We seniors all have choices. We can elect to lead a sedentary life style, satisfied with little activity or involvement with friends, family or society. There is nothing wrong with this life-style., Many choose this life and are very satisfied. Good for them. It is their right and they should not be criticized, judged or belittled. They have earned the right to select the life-style and activity level that pleases them.
I, in turn, have chosen something different. I am following a path of more involvement and activity with family, friends and society in general. I too have earned this right and should not be judged or criticized. I do want to make something clear: I am not trying to be "young" again. I have been young and enjoyed it immensely. I am 64 years old now and do not consider myself "old". I have no intention of leading a sedentary life-style or giving into societal expectations that I will go quietly to the senior living community and behave myself as a good elder man should.
I have much to give, to experience and to learn about life. I plan to investigate many different avenues to improve my spirituality, health and understanding of how to live a fulfilling life. I have partaken in Reiki, Tai Chi, exercise at a health club and many other things. All have value and, if I continue, will provide valuable benefits. I go to my doctor for regular check-ups and generally follow his advice.
I recently did something that I never thought I would do. I went to see a dietician to learn more about diet and how it affects how I feel and the energy level I want to acquire. Many of us have weight considerations or medical conditions that affect how we feel and how we can live our lives. I found this to be true in my case. I had asked my doctor and searched the internet looking for hints, clues or ideas on how I might fashion a dietary plan that would address my needs. I actually did take steps based upon my research but I wasn't getting the results I expected.
I was in a local supermarket and noticed a sign that introduced a store based dietician available to the public. Putting aside my pride, I decided to investigate. I called the number indicated and spoke with Sydney. She gave me a time for an appointment and e-mailed to me a questionnaire to fill out and return which was not lengthy but addressed my general health and what concerns I had. I followed instructions, completed the questionnaire and returned by e-mail.
The appointment time arrived and I met Sydney in her office in the store. We had a frank discussion about my health, diet and concerns. She was attentive, involved and enthusiastic. What I learned was that many of my ideas based upon my research and life experiences were contraindicated for what I was trying to achieve. I wanted to gain some weight and have more energy. The diet I was following would do just the opposite. It was a healthy diet but not one that would produce the desired results.
She educated me regarding my diet and life-style. I was given handouts with suggested foods and food groups to include and exclude from my regular diet. I was walked around the store and she made specific suggestions that would enhance my dietary goals. It was very pleasant and she further followed up with subsequent e-mails with further suggestions.
I have to admit that it was a lesson well learned for me. I knew that diet was an important component if I was going to achieve the life-style goals I desired. I tried on my own and failed. I didn't have the knowledge to get where I wanted to go. I was fortunate that I pocketed my pride and sought help from a professional. I am not always good at this but I am very happy that I am still learning and that I did follow through. It was not an expensive proposition and it did benefit me greatly.
I, in turn, have chosen something different. I am following a path of more involvement and activity with family, friends and society in general. I too have earned this right and should not be judged or criticized. I do want to make something clear: I am not trying to be "young" again. I have been young and enjoyed it immensely. I am 64 years old now and do not consider myself "old". I have no intention of leading a sedentary life-style or giving into societal expectations that I will go quietly to the senior living community and behave myself as a good elder man should.
I have much to give, to experience and to learn about life. I plan to investigate many different avenues to improve my spirituality, health and understanding of how to live a fulfilling life. I have partaken in Reiki, Tai Chi, exercise at a health club and many other things. All have value and, if I continue, will provide valuable benefits. I go to my doctor for regular check-ups and generally follow his advice.
I recently did something that I never thought I would do. I went to see a dietician to learn more about diet and how it affects how I feel and the energy level I want to acquire. Many of us have weight considerations or medical conditions that affect how we feel and how we can live our lives. I found this to be true in my case. I had asked my doctor and searched the internet looking for hints, clues or ideas on how I might fashion a dietary plan that would address my needs. I actually did take steps based upon my research but I wasn't getting the results I expected.
I was in a local supermarket and noticed a sign that introduced a store based dietician available to the public. Putting aside my pride, I decided to investigate. I called the number indicated and spoke with Sydney. She gave me a time for an appointment and e-mailed to me a questionnaire to fill out and return which was not lengthy but addressed my general health and what concerns I had. I followed instructions, completed the questionnaire and returned by e-mail.
The appointment time arrived and I met Sydney in her office in the store. We had a frank discussion about my health, diet and concerns. She was attentive, involved and enthusiastic. What I learned was that many of my ideas based upon my research and life experiences were contraindicated for what I was trying to achieve. I wanted to gain some weight and have more energy. The diet I was following would do just the opposite. It was a healthy diet but not one that would produce the desired results.
She educated me regarding my diet and life-style. I was given handouts with suggested foods and food groups to include and exclude from my regular diet. I was walked around the store and she made specific suggestions that would enhance my dietary goals. It was very pleasant and she further followed up with subsequent e-mails with further suggestions.
I have to admit that it was a lesson well learned for me. I knew that diet was an important component if I was going to achieve the life-style goals I desired. I tried on my own and failed. I didn't have the knowledge to get where I wanted to go. I was fortunate that I pocketed my pride and sought help from a professional. I am not always good at this but I am very happy that I am still learning and that I did follow through. It was not an expensive proposition and it did benefit me greatly.
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