Doing stuff

[Khan]

I used to think that after retirement that I would do stuff: landscaping, knitting, decorating...
But you know what: I'm deteriorating at the same rate as Mother.
I can't do much at all.
And it wouldn't matter whether or not I'm retired.
And please don't tell me that my decrepitude has anything to do with attitude/behavior/diet/...

[braumeister]

I have a friend, older than I, who said almost exactly the same thing about 7 or 8 years ago. A couple of us suggested that he start going to different neighborhoods and simply wander around aimlessly until something sparked his interest.

He grumbled, but tried it. After 2 or 3 weeks, he stumbled on a guy using a belt sander in his yard, and stopped to chat. Turned out the guy was an amateur woodworker, and they started talking about that.

Long story short, my friend got fascinated by woodworking, which had never interested him before. He found a new hobby, and began learning about it. Today, it's pretty much all he talks about, even though he can't really do much of it due to his physical condition and his age (he's in his late 80s), and he's happy as a clam with a hobby he is only on the periphery of.

Just a thought.

[GregLee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khan I'm deteriorating at the same rate as Mother.

I also measure the extent and rate of my aging by comparison with that of my mother, whom I cared for for the last 2+ years of her life. I know enough about how her life went -- what she did right and what she did wrong -- to think I can do better at delaying my own decrepitude. I'm optimistic. I think exercise is important. My mother walked a lot, which is good, but I think it's not enough.

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregLee I also measure the extent and rate of my aging by comparison with that of my mother, whom I cared for for the last 2+ years of her life. I know enough about how her life went -- what she did right and what she did wrong -- to think I can do better at delaying my own decrepitude. I'm optimistic. I think exercise is important. My mother walked a lot, which is good, but I think it's not enough.

My mother did a lot better in her 60's than I am doing. Remembering her at my age is a continual inspiration for me. Having been an athlete when younger, she was always very active for her age and I am still striving to improve my level of activity. (My reasons are selfish - - first of all, it is fun to be more active, but mainly I would love to live to age 98 like she did.)

But then, she had other problems that I don't have. She had severe arthritis that twisted up and deformed her fingers so that she could barely use them by the time she was 30. As she grew older it turned out she had FOUR kinds of arthritis - - rheumatoid, osteo, lupoid, and some other form. Poor woman! At least I don't have to battle those like she did.

Khan, I hope life treats you at least a little better than it did your mother. I think I can speak for all of us here when I say that we wish you the very best in the years to come.

[freebird5825]

What does your doctor say about your diminishing abilities? Is there any sort of arthritis medication or physical therapy regiment that could help you regain some of your manual strength and dexterity?
Try to think about solutions.
I would check with the local senior center to see if there are volunteers or for-pay assistants/day companions available for those things you are finding difficult to do. Perhaps some of your annual charitable donations could be re-channeled to pay for some assistive services for yourself.

[Purron]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khan And please don't tell me that my decrepitude has anything to do with attitude/behavior/diet/...

Wouldn't lecture you about this stuff Khan. I have too much respect for you. I do recall you talking about downsizing - giving up the single family home for a condo or apartment. If physical things are harder to handle for you, perhaps it's time to think about stepping up these plans.

[DangerMouse]

There are some things that are way beyond our control. For some health issues, we are screwed by genetics and it does not matter what we do we can not change them.

All I can suggest is you focus on those things that you can change.

[Moemg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebird5825 What does your doctor say about your diminishing abilities? Is there any sort of arthritis medication or physical therapy regiment that could help you regain some of your manual strength and dexterity? Try to think about solutions. I would check with the local senior center to see if there are volunteers or for-pay assistants/day companions available for those things you are finding difficult to do. Perhaps some of your annual charitable donations could be re-channeled to pay for some assistive services for yourself.

I think Freebird is 100% correct on this . It's time you seek help .

[Aiming_4_55]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purron Wouldn't lecture you about this stuff Khan. I have too much respect for you. I do recall you talking about downsizing - giving up the single family home for a condo or apartment. If physical things harder to handle for you, perhaps it's time to think about stepping up these plans.

+1 quality of life with focus on enablers... something I'm working with my mom on

[Khan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aiming_4_55 +1 quality of life with focus on enablers... something I'm working with my mom on

Mother had her husband (my father) to take care of her; once the cat dies, I'm looking to moving.

[Moemg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khan Mother had her husband (my father) to take care of her; once the cat dies, I'm looking to moving.

Khan , If the deterioration you mention is Arthritis please see a Physician . It can be held at bay and give you many productive years . My Mom has had Arthritis as long as I can remember but she had Rheumatologists and Orthopedic Physicians give her top care . She was able to stay active with controlled pain for many years .

[Meadbh]

Khan, you seem to be an extraordinarily generous person. You've told us you give away a lot of money. I vote that you start "giving away" that money to a very worthy cause: pampering Khan! After all, you deserve it!

[Khan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moemg Khan , If the deterioration you mention is Arthritis please see a Physician . It can be held at bay and give you many productive years . My Mom has had Arthritis as long as I can remember but she had Rheumatologists and Orthopedic Physicians give her top care . She was able to stay active with controlled pain for many years .

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Ulnar nerve entrapment
Cartilage degeneration
Peripheral neuropathy

[brewer12345]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khan Carpal tunnel syndrome Ulnar nerve entrapment Cartilage degeneration Peripheral neuropathy

In that case, make sure you take good care of yourself in all possible ways. We long term goal oriented savers tend to be self-denying: it is no longer time for that.

[Moemg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khan Carpal tunnel syndrome Ulnar nerve entrapment Cartilage degeneration Peripheral neuropathy

Carpal Tunnel syndrome and Ulnar Entrapment can be easily taken care of and may help with your peripheral neuropathy . You really need to see an Orthopedic Physician preferably a hand surgeon. You can find one by looking in your insurance booklet or their online web site . The longer you let it go the more nerve damage you will have . I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and had the surgery . The result was almost instant relief . The Surgery is one of the simplest surgeries . It takes about ten minutes . Sometimes the Orthopedist will give you a cortisone shot first to see if this helps before Surgery .

[Purron]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moemg Carpal Tunnel syndrome and Ulnar Entrapment can be easily taken care of and may help with your peripheral neuropathy . You really need to see an Orthopedic Physician preferably a hand surgeon. You can find one by looking in your insurance booklet or their online web site . The longer you let it go the more nerve damage you will have . I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and had the surgery . The result was almost instant relief . The Surgery is one of the simplest surgeries . It takes about ten minutes . Sometimes the Orthopedist will give you a cortisone shot first to see if this helps before Surgery .

Oh Khan, please check this out.

[Fireup2020]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moemg Carpal Tunnel syndrome and Ulnar Entrapment can be easily taken care of and may help with your peripheral neuropathy . You really need to see an Orthopedic Physician preferably a hand surgeon. You can find one by looking in your insurance booklet or their online web site . The longer you let it go the more nerve damage you will have . I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and had the surgery . The result was almost instant relief . The Surgery is one of the simplest surgeries . It takes about ten minutes . Sometimes the Orthopedist will give you a cortisone shot first to see if this helps before Surgery .

I second this! I treasure your input here and elsewhere! Love your spunk and sarcasm and delightfully twisted humor!!

[Moscyn]

Khan, please have this treated soonest. My mum and 2 elder sisters have carpal tunel syndrome and they had the surgery. They are very happy with the results although one of my sisters had a recurrence and went for another surgery. She finds things much improved. Please go see the doctor.

[Dreamer]

I vote with the majority. Take care of yourself first. You are a generous person, but need to take care of yourself, so that you can continue being a generous person. I value your input on this forum also.

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DangerMouse There are some things that are way beyond our control. For some health issues, we are screwed by genetics and it does not matter what we do we can not change them. All I can suggest is you focus on those things that you can change.

+1