Situation from Question 3 in previous blog post..
3.I have the concern of aging that could mandate that I reduce how much I comfortably do in a day. My general energy level perhaps not accommodating the sporadic requirement to stay up all night or dance without inhibition. These concern me because I would feel sad and possibly consider them as limitations. I don’t want to grieve my youth, so I am most hopeful that I maintain and continually grow the perspective that there are things we grab and other things we let go of at every stage and blessed age.
- Physically, I could see this affecting me in ways including weight gain. The more sedentary lifestyle could contribute to burning less calories in a day/week etc. It might be increasingly important to consider my meals and relationship to food all together so that I can best accommodate the degree of physical activity I have in any given period of time. Emotionally, it seems like the importance of having both confidence and community might be increasingly important. I have a high value for productivity and being able to execute the things to be done as quickly as my schedule permits. The circumstance of the same or similar list of things requiring more time because I do not move as fast or process as fast or have other considerations (prescriptions, energy levels, body pain etc.) could threaten me emotionally. When I think of community I think of my social network and the frequency to which I engage with my community might decrease. I only know how to manage relationships from the angle of having the energy and ability to visit and call and text and spend time regularly. I am hopeful that I have grown community that might identify with the life circumstances, at least theoretically, and be committed to figuring out with me a way that we can still grow in relationship with each other amidst the ebbs and flows and life changes. Financially, I am expecting to stay sharp mentally and always be able to make and manage my money, changes in this area are particularly uncomfortable to consider.
- I think this problematic scenario would increase the need for me to lean on my family and tribe. I am expecting to be pretty independent as an older adult. It would really throw a wrench in my plans to have to be ask the people I love to help me take care of myself.
- Resilience in this situation would look taking fitness classes that contribute to bone and muscle health and strength. Taking classes that keep my mind sharp and aware of the current technology and how to use it, etc. Another resistance resource would be prioritizing my relationship with Jesus Christ and remaining closely connected to my local church body.
- The biggest takeaway from this article was from the chart with all the energy expenditure for daily chores. It was hopeful to see the energy that is exerted with regular things done in and around the home and neighborhood. But then to find that so many of the calculations could not be fully verified because naturally as humans we look to complete tasks with the most minimal energy output as a way to conserve energy for the tasks to come. I thought for a moment how it is already the case that when picking things up from floor, I use my toes and lift my leg to my hand instead of bending my body down…haha.
Cress, M. E., Buchner, D. M., Prohaska, T., Rimmer, J., Brown, M., Macera, C., DePietro, L., Chodzko-Zajko, W. (2014). Best practices for physical activity programs and behavior counseling in older adult populations. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 46(12), 2335–2340. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000356
I can feel the conflict between where you are in your life now and what might be different for you in the future, and what changes may take or bring to your life. As you said, there are so many changes that occur – body metabolism, activity levels and capabilities shifting, and maybe having less energy to do things you used to enjoy. You make good points with processing time slowing and the impact of possible pain and physical issues. I like how you mention that you hope to have a community that can grow with you through the ebbs and flows of life changes. Financial insecurity and the ability to make money is a huge concern and like you said, could bring more dependence on your family and community. I think your plan of keeping active and maximizing your muscle mass and bone density sounds solid and will hopefully help you to have the energy to do daily tasks. Your relationship with your faith should bring extra support and comfort.
Hello LaCher,
It’s great how you explored the ways how decreased physical function could have both health impacts but also emotional and psychological impacts. In the reading this week, the authors shed light on a number of early theories that partially explained coping as we age, and I know that wasn’t the point of the reading necessarily, but your post made me think of accommodation and SST. As you age, your expectations and actions may adapt to your abilities. Also, as for maintaining a social network, you may not spend time with people whom you considered acquaintances, but hopefully you will be able to keep those close ties strong. Thanks for sharing!