It’s not so difficult these days to reach 65 and get Social Security. More than 16 percent of Americans are living proof of this right now. The moving onward well from 80 is where things really get tougher every year! I am living proof that it can be done with the helping hand of geriatricians with their pills, dermatologists with their lotions and creams, and one very special exercise guru.
Pills Are Lifesavers!
Every year, it seems like there is another medical issue on my route to age 90. Right now, I am taking two pills a day for intermittent high blood pressure, prescription eye drops for dry eyes, calcium with vitamin D to keep my bones as strong as possible, an all-purpose vitamin and a baby aspirin for what I am not quite sure. It adds up to four pills in the morning and four at night which is probably not a lot for my age. Of course, this is not counting occasional allergy medicine and things like Preparation-H. My husband had to take up to 20 pills a day to reach 85.
Wrinkle Free – Oh I Wish That It Could Happen!
I search the Internet, and I visit a dermatologist. Where is that magic potion I keep hearing about? Why don’t I look as good as Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin? For me, it’s a loosing battle as you can see from my photo. But it could be worse. In my 70s, I went to a dermatologist who gave me a special regimen that was supposed to aid in the fight against wrinkles. Of course, she was selling the soaps, creams and lotions that I was supposed to use at an exorbitant price. Being frugal, not cheap, I buy them on eBay for a cheaper price even though they may not be genuine. I suspect that it is the dermatologist’s prescription retinol that is the one thing that worked a bit. Now the big thing seems to be hyaluronic acid which I have started to use. Will it be a miracle worker like the ads say?
Exercise Keeps Me Moving!
Recently, I climbed up to the Hollywood sign, and it wasn’t all that difficult. How did I manage this with arthritis from my neck to my knees and all the joints in-between? It’s all due to exercising like crazy. Along with a group of mostly over 65ers and with the help of Zoom, Phyllis – our exercise guru – has us using weights, bands, Pilates rings, walking videos and even floor exercises. And I do this seven hours a week on Monday through Friday. It isn’t exactly fun, but it is bearable because of lots of banter with Phyllis and fellow exercisers. Then on Saturday and Sunday, I rest.
aginggratefully 