Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The Right Way to Age


I just turned forty-four last month and will be lucky, if I make it to eighty-eight so, given that, it seems my life has already reached the halfway point. It's morbid to think about and most people would rather not but that's not me. I've become more diligent about taking care of myself in recent years - at least doctor-wise. I recently went through the required six month dental exam, and the always fun pap smear exam. I came out with referrals to schedule a dermatology appointment for my sun damaged skin, and a mammogram as well as some physical therapy for my right arm which isn't quite right. Man, do I sound old, or what?! While I recognize the importance of a healthy diet and exercise, I have much room for improvement in these areas. All these things, I know, will help me prolong my life and achieve a better quality of life in my remaining years but here's the thing.....

If I do all the things that I'm supposed to and have a body that is in peak condition in my senior years, I could very well have a brain that doesn't keep pace. Then my old brain will be trapped in a very healthy body with years and years to go. I've seen it happen and it's awful!

So, should I worry about flossing, less exposure to the sun, eating rabbit food all the time, working out, drinking less, and all the other un-fun stuff I'm supposed to be doing or should I throw caution to the wind and go out and do what I enjoy? Or is there a balance? That's what I'm trying to come to terms with now.....

Go ahead! Give me your 2 cents!

2 comments:

David A. Davison said...

As the song says, "It's your thing, do what you wanna do..." (you should be glad you didn't have to listen to me sing that!).

I have lost 2 of my co-workers due to unexpected circumstances in the past two weeks. Both were under 40 years old. I have decided to live life to it's fullest. If you're not hurting anyone else, do it, especially if it helps someone else. And be sure to tell the ones around you that you love them daily.

Not stop feeling sorry for yourself and start posting some fun stuff.

Anonymous said...

Pretty cool site, Ellie! I too am trying to come to terms with my aging self...we only have one time around, I think, so maybe we should try to appreciate and make the most of this time while we can. Sounds like you are already trying to do that!