Aging Well: Drawing Inspiration from Nature and Podcast Conversations
When I was a young girl, growing up in Miami, hurricanes were a part of life. We lived on a lake, and we had a dock in the lake and a small sailboat, a Sunfish.
As the hurricane watches and warnings went up, the whole family went to work. With the wind blowing, we would pull in the dock as best we could and tie it down. We would take the sailboat out of the water and store it in the garage. Before we got storm shutters, we would all be putting masking tape on the glass doors and windows around the house.
Then we would fill the tub with water, make sure we had fresh batteries for flashlights and the portable radio and we would hunker down in the hall with pillows and blankets, as the storm blew outside.
We were lucky. The worst damage we suffered was when our screen porch blew in. Many areas around us lost a lot more in some of the storms.
Nature is in Control
This was where I learned about the force of nature. I learned to be prepared and take care of the things we could control. I also learned that there were things we could not control, like where the winds and water would overtake structures.
I think this is a lesson that has increased my respect for nature. It is always apparent with I am hiking or gardening.
When I hike, I can control where I go, what I wear (sunscreen, bug spray, hat), who I go with. And I also get to take in the magnificence of what is around me. Spotting tucked away wildflowers, identifying the birds, marveling at the rocks that have been moved by some enormous force to their resting places around the rivers and streams. I am in awe and respectful of the gifts that nature brings us.
When I garden, I can control how much and with what I amend the soil. I can choose where to plant my lettuce, sugar snap peas, tomatoes, peppers, and my fig tree. I can control when I fertilize them and with what. And I still realize that nature has the greater control. If it gets too hot and too dry, the plants will wither. If bugs find my plants before I notice, they can devour a healthy plant in hours. And yet, I love to garden. I love the balance of what I can control and what I cannot control. And I love that this morning, I went out and picked a beautiful batch of sugar snap peas from my beautiful, healthy plants.
Powerful lessons about control
A lot of what we learned from our guests over the last few weeks had to do with what we can control and what we cannot control. Finding the balance. Finding the acceptance. Appreciating what is good.
As we journey through life, especially in our later years, we learn powerful lessons about control—what we can influence and what remains beyond our grasp. The latest episodes of Boomer Banter – Real Talk About Aging Well, underscored these vital insights through enlightening discussions about health, love, and Resilience. Here are some valuable lessons on what we can control and what we must learn to accept.
What We Can Control
1. Health Management
From our episode on stroke awareness, it’s clear that many risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are within our control. Regular conversations with our primary care doctor, alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise, and appropriate medication, can significantly reduce these risks. Being proactive about conditions like atrial fibrillation and sleep apnea can also make a big difference in preventing major health issues down the line.
2. Tick Prevention
Our discussion on Lyme disease highlighted preventive measures that can minimize the risk of tick bites. Wearing protective clothing treated with permethrin, using insect repellents, and conducting thorough tick checks after spending time in nature are all effective strategies. These steps empower us with an element of control over our outdoor experiences, allowing us to enjoy nature safely.
3. Advocacy and Support
Mary Lou Falcone’s story about caring for her husband with Lewy body dementia teaches us the importance of advocating for proper diagnosis and treatment. While some health conditions may be out of our control, seeking support, staying informed, and pushing for accurate medical assessments are actions within our reach. Mary Lou’s journey reminds us to stay proactive and seek out resources that can aid in caregiving.
4. Emotional Coping Mechanisms
Being a Caregiver often comes with stress and emotional turmoil. Learning to manage these emotions is crucial. Techniques like finding creative ways to provide care, allowing for some level of independence, and even having simple outlets like screaming into a pillow can help manage our stress and maintain mental well-being.
What We Cannot Control (totally)
1. Disease Onset and Progression
Despite our best efforts to live healthily, some aspects of disease, like Lewy body dementia are beyond our control. The onset and progression of some conditions often catch individuals and families by surprise, as highlighted by Mary Lou’s account of her husband’s unexpected health decline. Accepting this lack of control is a hard but necessary part of life. Acceptance is under our control.
2. Aging
Aging, with all its associated challenges and changes, is something we cannot halt. The key is to embrace this stage of life, focusing on self-expression, exploration, and learning. At Boomer Banter, we encourage seeing aging as a new chapter filled with potential and vibrancy rather than a period of decline. Our outlook and attitude about aging is within our control!
3. Emotional Reactions of Others
Much like the experiences shared in our episodes, we cannot control how others, including our loved ones, react to illness or stress. Nikki’s struggle with his diagnosis and subsequent emotional and cognitive changes serve as a poignant reminder. Mary Lou’s story teaches us to show love, support, and forgiveness, both to ourselves and to those we care for. Showing love and support and forgiveness is not always easy, and it is within your realm of self-control.
4. Sudden Life Changes
Many of life’s events—from health crises to the loss of loved ones—arrive without warning, leaving us to cope with the aftermath. These sudden changes are a part of the human experience, demanding Resilience and adaptability. Learning to navigate these unforeseen circumstances with grace and strength is a testament to our enduring spirit. Grief and anger at our losses is normal. We can tap into our  Resilience with grace and acceptance.
Conclusion
The recent episodes of Boomer Banter bring to light the delicate balance between control and acceptance in our lives. By focusing on what we can manage, such as health practices and emotional well-being, while gracefully accepting what lies beyond our control, we can navigate our later years with wisdom and Resilience. Let’s continue to explore, express, and learn, making the most of this vibrant chapter of life.
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Originally Published on HeyBoomer.biz
