First let me apologise for not having a Mind Matters News to you for such a long time. We all battle ageing – whether it is ourselves, our parents or grand-parents. That’s life! We are no longer invincible and as the years creep up on us sometimes we face unexpected health challenges.

My Personal Ageing

Have you ever had that feeling that you have suddenly aged significantly? For the last 6 months I feel as though I have aged 10 years. Two years ago my brother and I were very active, being involved with the construction of my “Granny Flat” at the back of my house. I designed the flat and then negotiated and dealt with all the subcontractors.  Chris (my brother) barrowed several tons of rock and dirt down a very steep driveway, we dug all the drainage lines, we hauled sand and blue metal, we installed all the insulation, we painted the inside and a few other jobs. We both felt tired and terrific when it was all done. Then Chris went on chemo for cancer (he has the all clear now) and for 6 months I have been battling aspirational pneumonia.

So far for me it has been a year of focusing on age-related health.  Having always been robust and relatively healthy it has come as a blow and even a bit of a surprise this year that it has taken me so long to bounce back – no, I am no longer 21. A neurologist diagnosed that I had a fairly rare disorder called Myasthenia Gravis. Basically, for me, this is a weakening of muscles in the throat area which allows liquid and food into my lung which caused the pneumonia. The other effect is my speech. It’s good having a diagnosis – especially one that can be cured. I am now half way through having my blood treated by taking out all the plasma (which contains the Myasthenia Gravis) and replacing it with new plasma. So here’s to my next test in about 2 months.

Older and Older 

Sandra –  my wife, has a  93 year old father who has moved to Aged Care.  Moved reluctantly and regretfully for although his body is failing him, his mind is fine and telling him that he doesn’t want to be like this and can hardly believe that he has reached this age and level of deterioration.  Proud and independent – making it so much more difficult to adjust. The process of moving from an independent living situation still driving a car, to Aged Care with no car, takes its toll on not only the aged person but all the immediate family who provide the support. It really must be managed with extreme care, flexibility, tolerance and love.

Our social lives can sometimes increase and sometimes decrease as we get older – it is important to have a social life. Sandra and her two close friends have a 5-minute rule.  When they meet, everybody has the floor to speak about any ailments, for five minutes.  They concede that as they get older they may have to increase the five minute limit!

On Death and Dying

I have found that I am receiving more death notices and attending funerals of many of my acquaintances and some friends. Some funerals are sad and some are joyful as we celebrate the life that has been lived. What sort of funeral do you want? Yes I believe that we should plan it before we die. Who knows? We might be looking down to see what’s happening.  

At what age do we prepare for death? The answer to this is of course variable – and it should be done. There are many things to do besides plan your own funeral – like have a Will. This is really important! Like ensuring that all the things in your own name – bank, electricity, council, shares, deposits etc etc are included in your “handover document”. Once it’s done put it in a safe place and update it periodically.

What Thoughts do I Have to Offer on the Subject?

I think a key factor is to Accept getting old gracefully – those who can and do accept this seem to radiate a certain type of beauty. In describing my meditation CD “Acceptance and Letting Go” I say

“Acceptance and co-operation are important steps to Letting Go. There are many circumstances where “letting go” helps us to move on in life, for example, the death of someone close or maybe a pet, the end of a relationship, children as they grow up and change, our status.”

Cultivate your inner beauty by thinking lovely thoughts and practising positive thinking. Remember we have 65,000 thoughts a day and who’s listening. We are of course and positive thoughts attract positive thoughts. And the reverse is true! For more have a read of these MMN on my website  http://www.calm.com.au/article/256 and http://www.calm.com.au/article/258

Take care of yourself – aim to get some daily exercise – walking is always good.  Eat healthily – you know all about this by now – plenty of fruits and vegetable.  I personally believe in taking supplements – the body absorbs less nutrients as we get older.  Make sure you get enough sleep – and if not actual sleep then rest and of course you know I’m going to say it – yes indeed, meditation.

Some more thoughts are to join a support group – find out what’s on at your local library and in your local community.  Go to a concert, a museum, a park – you now have time to do all the fun stuff you couldn’t do when you were busier with work.  Spend time with at least one person a day.

So, make the most of getting older and relax. You know the old saying …. it’s far better than the alternative.  Use your time to enjoy the journey and remember, that we are always learning, and sometimes with the maturing process comes wisdom.

All the best

 

Sandy MacGregor

"Your gift from God is your potential – Your gift to God is to use it."