Taking care

Decades ago when I worked as a pharmaceutical sales rep, one of the doctors that I called on had a small sign on his desk that read, “After 40, it’s patch, patch, patch.” I’m beyond patching. My sign these days could read, “After 75, it’s all about maintenance.”

I don’t have a team of doctors. I have a fleet. My calendar is packed with appointments this summer. I’ve already done a follow-up with my cardiologist and had my annual wellness exam and blood test. Next week I see a gastroenterologist as a consult before a colonoscopy. I have an appointment with a pain management specialist as follow through on my injuries from the auto accident in February. I assume that visit will result in future treatment. On my calendar are also appointments with my oncologist, dentist and dermatologist. I’m scheduled for a mammogram and a bone density scan. It’s a staggering reminder that I’m old and parts of me are wearing out. I’m reminded of the old saying, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” The good news is that I do take care of myself, and so far, I’m winning the game.

I filled out a questionnaire this morning on a weekly newsletter that I receive called Age Buzz. I was asked to pick one activity that I do for fun these days. Attending medical appointments was not a choice! But the questionnaire made me think of all the things that I do that contribute to my well-being that are just as important as seeing medical professionals. I walk near the lake every morning weather-permitting. If the weather is bad, I do 30 minutes of yoga and walk a circuit indoors. I do 40 minutes of isometric exercises prescribed by my physical therapist. My husband and I get out often with friends to local restaurants and our favorite live music venues. I search for local festivals of interest and add them to our schedule. We visit with our son and family in Illinois several long weekends each summer. I enjoy lunch and breakfast dates with girlfriends. I read several books a week from my local library. I have multiple writing projects going at once. I read inspirational newsletters and blogs and maintain my own blog.

The last choice on the Age Buzz questionnaire was, “I don’t have much fun these days.” The poll revealed trends in real-time when you responded. That response was chosen by 8.3% of respondents. I don’t like to even imagine the life circumstances of the people who selected that response. Aging is hard. I’m doing what I can to take care of myself, knowing that none of my efforts is a guarantee and that things could shift in a minute. But I’m also grateful that I have the energy and resources to enjoy every day that I’m granted.

In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
– Abraham Lincoln