Aging . . . Sometimes seems like a cruel joke!!

When I was in my 60's I was in complete denial of my aging progress!

That's easy to do when you are feeling great and don't really have any health issues that make you feel sick.

However, all it took was a few bouts of problems that put me into the hospital at least 4 times and a couple surgeries that made me have to admit that maybe this aging thing was for real!!

I mean, problems and surgeries can happen at any age but I think it was the time it took to recover and gain some of my strength back that made me accept that possibly I was a senior, an elder,

 an old person??

Yikes!!

I began to notice other things too.

I'm not able to lift 40 lbs. any longer.

I'll confess now, I can't even lift my western saddle up onto my horse!

I have aches and pains all over, not only my back and shoulder!

New age spots seem to be appearing daily.

And what is happening to my face!

Food that I used to eat with no problem, seems to have turned against me!

Lack of contact with people bothers me more.

Social media has become more important to me.

(Especially Periscope and Facebook live!)

I am talking to my dog and other animals much more!

Maybe to even myself!

Hmmmmm . . . . .

Then there's the memory thing.

Losing things that you had in your hand 10 minutes ago!

So far, in this house, I have lost:  

A brand new full croquet set, 

My Spiralizer for making zucchini noodles, 

My blood pressure cuff,

And, I swear to God, I forgot the 4th thing just now!

 

To continue with the no memory thing . . . 

Going upstairs or downstairs only have to do it again because you forgot what you went there for.

Forgetting words when you're trying to hold a half-way intelligent conversation.

That one really bothers me and makes me feel like a nit-wit!!

They call these the "golden years"??!!!

That can't be right!

Well . . . there's funny things too.

Hunting for my cell phone while I'm actually talking on it.

Getting into the shower with my glasses on.

The other night I was getting undressed, trying to take off a snug sweater and long under-ware top at the same time and I got it stuck over my head.  I couldn't pull it off because of my bad shoulder and it all of a sudden struck me as so funny.

I was laughing hysterically all my myself in the bathroom!

Yes, I finally got it off!

I walk slower, I fumble with my hands more and worry is sometimes out of control.

When one thing seems to be getting better, here comes another problem.

My best hope is that I've had my 2 years of health issues and now things will be getting better.

I am regaining some strength back and I think if I get back to the Silver Sneakers exercise classes at the Rec. Center, it will help.

I've actually gotten back to riding my horses a few times and hope that I can do that a lot more since the weather is getting warmer.

Or is this more like it??

Something to ponder . . .

Shirley

Wow, Long Time No See!!

True I haven't written on either one of my blogs for a long time, till today.

I'm sure I lost all my followers but, you know, things happen.

"It's Always Something"!!!

Today it's like zero degrees out and will be for the next couple days so I'm holding up in the house.

Of course I have to do my cat and chicken care out in the "barn", but no going off the acre!!

I've had a year (or more) of belly and digestive issues.  

Numerous stints in the hospital and every test in the book.

Have they solved my problem?

NO!

I did find out my gallbladder is only functioning at 27%.

But my symptoms were never really typical GB symptoms.

So NO surgeon, you can't yank out my GB!!

So, enough of that!

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I found a new social media platform that I really like.  

It's Periscope!!

And I'm fairly active on there.

I try to "scope" a few times a week.  I don't have many followers but it's fun and my sister always watches the replays if she doesn't catch it "live"

Yes, "Live broadcasting"!!

Periscope is owned by Twitter, so if you have Twitter, download the Periscope app.  It's free.

Of course, like them all, it's very addicting!

My name on there is the same as on Twitter,

"Hoofprints"

Searching For Words

I know I wrote about this before but it is really bothering me lately.

One of the top three really bothersome things about aging is the problem thinking of words when you are trying to talk.

Those of you that have reached this age of perceived dumbness know exactly what I'm talking about.

If your younger and don't have any idea what this is like, count your blessings and keep using your words as much as you can.

It's hard to explain to someone that doesn't know . . . the words are there, but just a little out of your mind's reach.  The harder you try to think of the right word, the further it goes away.

Then when you're least expecting it, the word that you trying to think of an hour ago just pops into your mind!!

Where was it when you needed it??

I have become very aware of this problem the past couple weeks as I try the new app online called Periscope.

It's live video broadcasting.  

People all over the world are involved.

It's fun and very addicting.

I have tried it a few times.  There is no editing yourself.  Your broadcast goes out on the air as you are talking and videoing with your phone.

If you don't know about what it is all about, just download the free app and watch.  

You don't have to broadcast, you can just watch.

The broadcast only stays on for 24 hours in the replay section, then it's gone.

Anyway, doing the few I have done, I see that I have better days than others.

Or maybe better times of day than others.

On the replay I can just see and feel myself searching for the right word I want to use.

It's painful!!
(I feel like shouting, "I used to be smart and articulate!")

Periscope is fascinating to me though and I'm stubborn enough to keep trying.

I'm thinking that maybe if I get more comfortable doing it, that it will be easier.

We'll see.

I really think not being with people and having to talk makes this word problem worse.

My mind can be constantly thinking, going a mile a minute but if you don't actually have to verbalize in sentences, you slowly lose that ability.

And the words go further away.

It's a frightening thought.

I'm not sure if word puzzles or those mind exercises that you can get online help with the actual speaking or not.

Can't hurt I guess.

I think maybe increasing my talking to myself and my dogs may help just as much!

It is just so frustrating.

I know other people have the same problem.

I've heard it when they're talking.

Is there any magic answer?

Shirley

I wander when I walk!!

I weave when I walk!!

I can't walk in a straight line unless I have a cart!

I remember my mother telling us that.

Now it's me.

If you walk with me on my blind side, I'll most likely run you down!!

It's more noticeable when I walk slow.  When I walk fast, like on the track at the rec. center, I walk pretty straight.

I wonder why you wander when you get older??

I'm not wandering more right than left or I'm not weaker on one side.

Just wondering if anyone else has this problem?

I've tried to look it up on good old Google but can't really find any answers.

Wandering my way through life!!

Shirley

My Shoulder, My Shoulder

Well, this morning my right shoulder when out or whatever it does. 

I've never really had a Dr. see it because it usually gets back into place on it's own if I just let it hang down.

But let me tell you when you move it wrong it's a horrible pain!!

It took me a half hour to get dressed this morning.

I know to "dress the affected arm first".

But it still took forever.

It isn't right yet and it's almost noon.

It's hard getting anything done here because it's my right arm and I'm not good at all with my left!

Of course you can hurt your shoulder at any age so I guess this isn't just about getting old.

It's making me appreciate the rehab that stroke patients have to go through!

Yep, It's Always Something!!!

Shirley

It's That Upper Respiratory Thing

Yes, I got it almost two weeks ago!
(Not the flu thank goodness)
Just the "common cold and cough"

All is finally getting better except the cough which I think will hang on for awhile.

I'm tired of being sick and tired!!

I was just about to do the pool thing at the rec. center when I got sick, so no fitness classes no nothin'!

Yes, I got a bathing suit!!

That's a whole other story : ))

I'm going to go out to the store for a few things today as I don't think I'm contagious as much anymore.

However the sound of my cough could probably clear an aisle at Walmart!

(I'll try my best not to cough when I'm there!)

Anyway, that is why it's been so long between posts.

I wasn't feeling like doing anything!!

I hadn't had a cold/cough for about 15 years before this one!!

Maybe I was just due.

Hope you guys stay well.

Shirley

These Bedtime Snacks Help You Sleep!

There was an article in my hometown newspaper today that just goes perfectly with my previous blog about sleep!

And right up my alley too!

Bedtime snacks!

I always have to have one before bed!

I'm not makin' this stuff up!

This is according to the National Sleep Foundation:

Changes in sleep patterns are a part of the aging process.

Many people experience difficulty falling asleep and then staying asleep as we get older.

Here's the good news.

There are certain snack foods that may help to improve quality of sleep!

AARP notes that the following are a handful of snack foods that promote better sleep.

•  Almonds:

Magnesium is a mineral with muscle relaxing properties, and almonds contain enough magnesium to help you get a better night's sleep.

A small amount of almonds before bedtimes may be enough to make falling and staying asleep easier.

•  Bananas

Much like almonds, bananas provide a substantial amount of magnesium.  

Bananas also contain the amino acid tryptophan, which many people relate to that sleepy feeling after that Thanksgiving turkey dinner!

A banana shortly before bed might be just what you need to fall and stay asleep.

 •  Cheese and crackers

Cheese and crackers contain tryptophan and some carbohydrates which can induce a better night's sleep and help you fall asleep sooner.

•  Cherries

Cherries contain the sleep hormone melatonin.

AARP notes that people who drank tart cherry juice on a regular basis fell asleep more quickly and slept longer and better than participants who did not.

•  Walnuts

Walnuts, like cherries contain melatonin which contributes to better sleep.

•  Peanut butter

Another snacking item loaded with tryptophan.

Spread some on a some carbohydrate like a piece of toast and sleep better!!

•  Hummus

The main ingredient in hummus is chickpeas, which are loaded with tryptophan, folate and vitamin B6.  Folate has proven especially helpful to older men and women who need help regulating sleep patterns while B6 helps the body regulate it's clock!

So there you have it!

Many men and women experience difficulty sleeping as they age.  But the right foods may just help combat such problems and help men and women get a more adequate night's sleep.

I'm all for that.

What about you!!

Shirley