Changing the Face of Aging
I have worked diligently in the effort of changing the way we think of chronic pain in our culture, and this thought occurred to me loud and clear:
"In our culture, we treat the aging process as if it were a chronic illness.”
Our current medical system treats aging with medications, imposed limitation recommendations and a sense of hopelessness. Over the years I have visited the homes of many of my clients. I am always distressed when I find a basket on the kitchen table or in the bathroom filled with a vast array of medications. Many individuals have no real idea what these medications are for and how they should be taking them safely.
I know from experience that with the right support, information and guidance these later years can be a very positive experience. Please don't listen to those who say ... "your pain, stiffness and decreased mobility are a foregone conclusion of the agIng process!"
Along the journey of writing the book, Hello My Name is Pain, I was talking to a colleague who was helping me in the process and I said something to her about the aging process that made us both laugh uproariously. It struck a cord and we both agreed that I must write yet another little book called How to Grow Old Without Killing Yourself. So I took a brief detour and came up with this new publication … Gathering Years.
Which brings me to my premises that the term aging, which connotes loss and suffering, should be thought of more as gathering years.
Each year brings with it another layer of wisdom, experience and storytelling that needs to be highly valued. I want to inspire everyone in this phase of their life to stay as healthy as possible so that we can share, mentor, and model all of the living that we have so painstakingly and patiently experienced. This new, easy to read, book Gathering Years …How to Grow Old Without Killing Yourself, is my contribution to that process.
This booklet is filled with simple strategies for maximizing health and wellness, optimizing mobility and balance, and preventing falls.
One of these strategies is “Stand Tall”. I invite you to take a look at the following diagram.
For many, it is a foregone conclusion that an individual naturally shrinks, stoops and shuffles as they get older. Please understand this, no, it is not!!
Maintaining good posture throughout your life is completely doable and this little book is filled with tips to do just that. For instance, when you stand up out of a chair come to your full height and reach your fingers to the sky. This will lengthen and open your body so that breathing, circulation, balance, and muscle tone will be optimized. When you walk look at the horizon, not the ground!
Another strategy is "Worship Your Feet".
Feet that are stiff and weak lead to decreased confidence in moving about the planet. Think about it ... your feet are the foundation to all of your upright function. Bless your feet, stretch and wiggle them.
All of the strategies in this book are just as simple as the ones I have mentioned. I hope you will read it and join me in the great adventure that is this precious and well earned time in our lives.
Please remember
You are never too old to change!
Do not regret growing older...it is a privilege denied to many
You are never too old to get in better shape!
You are never too old to laugh and live in abundance!
