Thank you Mary for the offer of guidance. I somehow think I should have joined this group 10 years ago before my unexplained 35 lb weight loss and multiple spinal compression fractures caused loss of muscle strength and pain that slowed me down even more. My reply to your offer may be entirely tmi but it might modify the suggestions you give.
I'm now almost 80. Kyphosis and scoliosis have contributed to a height loss from 5' 9" to 5' 4" and compression on my lungs. I have a very bloated belly, obstipation, urge incontinence, peripheral neuropathy that affects my balance, and recent new unstable lumbar compression fractures. I suspect there are spinal cord issues that recently caused edema in both my legs from the knee down to my feet that also affects my balance. I joined the Mayo support groups that address some of these issues, and recently joined this aging group also.
I get some pain relief from 500 mg of acetaminophen 3/day to enable me to continue to maintain my small 1 br apartment, purchase and prepare my own largely plant based food, and use the laundry room 2 flights down from me. I spend a lot of time relieving my back back in my recliner.
A Kaiser PT suggested very minimal exercises and cautioned me against bending or twisting and lifting more than 5 lbs. I recently incorporated my Peripheral Neuropathy support group's suggestion we try Online PT Bob and Brad's exercises to reduce foot drop and more.
I have no family, and my few friends have died or become demented. My social contacts have been focused on participating in my largely dysfunctional homeowner's association with no friendships resulting. Most of my neighbors are young, non English speaking (my only language) and fully employed in silicon valley jobs. The friends I had moved out because of the dysfunction, not uncommon with condominiums.
I sometimes wonder what keeps me struggling, but I somehow do. Any exercise guidance welcome but most of my time is spent simply existing.