Unique Times

Life is precious and fragile and with 5 aging parents 85 through soon to be 96, I know well the challenges that aging presents. My oldest client will be 91 at the end of December and he still comes in 2 times a week and maintains his workout which keeps him able bodied and sharp as a tack. He has been the 5 minute “planker ” until he took a fall about 5 years ago. This year on his birthday we will do 91 repetitions of about 6 exercises and build back up to planking.

I tend to see people as they are, not how they were which helps to be more available to what they need now and adapt and change. Let’s face it, there are lots of things that happen from falls to, memory issues and fears that arise when you navigate the next path. I also don’t tend to think about when people are gone so I can enjoy them now but there is no denying the ever changing strength, movement and failure of body parts that occur no matter how much we try to avoid aging. My job is to keep people as resourceful as possible so they can enjoy their lives to the best of their abilities.  I continue to push them within their capabilities so they can be as functional as possible for as long as possible. I see clients from their teens through their 100’s and some of my older clients are young whipper snappers and will give the younger ones a run for their money.

There are some incredible things about aging.

I know what I know, I don’t care for the most part what I don’t know.

I don’t need to be a no it all and will leave that to the ego driven maniacs that want to be right.

I know that all paths generally lead to the same direction, they just take a little longer when you are trying to invent the wheel.

I know that gravity works in one direction so I do everything in my power to stay uplifted and reaching.

But I know if I fall to the floor I’m closer to gravity and I’m liable to find what I lost on the floor but couldn’t see it standing.

Reaching for the apple on the highest branch and climbing the tallest mountain so I still can the next day is paramount to muscle strength and agility.

I know that being right is only right for me.

I know that it will take a little longer sometimes to do certain things than it used to

I know that I never liked cleaning so why pretend I do 

I learned if I don’t send every card or make every call the phone won’t ring and that’s ok.

I learned that select hearing is good so as my ears fail, my ability to tolerate rude comments increases (since I either don’t hear them, or let them get to me).

I’ve also learned if I don’t step up, someone else will.  

I’ve learned I love my peace and quiet and don’t need to be in the fray

I hated when calipers or other systems measured body fat come up more just because you are older.  I never got the  concept because I thought I could combat that but I can’t … muscle strength does decrease as you age but you can sure as hell do everything in your power to stay strong.

I know that I am in better shape in many ways that I ever was.  

I soooo LOVE I finally get medicare … YAY

What I don’t love 

Hmmmm 

I don’t love when I get ahead of myself into pigeon hole thinking like:

You only have 20 good years left

What about you?

Here are some comments I got when I asked clients and friends:

I don’t like anything about aging.

It’s the wonder years: I Wonder where they went, where I’m going and how to find my way home

“I don’t believe in aging”

It’s all in your head

You have to have humor 

Fate could take a bad turn

Let’s just put it this way I’m on the other side of the grass

Wisdom and compassion are important

Well let’s face it, it’s the shits, it doesn’t have a happy ending 

Friendships are the best thing about aging

I think it’s great. I could think about my wrinkles, thin hair and belly but why would I worry about that. Who knows how much time I have left 

I think if you accomplish everything you want to do in life then you’ve had a good life

Set goal early in life

And Finally from my Dad who is 87 today: I don’t like it. I accept it.

It’s not easy for him as he’s lost most of his vision and has a hard time walking but he still puts up the good fight, gets up and dressed every morning, plays solitude, gets to his big magnifier so he can somewhat manage see a bit, takes ready wheels and always loves a party dancing and singing. Friday we will have a lunch with 10 of his buddies celebrate. He wanted the cast of thousands (we’ve had plenty of those but we compromised). It’s impressive he has that many friends he wants to see.

It’s the years of joy 
that make the days worthwhile 
The friendships shared of the heart and soul
The caring and sharing over the years gone by
Life moves swiftly while time now stands still
Memories sustain us as we navigate each step
It’s an arduous climb as we cling to our past 
To keep our sanity and love in our hearts
Days are long and nights can be cold 
But the gift of friends are plentiful 
And make the ride worthwhile. 
Take each day as it comes 
and bless each 
waking moment.  

Copyright © Cindy Georgakas

All Rights Reserved

Happy Birthday Dad!