Living the Lifestyle - Wednesday 5/22/2019

gadgetgirlIL

We meet here to explore, share, celebrate and (sometimes) agonize over how we do (or don't) incorporate weight loss guidelines into our daily lives. "It's a lifestyle, not a diet" is easily and often said, but sometimes not so simply put into practice.

This is a thread for everyone. If you're new to GoaD, or to weight loss, your questions and comments are always welcome. If you're maintaining, or a long-term loser, your thoughts on the topic may be just what someone else needs to hear. If you're reading this, join in the discussion!

Each weekday, a new topic is offered up for discussion. Thread starters for May are below:

Monday - myallforjcbill (Bill)
Tuesday - GavinFlynn1 (Gavin)
Wednesday - gadgetgirl (Regina)
Thursday - misterhub (Greg)
Friday - Al_Howard (Al)

Today's topic: "Growing old isn't for sissies"

An older man who used to come in regularly to our fitness center at the retirement community was fond of the phrase that is today's topic. Despite many physical challenges, he always had a smile on his face. He was a regular until his passing a few years ago. I believe he was 91.

So what challenges do you face? Are you able to keep a positive outlook most of the time? Who or what inspires you as you enter uncharted territory?

gadgetgirlIL

The older residents that I work with at the retirement community have been a huge inspiration over the past 13 years that I've been privileged to work with them. For many of them, it is their faith or spirituality that keeps them focusing on the positive in life. For others, it is their families. Many are still very active in volunteer activities.

I find at this stage of life that good quality sleep is a challenge. Long gone are the days where I could sleep in on weekends. Alarm or not, my body wakes up around 4:30am, sometimes earlier. This in spite of what time I have gone to bed. It is handy for traveling as getting up early to depart for a bike ride is no big deal for me.

I learned a few years ago that our sleep cycles are often on 90 minute or so intervals. Yep, I wake up most nights about every 90-120 minutes. Usually I can get back to sleep, but sometimes the brain gets racing.

My other challenge is the random joints that usually take turns making themselves known. Sometimes it is my shoulders, sometimes my thumb joints. I know that the best thing to do is keep moving in spite of the discomfort. But, dang, it would be nice to have a day when something wasn't talking to me!

And no matter what is bothering me physically, it is better than the alternative!

steve0mania

I do have a few issues I struggle with. As with you, @gadgetgirlIL, sleep is elusive, and I wake up a few times every night, and am often up at around 4:30 am. Thankfully, I don't hit a wall too badly in the evening, so I guess I don't need as much sleep as I used to.

There are lot of little aches and pains. Apparently I've got osteoarthritis in a couple of my fingers, and there's a possibility that I may be developing gout.

I had my second (minor) skin cancer removed this past year. Plus I've had ulcerative colitis for about 10 years that is, thankfully, quiescent for now.

As you said, though, I try to maintain a positive attitude. Like your residents, I find that faith is a big driver, plus many older "role-models" who keep a positive attitude regardless of the challenges they face. That's how I'd like to live my life too, dwelling on the good things rather than on the negatives!

misterhub

Sleep is my biggest issue. Seems to be a theme as we grow older. I am lucky - I can go to sleep pretty easily. But, I can't stay asleep. Once I wake up, the old hamster brain kicks in, and it is often very difficult to get back to sleep. I am an early riser, and I at work early (between 0630 and 0700). So, the sleep thing can be a problem.

I also have severe foot issues. I was an avid runner and an avid hiker for years. Due to the foot issues, I've had to stop running, and I have had to cut back on my hiking. Although, I am finding ways around that hiking problem.

I am a practicing Zen Buddhist. As such, I try not to have too many expectations. I aspire to accept things as they are...working to change only things that are truly important to change. Most things are not. There are days I am better at that than on other days. However, in general, the deeper I get into meditation, the more I realize the simple pleasures of life. This has been life-changing for me. I have been, and continue to be, pretty "non-cranky" these last several years. Such a break with my youthful past.

myallforjcbill

I have degenerative disc disease in the back which has changed my life. Though I have gotten used to moving slowly and limited walking (bad knee as well), some days are stiff an achy and can create a shut down mentality. Things go better when I practice mindfulness meditation's regularly, do my exercises, stay on the meds etc. But sometimes it can lay me low. I happen to be restarting the hour-long exercise routine for I am supposed to do today thanks to another GoaDie.

Al_Howard

gadgetgirlIL wrote: »

The older residents that I work with at the retirement community have been a huge inspiration over the past 13 years that I've been privileged to work with them. For many of them, it is their faith or spirituality that keeps them focusing on the positive in life. For others, it is their families. Many are still very active in volunteer activities.

I find at this stage of life that good quality sleep is a challenge. Long gone are the days where I could sleep in on weekends. Alarm or not, my body wakes up around 4:30am, sometimes earlier. This in spite of what time I have gone to bed. It is handy for traveling as getting up early to depart for a bike ride is no big deal for me.

I learned a few years ago that our sleep cycles are often on 90 minute or so intervals. Yep, I wake up most nights about every 90-120 minutes. Usually I can get back to sleep, but sometimes the brain gets racing.

My other challenge is the random joints that usually take turns making themselves known. Sometimes it is my shoulders, sometimes my thumb joints. I know that the best thing to do is keep moving in spite of the discomfort. But, dang, it would be nice to have a day when something wasn't talking to me!

And no matter what is bothering me physically, it is better than the alternative!

A lot of what you said resonates with me.
Sleep can be an issue, especially if I have something to get done, or get to in the morning. Never heard anything about the sleep cycle info, but 90-120 min. is about right for me also, and getting back to sleep is usually due to the aforementioned morning stuff.
I also have osteoarthritis in way too mention joints, plus stenosis in the spinal column, top down and bottom up. The aches and pains bother my sleep also, but some pain meds allow for sleep, most of the time. Have already replaced both knees, and need a revision on one before too many years pass. Also both shoulders are bad. (Am working with weights to build up the musculature support for them.

Yes, growing older isn't for sissies, but this side of the grass is better.

podkey

True. Skin cancer, indolent lymphoma, more irregular sleep, joint pains (did I say joint pains?)
I agree with Greg to dismiss expectations. I do admit that I have trouble with mr cranky though. For me the best meditation is far beyond "mindfulness". More letting it all go like balloons or clouds to the sky. In a sense the opposite of "concentration".