Here it is February, and since New Year’s it seems like a year’s worth of flurry has happened so far this year! Is it me, or is the world moving at lightning speed compared to what it has before? They say it’s a part of the aging process. As we grow older, we have a larger memory base, so as the new ones come forward, they are but a small snip in the big picture of what we call our lives. This month, Answers for Elders theme is “Health and Wellness.”
It’s funny, when I was caring for my mom and would sit at the dinner table with other seniors in her assisted living community, and most often the conversations would be around their health challenges and doctor appointments. I thought to myself at the time that life would be much more interesting if they had something else to focus on. I would bring up current events, Seahawks football, and things surrounding pop culture. Yet, it seemed like always, the conversation would lead back to healthcare, and their various challenges and issues.
Then, about a week or so ago I picked up a bag of dog food from Costco, and in the past, yes, it’s heavy, but having arthritis it has become increasingly more difficult to pick up in and out of the cart. Yet, I am used to being independent! That day as I reached into the cart to put it into the back of my car, my hands just could not grip it tight enough to pick up and transfer it. At the time it was truly humiliating to have to ask for help, and yet, they were truly gracious beyond words.
So, yes, I am increasingly beginning to be aware of the changes that are happening within me in my own aging process, and also, how often I am beginning to have the conversations with my own friends that I used to steer clear of! What I have learned lately is to be more mindful of my body, and to start embracing it. I am more keenly aware of others who are having challenges, and I find myself interested in their stories- seeking out together, solutions, options, and the best quality of life.
I am also hopeful that we all can learn to embrace the many wonders of our aging years, and even though life might be more difficult for so many of us, it brings new opportunities to be wiser, quieter, and centered. Needless to say, I am being drug kicking and screaming, and I am still in this process to accept, and to be honest, it certainly it has humbled me!
I hope you enjoy our program this month as we explore the various health options that we face with our seniors, and how we as a community can gain an optimal quality of life!
Warmly,
Suzanne
