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?

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@annecmvneg

I read that book. He is a columnist, and I suspect the book is a collection of his entertaining columns, based on his own personal experiences and the unique crowd he moves in. This is abook about his own quirks and fears - he was only in his 50s when he wrote it. I'm 80 and I think the extreme and exaggerated traits he describes tell much more about him than about any of the people in their 70s and 80s I see every day at my Senior Center here in Rochester,Mn.

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Thank you for your brief summary of the book! I think for the author to say what he won’t do when he reaches a certain age is very short sighted, since there are so many variables that will impact how he will age and what condition his health will be in. I physically feel a lot older than my actual 57 years because I had to fight leukemia 6 years ago. I think it’s better to take an approach that we should adjust and do the best we can as we age.

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@annecmvneg

I read that book. He is a columnist, and I suspect the book is a collection of his entertaining columns, based on his own personal experiences and the unique crowd he moves in. This is abook about his own quirks and fears - he was only in his 50s when he wrote it. I'm 80 and I think the extreme and exaggerated traits he describes tell much more about him than about any of the people in their 70s and 80s I see every day at my Senior Center here in Rochester,Mn.

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Good to hear your perspective on this book. I will read it with caution!

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@loribmt

Hah! Not sure I’m ready for that book, might be too much of a revelation for me!! 😅
Would you like to toss out a few examples from the book to whet the appetite?

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Sure…just started my book club book and then that book is next on my list. If anything sounds intriguing, I’ll post it here.

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I've had MCTD for 25 years, so adaptation to aging is familiar; I don't want to close up my world without trying a few things. Read Spoonie Theory (Christine Miserandino) to understand pacing yourself. I try to avoid overdoing since it leads to lost days. But I can prepare a light day before and after as well as limiting the hours I am overdoing. Keeping hydrated and eating well, stretches also matter. https://www.patientsrising.org/what-is-spoonie/

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@shannaam

Hi Over 60's - I would just like to add a small note on how I try and stay young (I'm 66) and try to stay mentally and physically active. I was diagnosed with PMR one year ago but I'm not letting it get to me (although I can't wait for it to leave me!). Yes, it's painful but we have to move on and not dwell. I'm also still employed full time which I find helps - we must have something to do - an interest that also interacts with other people. There is always someone out there that is worse off than ourselves. Do volunteer work if you are not employed or don't need to be employed. Help others - it's so rewarding and a great way to meet people.

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I struggle with keeping up core strength and mobility. It is not an easy thing to maintain, but we must! I agree that you are right about keeping busy and moving. I am more aware of life's transitions and really liked Anna Quindlen's Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake, a memoir of her life as a woman that I think will resonate with people in general.

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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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@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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Welcome back. Yes, this is a favorite for me. I have been working very hard to stay mentally engaged and physically active. Some days it can be a real challenge , then I invoke my "5 minute rule" - move at least 5 minutes every hour even if it just to sort and wash a load of laundry or pick up in one room. Of course in spring I have the opposite issue- rationing my energy as I work in my gardens so I don't get into "push one day, crash the next" mode. I also plan at least one fun outing every week for us. Tomorrow we will drive about an hour south to have lunch and a riverside walk with a friend. We may be walking in rainwear but it will be fun to be together.
What are you planning to get back on track?

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Love this topic
I am 67 basically in good health but have severe cervical stenosis abd arthritis. I am a firm believer of a positive attitude and exercising .
Our local Y has so many great programs to help stay active .
Sometimes I wish I could run and keep up with my grandchildren but am so thankful I am a big part of their lives

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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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@collierga

Love this topic
I am 67 basically in good health but have severe cervical stenosis abd arthritis. I am a firm believer of a positive attitude and exercising .
Our local Y has so many great programs to help stay active .
Sometimes I wish I could run and keep up with my grandchildren but am so thankful I am a big part of their lives

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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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