Do You, Not Hero

 Heard on the airwaves this morning, another superage superhero lauding his advice on living to one hundred plus. Run, ski, skate, gym, blah blah. For him, okay, for most of us, likely not. He said to stop babying oneself and doing such as hanging onto rails and cupboard edges etc for support. Don't take that advice and also don't think you have to do heavy exercises that make you ache. Pain is not gain for elders. It could be a warning to stop doing what you're doing. Your body is wearing out, let's face it. Treat it kindly and be patient, not a patient. What works for some, doesn't for others. My advice is "listen to your body". What mean symptoms it tells you, mean something to ponder. You don't have to run off to the doctor's office, start with what you have been up to lately. It could be eating too much of something that isn't working for you including dosing yourself up with a bunch of bottled vitamins that promise what could be a problem instead of a cure. Pushing an elder body too hard might end  up in a place you don't want to be. And running off to take a pain pill or hang out whinging at the doctor's office isn't the best place to start. Think first, and act next. Aging can begin a lot earlier than you think. Stressing your body and mind are never good. I believe that it all starts with the mind. Take time to find a quiet place to have a nice warm chat with your body, to relax and be honest and pay attention to the good sense of knowing that you aren't someone else whom you admire and who can achieve what might not be your answer. I do believe in eating foods as close to fresh as possible and as truly nourishing. You can count on relaxing in meditative periods, however short; in getting as much sleep at any time of the day that works; in moving muscles and stretching and some lifting to tone up. Couple of soup tins work as well as gym weights and some dance music in the middle of your big room is wise fun. Socialize if you like it, be alone if that's for you. Get that mind going with games or reading or creative efforts. Aging isn't an illness and you aren't ill due to your age. Take it easy and make it fun your way to go on and on. And on.