9 ‘Harmless’ Habits That Age You
OK GenSandwichers, are you feeling your age? I sure am, and more than that, I’m beginning to look my age. Not something I’m excited about. Today we video-chatted with our son. I’m sure it was partially the computer camera, but I couldn’t help notice the increased wrinkles and creases in my face and the sag that’s developing in my chin. I’ve never been very concerned about my appearance. I try to look nice, but I don’t spend a lot of time or money on beauty preps. But lately I’m wondering if it’s time to pay attention…
This article lists nine ways that we contribute to our own aging – and I’m guilty of most of them. What about you?
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Thinking about a Joint Replacement?
As my regular readers know, I’ve been considering – and trying to avoid – a hip replacement for a couple of years now. It’s been hard to know if it’s time. One doctor said I could wait, but not to wait so long that I became incapable of walking. That would make the recovery harder. I understand that, but am also incredibly determined to not do the replacement. I just don’t think I’d do well, no matter what. So I’ve been experimenting with a combination of prayer and targeted exercises. So far, so good. I’m actually more mobile and in less pain than a year ago. I’ll keep you posted.However, if you’re thinking about a replacement, Healthfinder.gov offers a checklist for your consideration. It’s pretty basic, but a good starting point. Have any of you had a joint replacement? What was your experience? What would you recommend to those of us still considering it?
Labels: health, joint replacement, medical care
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Contemplating Hip Replacement
This article in US News and World Report caught my attention today as I’m sitting here in pain rather than gardening. I have osteoarthritis and have been a candidate for a hip replacement for over a year. I keep putting it off, praying for an alternative—like healing. The idea of a doctor cutting off my leg bone and replacing it with a metal prosthesis just doesn’t set well with me. I don’t like pain and I’m not good at taking time to exercise. I also build muscle very slowly, which means that I don’t see a lot of progress when I do exercise. And when I read all of the movements you can’t do after replacement, the rebel in me says, “No way!” So I keep stalling. Guess I have some of my mom’s syndrome—“wishing will make it so…”In addition to just NOT wanting the surgery and the long recovery time, there’s the question of which procedure to use (assuming I do it, of course). Two surgeons have been recommended by just about everyone in my area. One is a traditional surgeon who uses the prosthesis that grows into your bone. Recovery time: 4-8 months! The other uses a minimally invasive technique that promises faster recovery and less pain. Recovery time: 2-4 months. But this procedure uses an adhesive to set the prosthesis. I’ve heard of people having problems with this, either with breakdown or allergic reactions.
Since I’ve recently returned to school, the recovery time is very significant for me. I put off making an appointment in the spring, and now can’t get in to see either surgeon until August. That means if I do the surgery, I’ll miss a quarter at school. But I’m not sure I can wait another year. Last year I wanted to try to get stronger and lose weight before doing the surgery. I didn’t do either. So now I’m in a real mess.
I think another part of my problem is that I still think of myself as 35. Far too young for such a surgery! The reality is that I’m 60 and my body parts are wearing out, largely due to my lack of care for them in the past 30 years. Yes, there are consequences to poor health choices in middle age. And I’m reaping them now.
Labels: aging, health, hip replacement
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Sedentary Lifestyle Increases Aging
It’s no secret. We all know this. But a recent study in theArchives of Internal Medicine showed that a sedentary lifestyle (in addition to smoking, high body mass index, and low socioeconomic status) has an effect on leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and may accelerate the aging process. This provides a powerful message that could be used by clinicians to promote the potentially anti-aging effect of regular exercise.
I confess. I hate exercise. I much prefer sitting in front of the computer day and night. But I was talking with a friend today, discussing the disconnect we feel between our chronological ages and the ages we feel, both physically and emotionally. We were admitting that we don’t get enough exercise, with the result that we have more aches and pains that we ought to. So while we feel young at heart, we feel old of body. And since we’re both committed to aging well, we agreed that we need to make a commitment to exercise more.
So, I asked hubby to unearth the treadmill, which was buried in the garage under piles of “stuff.” What a good sport. He did it right away, and I was able to take a break from studying this afternoon and go for a walk, despite the rain. Now, one day down—a lifetime to go. Let’s start growing those leukocyte telomeres.
Labels: aging, exercise, health
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Signs your Aging Parent May Need Help
As you prepare to visit your aging parents this Christmas season, be alert to changes in their ability to care for themselves. If possible, plan to stay for more than a meal. We’ll stay two days with my mom, keeping our eyes open for household tasks that need attention and assessing her ability to manage.A blogger identified as Lady offers five signs that your aging parents may need help, with links to several excellent Mayo Clinic articles. As you visit your parents during the holiday season, keep these in mind.
Then, if you haven’t done so already, you need to begin talking to your parents about their plans and their needs. If you see them regularly, this might not be the week to bring up sensitive topics. But if this is your only annual trek, you need to begin the discussion. Even if it’s only an introduction. I also find it’s important to visit at least once a month if at all possible. By being there regularly, I can see the changes before they get too serious.
Kara McGuire of the Minneapolis St. Paul StarTribune.com offers several strategies for opening the conversation with your parents.
We were fortunate that my parents and I began talking early and have continued the conversation over the years. Now it’s as common as talking about other family things. And they’ve learned to trust my judgment—at least most of the time. That wasn’t the case with my husband’s parents. They were quite unwilling to discuss end-of-life issues, and although we did get them to create a living trust, there were a lot of decisions left to us when they passed away.
So take this opportunity, if you haven’t already, to pay attention to your parent’s age-related issues. You may be surprised.
Labels: aging parents, health