Dexascan and Renpho - what do I trust?

chris_in_cal wrote: »

SModa61 wrote: »

Interestingly, my father who has survived three forms of cancer and survived some aggressive treatments usually given to a younger individual, had his hip snap off mid-stride October 2021.

I am currently watching my parents physically deteriorate (88 and 86) and it is painful to watch. I continually wonder how different their path may have been if they had focused more on their physicality.

I'm curious about your (and other people's) perspective and aspirations in measuring and seeking snapshot details?

As I am sure you are aware, probably 80%+ people on this thread would celebrate if their parents were alive at ages 88 and 86. You write "painful." I get it, but what's the big picture you are carrying? How does your big picture apply to your current efforts on your own health and wellbeing?

A doctor I heard on a podcast this week talked about western medicine and society being wildly successful on reducing 'fast death' (think consumption, 40 y/o smokers having heart attacks, etc.) and we are left with everyone else who face 'slow death.' Not to get too morbid, but I'm hoping there is contentedness and vitality and happiness in doing ones best, enjoying the process, and accepting fate.

I'll step off my soapbox. I do very much appreciate and identify with what you are questioning, I'm just curious abit on how you hope it will support you?

@chris_in_cal I just got home from a full day with my parents in assisted living. Yes, I am fortunate to have my parents still with me. They are fortunate enough to have good enough health to be alive. The parts that are hardest on me are the aspects that I feel they had a choice about.

The first of these is the fact that as my parents aged they became full on hoarders. Right now, they have been in assisted living for over one and a half years. They own two homes, neither of which they can financially extricate themselves from, because they won't allow the contents to be dealt with. The hoarding also led to them not letting repair people into their home or cleaners as my mother became unable to, and it even removed their ability to have downsized into a more livable home that, just maybe, could have delayed their need to move into assisted living. Meanwhile, financially they are paying for two homes, PLUS assisted living. I on the other hand have to come de-hoard their assisted living apartment regularly, and like today, did emergency run to one home that suddenly mail is being delivered to again.

Second, their physical health, which IMO may have altered their options in life. I think COVID lockdown accelerated my mother's deterioration, both mentally and physically. She had taken pride in her efforts until then. Once COVID came around, she literally would not even go outside (she lived in an expansive neighborhood - not congested) out of fear that there might be a person in sight. My father on the other hand, thinks physical activity is a remote control. My father's mobility is bad and every time they set up PT he refuses to do anything because he "knows more than them" or his "mitochondria need to recharge". My mother has accelerated in her decline just in the past few months.

My mother fight's medical care. My father thinks pills are the solution.

OK, so you asked, what is my takeaway, and what might I do differently.

1) we sold our family home at age 60 to move into a very nice townhouse, but one that we can see how we could age in place in the future
2) we are decluttering and getting rid of unnecessary things
3) we are trying to be better about exercise and maintaining mobility, and part of that is a healthy weight. Extra pounds are hard on the body and harder to move around, and even hard on any aid or family that needs to assist you later in life.
4) I am looking at, but not yet doing, supplements (aka vitamins) to see what benefits might exist
5) keeping up on medical care, preferably preventative. Monitoring those lab results and acting accordingly, and, as much as possible, addressing any medical issues through better healthy choices (like my lipid panel came back imperfect. I have since done a lot of reading on the subject and I am shifting my diet in a way that should help) I prefer that as a first step rather than "popping a pill" that is now one more obstacle to navigate in your health journey.

There is a couple at my parent's assisted living that I met a few months ago. Wife was bright, clean articulate and mobile, as was the husband. If I recall, she was 102, her "younger husband" was 99. I had guessed her age as low 80's. I would love to ask them about the choices they made. Given they are husband and wife, odds are it is not purely lucky genetics, or they got that luck times two.

Hope I did not just bore you to tears, and maybe I answered your questions.

@kshama2001 I want to grow up to be that woman. Read my reply above to “chris”. Woman is 102, and husband 99, and one would guess they were in early 80’s at the worst.

Also, like you I have the comparative good and bad. Hubby’s paternal grandmother, got a stroke because she refused to take her diabetes medications or modify her diet. Had to move to nursing home, half paralyzed for the last 10 years of her life.

Hubby’s maternal grandfather, had moved into a nursing home, but was a rare male and the life of the home. One night they had a dance. He danced with every woman. That night he died in his sleep. I keep saying that that is the way to die.

@cwolfman13 Yes, indeed they are Dexa. Are they maintained? Are they calibrated? I guess those questions are more in my mind…..after the fact. If was a bucket list item. Initially I planned to do periodically, but I’ll be thinking hard if that is how I want to spend another $80 (reasonable price IMM)

chris_in_cal wrote: »

So much of what you write @SModa61 resonates with me. I'm so happy you are putting this out here.

This is sort of a plug, but I saw a documentary about five years ago and it really started me down a good path of addressing my relationship with my possessions. I come from hoarder people.

Coincidentally the documentarians (The Minimalists) emailed today saying their full doc is going to be available free on Youtube starting this Saturday: https://youtu.be/J8DGjUv-Vjc

It isn't the greatest movie in the world, but it lit a match and I've really been comfortable making big changes since starting down this road. Give it a watch this weekend if you have the time.

@chris_in_cal thank you for sharing that link. I will certainly watch it. My personality risks hoarding. Fortunately I am married to a husband that reminds me this is not an option. And of course, my parents have inspired me to make sure I improve as I age, instead of getting worse like many elderly.

Oh, in my large message above, I forgot to mention that my father has been obese (low end obese) for likely 10+ years now, and I never remember him as a "normal" weight man. This choice has certainly added to his mobility issues.

@springlering62 amazing! there may come a time that it comes to that. right now, I am getting trained by my father to assume certain financial responsibilities, bills, where monies are, and access codes to various accounts. I am sorry you went through this, but I appreciate your sharing your experience and solutions.

Note: As currently defined, I am eventually co-trustee, co-executor, and sole power of attorney depending on when any of those roles kick in.