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“You don't stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” 
― George Bernard Shaw

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Mobility and the Ageing Woman

2/1/2016

11 Comments

 
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In my younger years I used to observe women in their senior years and watch them with great interest. I knew one day I too would be there. I wondered how healthy I would be and if I would be able to move the same as I did at that moment.  I would look at my own mom and mother in law and wonder if I would experience some of their mobility problems. Most of the time my heart went out to them as I acknowledged these beautiful ladies having trouble with mobility and experiencing much pain at times.

Then one day it happened!

I looked in the mirror and there she was, that same woman who I had watched many years before. It seemed as if I had walked into a time machine. One minute I was in my 30's and now I was in my middle 50's with mobility problems of my own.

I began to experience pain in my joints and knees. My mobility began to be threatened. It was disheartening and very scary. I do not even remember when my body begin to change. It came like a thief in the night. 
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I found myself at the doctor with high blood pressure, diagnosed with diabetes, and terribly over weight in my early 40's. I began to have many symptoms that go along with obesity. I have to say I was scared straight by a good doctor and did take the bull by the horn. I lost a ton of weight. I did feel better, but the one thing I still neglected was my mobility. Exercise and movement was not on the top of my list. An unhealthy diet may cause trouble on the body if not balanced.

After years of abusing my body, I was left with fragile joints and bones. My muscles were not strong and now I was that ageing woman with those terrible mobility problems.
exercise photo: pooh exercise Pooh-1.gif
We can all make tons of excuses to not move and I am the Queen of all of them. Some times life will throw us some curve balls. We may have genetics that have not been kind or because of our own unhealthy choices, we made some bad decisions in our younger years. We can  not beat ourselves up or go back in time, but we can make some positive changes today.
yoga photo: Yoga moving... 38023_m.gif
My Crazy Story
After knee surgery last fall, I thought all my troubles would be over and I would be normal once again. Normal for me would be to be able to take a nice brisk walk, a mile or two, around the block with my pups. This did not happen. I was still in pain and my knee was not bending like it should. If I had let my body dictate what I was feeling inside at that time, I would still be on the couch 24/7. 

I gave myself a good talking too and realized there was no one to push me but me!  I decided to join a gym against every fiber in my body. I was not happy! I didn't want to spend the money nor take the time to go there. Once signing on the dotted line, it took me exactly 24 hours to began to doubt my decision. I looked  over the contract hoping to find a loop hole. Sadly it would take an act of God to get me out of this one. Of course I could use a doctors note to get out of it perhaps, but I had already been released from weeks of therapy. Technically I was suppose to continue with an exercise program at home.

It took my daughter to encourage me to go with her. I reluctantly gave in. I did not want to let her down. After all she needed me. Nothing like a mother's love to make you do things you really do not want to do!

My first exercise regiment was riding a stationary bike and doing upper body weights.  I found this to not be bad at all. My knee felt great! It was a wonderful task that made me feel as if I was doing something good for my body. I also joined a Yoga class.

Now let me tell you that this Yoga class is intimidating as all get out. Half the time I am struggling to get up from the Downward Dog because of my knee but I believe one day...me and that Downward Dog will have a nice relationship. I may look like a mess out there on the floor. I struggle to balance on one foot. That stance is called the tree. One day... I WILL BE THAT TREE!

I have no choice! If I choose to give up and stop moving I will be losing the last of my mobility that the good Lord has given me.

Ladies there are always alternatives. You do not have to be "Gumby" in one day. I use a small pillow for my knee when I get on the floor. I stretch as far as I can and push just a little beyond my comfort zone. I really could care less what I look like out there. The only one I have to impress is myself!
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We all have to start somewhere! Start slow and try to be consistent! Talk to your Doctor about the do's and don'ts. Today I want to encourage you that no matter what your mobility problems may be to begin with the smallest of movement. A little bit goes a long way! 

Perhaps you can sit in a chair and do the small movements with your arms and legs. Living with pain on a daily basis can bring on depression and the feeling of total helplessness.

Believe me...I got so tired of  hearing my own moaning and groaning.
 Now I have an excuse to moan and groan!


​We should never take our mobility for granted. It truly is a gift to be cherished until the end of our days. I encourage you to not to give up.  Know that you are loved with an everlasting love by our Father in heaven. He will meet you where you are at. All we have to do is take the first step.
Thank you once again for gracing my page with your awesomeness!
have a blessed week photo: Have a great week greatweek.gif
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Lots of information, sprinkled with inspiration.
Angelia Phillips
WarnerWords
MARCOUJOR'S MUSINGS
11 Comments
Mike
2/1/2016 09:06:01 pm

Although this is slanted toward women, I thought I might chime in, because mobility is an issue all of us young bucks have to face (one day) also.

I followed your good example and began to walk. The dogs love to hear me kicking and screaming as they tow me around the block.

I tried yoga, but I looked pretty silly in those yoga pants.

I had to add a walk without the dogs just to realign all the joints they dislocated. I can't always make it around the block. I have been considering a skateboard.

OK, enough about me.

I hope your knee forgives you soon. All your efforts will payoff and soon. When you are in your 80's you will be so happy and limber.

Reply
Kimmie
2/3/2016 10:04:53 am

Hi Mike
While this did kind of gear towards us woman it certainly applies to men as well. Uh..yoga pants like spandex should be banned on men in my opinion...just would be hard to keep my attention on the yoga moves..hahaha Thank you my friend for stopping in always a treat.
Hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Vicki link
2/1/2016 10:04:01 pm

Hi Kimmie,
It really is so important to keep your mobility, and I think it's wonderful you're fighting back now to find it again. Never too late! I love walking, but it seems just standing upright instead of too much sitting helps!
Great post.

Reply
Kimmie
2/3/2016 10:08:12 am

Hi VIcki,
You know something you said in your comment really hit home. It does feel as if I am fighting back..maybe an up hill battle but the alternative is to give up and I just can't Thank you so much for your comment. Walking was one of my most pleasant past times and they tell me I can not walk long distances, nor on asphalt..only stationary bikes. That one was hard to swallow but I am hoping I will one day.
God bless you
KImmie

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Maria link
2/2/2016 05:32:39 am

Dear Kimmie,

You make aging not feel so bad...:)

This post moved me (LOL) in remembering the value of moving...and Andy is a great motivator too.

Love and thanks, mar

Reply
kimmie
2/3/2016 10:09:12 am

HI Maria,
I know Andy will keep you in tip top shape...animals are wonderful for motivating us. Thank you dear one for stopping in.
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Brenda
2/3/2016 06:56:50 am

Hello friend. You certainly described the challenges of aging and the decisions we must make to maintain our flexibility and health. I turned sixty in December and notice a significant change in my muscles. I have begun to take care of my physical body just as I do my spiritual life. I found a wonderful free ebook which I printed. One can Google Elder Gym and find it. I also am walking on the treadmill at the local senior center. There is likely one close to many people. I am so proud of you for taking charge of your health. The world needs you!

Reply
Kimmie
2/3/2016 10:12:45 am

Hello dearest Brenda
When I saw your name I was so happy!! I have been thinking about you. Glad you are doing well. I really want this blog to be more about us woman as we age and share our own experiences too. You just gave many another great idea than the expense of a gym which is to use the senior centers as they may have some exercise equipment...And if there are those out there who have old equipment that have become a clothes holder please donate to the senior centers...how great would that be? Miss you and will talk with you soon. Love and hugs!
Kimmie

Reply
Angelia Phillips link
2/5/2016 10:51:00 am

Kimi,

Sorry to be so late to the party and wow! What an awesome post! I feel where you're coming from and so proud of you for sliding into yoga! I've been investigating yoga but haven't implemented it yet into my workouts. I'm still crushing on getting back to jogging but yoga is definitely on the "to do" list to add to my routine.

You put some awesome info in here that lots of folks will find very inspiring. Great job and thanks for the flashPress mention too!

Angelia

Reply
Kimmie
2/5/2016 04:45:47 pm

Thank you Angie for taking time to come by. I hope you will get to try this yoga out soon. It feels so awkward at first but I have no doubt it will get easier. You are moving and that is what is most important.
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Martie link
2/7/2016 12:46:27 pm

Oh, dear Kimmie, I am so sorry to hear that your knee surgery did not put and end to all your troubles. This is why I fear the operations waiting for me in my near future. Will it be worthwhile? What if it only worsen my problems? I knew a man - who actually had a sex-change - who eventually died (as a woman) due to several unsuccessful hip-replacements, which he had to undergo after being in a horrible car crash. His/her body kept on rejecting the alien material. During the 7th effort, and being an invalid for more than 2 years, he/she died on the operation table! I can't get rid of this negative memory!

Geez, ageing is surely a helluva challenge!

I regret never having much patience with my mother-in-law and her ailments. Although I never revealed my thoughts - that she was suffering hypochondria - the mere fact that I've had them bothers me today. I smile when I remember her warning. (She must have had sensed my thoughts!) "Wait! You, too, are ageing."

Take care, dear Kim. Keep on doing the right thing!

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