Aging: Does it Have Any Benefits?
Everything I write comes from experience. In 1999 John Wiley and Sons published my book about aging. My research included articles from the Medline database, medical newsletters, books on the topic, and a random survey of members of my local senior center.
The survey was called “How Do You Feel About Aging?” There were five questions on the form: 1. What are some good things about aging? 2. What are some bad things about aging? 3. What activities do you enjoy? 4. Occupation? 5. Age? (an optional question).
Only 40 people comleted the form. “Why aren’t more members filling out the survey?” I asked a secretary.
“They don’t want to think about aging,” she replied,
...certainly be part of a preventive reproductive health program. Most women do not experience symptoms. If there are symptoms, they are most likely to include heavy bleeding or painful periods, bleeding between periods, frequent urination, pain during sex, lower back ...
One member’s response was especially touching. Not long after her husband died she decided, primarily for safety reasons, to move out of her home and into a retirement community. The sorrow of her husband’s death didn’t diminish her enthusiasm for life. She participated in activities, remained active in her church, and was a community volunteer. On the survey form she wrote about the wonder of life and cherishing each day.
Another club member refused to
...if you're goal is to add mass you should be doing only about 20-30 minutes a time or else you will burn too many calories. Sample workout for a beginner 2 minutes warm up (ex. light walking) 6 minutes higher ...
“Surely you can think of something,” I replied.
“Nothing,” she answered.
“Not one thing?” I asked hopefully.
“Nothing,” she said firmly.
When I was writing the aging book my mother lived in a local assisted living community. She had probable Alzheimer’s disease and I saw her often. One day, as I was entering the building, I spotted the director. We talked for a few minutes and then I asked her question. “Can you tell me,” I began cautiously, “why so many residents seem to be angry?”
“They’re angry because they’re old,” she relied.
“Oh,” I replied, at a loss for words. Since
...to those of their team mates. Today, sports physical therapy has evolved into a distinctive specialty as it now focus on the effects of any form of exercise or physical activity aside from basic prevention or enhancement of physical performance ...
I’m eight years older now, wear glasses, and two hearing aids. Though I’m a big “creaky” when I get up in the morning, within an hour I’m running at top speed. And as the saying goes, I’m determined to “have a good day.”
I have twin grandchildren, one boy and one girl, and they are in Middle School. Early on, my grandchildren decided to call me “Grandma,” not “Nana,” or “Nona,” or anything cutesy. Becoming a grandma has made me a better person. I’m a more reflective person as well, and focus on the positives of aging.
Because of my age:
1. Each day I
...If it is not controlled, it can destroy the body's organs. 3. HEART - Lack of consistent physical activity, over time, decreases the function of the heart muscle, affects the blood vessels, including the large aortic artery to the veins ...
2. I have new sense of purpose
3. Family continues to be the most important thing in my life
4. I know who I am and what I do
5. I understand my talents and shortcomings
6. Self-care is part of every day
7. Silly excuses and falsehoods don’t work with me
8. I can laugh - really laugh - at myself
9. Laughter is a vital part of every day
10. It’s easy to ignore speeders who zig-zag and pass me
because we will get to the red light at the same time
11. My calendar is filled with volunteer projects
12. I’m willing to take credit for what I do
13. When asked, I
...along with medication and the proper treatment, you have some practical steps you can take for your own well being. Myths about depression often separate people from the effective treatments now available. A new study from Harvard's famous McLean Hospital ...
14. Admitting mistakes is easier and I move on quickly
15. Tears come to my eyes when a cardinal lands on a snowy
branch
16. I try to do the right thing
17. The wonder and mystery of the heavens fill me with awe
18. I understand the miracle of life
No matter how old you are, I hope you will look for the positives of aging. File them away in your mind and think of them from time to time. For the day may come when a child looks at you, hugs you, and calls you grandma or grandpa. What a blessing.
Copyright 2005 by Harriet Hodgson. To learn more
...residents of America, but it s also a major cause for disability. Women are no exception. In fact, for women over the age of 65, heart disease is the leading cause of death. So, what does all of this mean? ...
Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer fr 27 years and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists. Her 24th book, “Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief,” written with Lois Krahn, MD is available from http://www.amazon.com A five-star review of the book is also posted on Amazon.