Posted by nanette2022 @nanette2022, Feb 18, 2022

Is is possible to start a new discussion for over 60?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

Profile picture for Susan Manship Remy
Susan Manship Remy | @slmremy | May 25, 2022
In reply to @ellamster "Wow, this is such a nice topic 😊 I haven't been around for a long time..." + (show)
Profile picture for EllAmster @ellamster

Wow, this is such a nice topic 😊
I haven't been around for a long time but am back on track and find this topic. It's very long so I won't read it all, but what I read is useful: thanks.
The core strength really is something to take care of, and mobility as well. The last few years have been difficult in so many aspects that I got lost. I will try and pick myself up again.

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In reading your post - I became concerned. Why? Because what was said feels so challenged - I empathize. Another time for that story but what helped me get back on my building of core strength (+) was to do something everyday. A lot of times I could just manage minutes of movement. So I decided to do less but do it everyday to s l o w l y work on my core…
So I had a short sweet routine , under 5 minutes which kept me in touch with my body and feeling like I could possibly do this. The question I kept asking of myself was, how little will it take for me to feel like I am connected to the movement? Focus came. But mostly I left off the expectations.
Hold emotional space for success!

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3 replies
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 27, 2022
In reply to @slmremy "In reading your post - I became concerned. Why? Because what was said feels so challenged..." + (show)
Profile picture for Susan Manship Remy @slmremy

In reading your post - I became concerned. Why? Because what was said feels so challenged - I empathize. Another time for that story but what helped me get back on my building of core strength (+) was to do something everyday. A lot of times I could just manage minutes of movement. So I decided to do less but do it everyday to s l o w l y work on my core…
So I had a short sweet routine , under 5 minutes which kept me in touch with my body and feeling like I could possibly do this. The question I kept asking of myself was, how little will it take for me to feel like I am connected to the movement? Focus came. But mostly I left off the expectations.
Hold emotional space for success!

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Welcome, Susan. I have a feeling you and @artscaping could be kindred spirits. I'm confident that your phrases about "do something everyday" and "hold emotional space for success" will resonate clearly and brilliantly with her.

May I ask what led to your needing to get back to building your core strength? What activities helped you to get started slowly?

@ellamster, what activities are you starting with?

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Chris, Alumni Mentor | @artscaping | May 27, 2022
In reply to @slmremy "In reading your post - I became concerned. Why? Because what was said feels so challenged..." + (show)
Profile picture for Susan Manship Remy @slmremy

In reading your post - I became concerned. Why? Because what was said feels so challenged - I empathize. Another time for that story but what helped me get back on my building of core strength (+) was to do something everyday. A lot of times I could just manage minutes of movement. So I decided to do less but do it everyday to s l o w l y work on my core…
So I had a short sweet routine , under 5 minutes which kept me in touch with my body and feeling like I could possibly do this. The question I kept asking of myself was, how little will it take for me to feel like I am connected to the movement? Focus came. But mostly I left off the expectations.
Hold emotional space for success!

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Greetings Susan. How wonderful to read about your background and support of using part of every day to focus on the basics. @colleenyoung1 is very observant. I do a daily yoga stretch routine which keeps my body flexible and as strong as possible. Today was my first daily walk this spring at a beautiful garden called Munsinger. I am excited about the opportunities to work on the basics......and still get to see amazingly beautiful flowers and plants along the river. Today at the end of my walk, I sat in a swing and watch two eagles swoop back and forth across the river. They are amazing.

So welcome to Connect. We attempt to support our members and learn from them. Are you in recovery from a medical condition?

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

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2 replies
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Susan Manship Remy | @slmremy | May 27, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "I hear you when you say "Sometimes I wish I could run and keep up with..." + (show)
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

I hear you when you say "Sometimes I wish I could run and keep up with my grandchildren but am so thankful I am a big part of their lives"
My littles are very active, and we are involved. Here are some things we can do together without being able to run.
'Venture walks - pick a topic, take a walk, have them find whatever relates to the topic & talk about it - examples, count the squirrel nests in trees, find every different kind of tree leaf or seed and try to ID, count all the different colors of houses or cars you pass and tally them on a little wipe off board.
Nature walks - we have a tiny piece of woods near us where we walk, they climb brush and fallen trees, we examine wildlife signs
Gardening - They each plant their favorite flowers in pots - one pot for Mom, Dad, Auntie & themselves. They have a tiny plot in my yard to plant & tend. Then we challenge them to keep the plants alive... They also help pick up sticks, and the 6 year old is now allowed to help me prune.
Art - messy projects on the patio. Think anything parents may not have time or patience for, and child guided. Painting rocks, water play with food coloring or expanding gel beads, bubbles, sidewalk chalk... I just make sure they have a big old tshirt to replace their clothes and dry things to change into. Or play legos together at the table if you can't get on the floor.
Food - cooking (4 year olds can make scrambled eggs!) food prep - fruit or meat & cheese kabobs, top English muffins, tortillas or flat bread for individual pizzas
What activities do you do with your grands?

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Sweet reminders for “projects” we used to do when my kids were young - we planted in cups to start and graduated up - so exciting to see the seeds grow. We have a few apps for star constellations and flora and fauna ID - so fun to walk and figure out names of plants and birds and …
Put orchids in trees - well down in southern Fla 🍊
We go pick at the organic farm down the street. Then we cook, amazing how good things taste out of the garden. Just love the exciting discoveries

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Profile picture for Susan Manship Remy
Susan Manship Remy | @slmremy | May 27, 2022
In reply to @artscaping "Greetings Susan. How wonderful to read about your background and support of using part of every..." + (show)
Profile picture for Chris, Alumni Mentor @artscaping

Greetings Susan. How wonderful to read about your background and support of using part of every day to focus on the basics. @colleenyoung1 is very observant. I do a daily yoga stretch routine which keeps my body flexible and as strong as possible. Today was my first daily walk this spring at a beautiful garden called Munsinger. I am excited about the opportunities to work on the basics......and still get to see amazingly beautiful flowers and plants along the river. Today at the end of my walk, I sat in a swing and watch two eagles swoop back and forth across the river. They are amazing.

So welcome to Connect. We attempt to support our members and learn from them. Are you in recovery from a medical condition?

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

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Sounds lovely - where you walked and shared the eagles flight path. I chuckle at your observations / astute!
I enjoy sharing and get a lot from the forums. Thank you for making it possible. I will probably write occasionally because I work.
The latest activity I am cultivating is my spin bike ride time….good to use when watching TV
But my muscles need build so I am at 5-10 mins of mild. I have build up by doing less and being gentle. A surprise for this runner who was used to the push…🏃🏼‍♀️ Thanks

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2 replies
Profile picture for Susan Manship Remy
Susan Manship Remy | @slmremy | May 27, 2022
In reply to @artscaping "Greetings Susan. How wonderful to read about your background and support of using part of every..." + (show)
Profile picture for Chris, Alumni Mentor @artscaping

Greetings Susan. How wonderful to read about your background and support of using part of every day to focus on the basics. @colleenyoung1 is very observant. I do a daily yoga stretch routine which keeps my body flexible and as strong as possible. Today was my first daily walk this spring at a beautiful garden called Munsinger. I am excited about the opportunities to work on the basics......and still get to see amazingly beautiful flowers and plants along the river. Today at the end of my walk, I sat in a swing and watch two eagles swoop back and forth across the river. They are amazing.

So welcome to Connect. We attempt to support our members and learn from them. Are you in recovery from a medical condition?

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

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Thank you for the welcoming

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Profile picture for Ginger, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | May 28, 2022
In reply to @slmremy "Sounds lovely - where you walked and shared the eagles flight path. I chuckle at your..." + (show)
Profile picture for Susan Manship Remy @slmremy

Sounds lovely - where you walked and shared the eagles flight path. I chuckle at your observations / astute!
I enjoy sharing and get a lot from the forums. Thank you for making it possible. I will probably write occasionally because I work.
The latest activity I am cultivating is my spin bike ride time….good to use when watching TV
But my muscles need build so I am at 5-10 mins of mild. I have build up by doing less and being gentle. A surprise for this runner who was used to the push…🏃🏼‍♀️ Thanks

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@slmremy Susan, you hit the nail on the head! We certainly find out the push we could get away with in younger years, becomes a shove, sometimes gentle, sometimes a bit harder. Making an effort each day to do what we can, seems to be the key. Being gentle on ourselves doesn't come easy to most of us, does it? Sharing with others certainly spurs us on, and gives great examples for us to try.

I am off to pull weeds before the rain comes in today. Pesky things, but they give me a reason to play in the dirt!
Ginger

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janet7 | @janet7 | May 28, 2022
In reply to @nanette2022 "What can we start? What can we do ? aside from listing what we can no..." + (show)
Profile picture for nanette2022 @nanette2022

What can we start? What can we do ? aside from listing what we can no longer do, no longer start... Am I the only one at a loss?

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Being my husband’s caretaker, I don’t always take care of myself. So my first priority would be to take better care of me! Then reading is my passion. I could start crocheting a baby ensemble for my newly engaged grandson, who may have a baby. If not, I have 3 other grandchildren who might need it for their baby.
I used to volunteer at a nearby hospital and I loved it. However, my husband needs me more than ever, so now I am his caretaker.

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janet7 | @janet7 | May 28, 2022
In reply to @rozbee "I am 82 years old, female, widow; I live in a very remote setting near a..." + (show)
Profile picture for rozbee @rozbee

I am 82 years old, female, widow; I live in a very remote setting near a very small town in Texas; I have PV amongst many other maladies; I agree that to keep a positive attitude and keep moving is of primary importance; The way I keep moving is; turn on Sirious to the '50's gold music; and no matter how awful I feel my body starts to rock and dance; for me it is better than walking; more animated, moves all areas of the body; and it makes me smile and makes me happy. When I need meditation, I turn on Dish and go to the dishscape which is particulaly beautiful this month . the music is soothing and calming, the colors and changes consume your whole body into stillness, beauty, and meditation. No, I am not associated in any way with Dish, just one subscriber, but those two things have brought so many benfits in my life. Good and Happy moving to you all.

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I’m with you - music is definitely my motivation!
I love to dance and it’s so much fun!
Thank you for this advice!

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Profile picture for rozbee
rozbee | @rozbee | May 28, 2022

Thanks, Janet Love to hear from a kindred spirit; I dance every morning using all parts of my body; I just cannot sit still when Chuck Berry starts belting out " Roll Over Beethoven" or Little Richard does " Good Golly Miss Molly" or sway to Pat Boones croon. Here is the really interesting part: I have dizzy head all the time, sometimes worse than others; I use a cane to walk because my balance is not good at all. BUT, when I start to dance, I do not even notice it. and I really do some moving around. The only thing I can figure is: the same sensation when someone who stutters can sing perfectly without stuttering. This has got to be a brain/body/rhythm thing of some kind; anyway, I am so gratefull to be able to move and dance and do so enjoy it. Good dancing and smiling to you.

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