Successful Aging (of note)

"...there is ample evidence that many elderly people
regard themselves as happy and well, even in the presence
of disease or disability. Doctors should be aware
that many elderly people consider themselves to have
aged successfully, whereas classifications based on
traditional medical models do not..."

(From What is successful Ageing and who should define it? by Ann Bowling and Paul Dieppe, British Medical Journal 2006)

weblinks http://eprints.ucl.ac.uk/1559/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aging


of note

have you been back
where you used to go?
to the old part of town
a drawer full of old clothes
fate

dark clothing, flat shoes
got so many wrinkles I can
screw my own knickers on
what I remember is
history

saw the Mayflower
coming in here on a Friday
I have memories of long washing lines
stretch from one place to
another

field: poultry, milking cows
my daughters want to go back
because they’ve never lived it
they talk about the way things
were

it’s good to be put on earth
money doesn’t come into it
learning to slow down: a hard lesson
working in kitchens of
stone

I’ve not composed any music
nothing of note
what have you and I done
except the pas de
double?

speak poem
Phyllis Hollinshead, Harry and Beaty Wantling, Hilda Hewitt, Bob Mather
2007

thistle in may

it’s a slow process all the flowers waking
caution restricts the tulip field
snowdrops the first
the trees blessing daffodils
the light, a relief
a relief (the darling)
comes slowly
you squirm: God, I’m coming to life
seize the sun
the sky-blue, the buttercup
take your part in the human race
attend all your check-ups
cut a thistle in May
the dancing season has started
little flowers pink and jump
blooms as big as cabbageheads
(follow all dietary recommendations)
cut it in June
it’ll be back soon

speak poem
February 2009

Further info, from Better Health Channel website, Victorian Department of Human Services, Australia
During convalescence, it may be beneficial to set goals for each day which will aid in your recovery. Be guided by your doctor, but general suggestions include:
* Too much bed rest in most cases isn't good for you, particularly if you are elderly. Maintain some level of activity, even if it means just sitting or standing up occasionally. Try getting dressed and moving around the house if possible.
* Ensure your muscles, heart and lungs are working efficiently by gradually increasing your level of activity each day.
* Make sure you get enough rest. Listen to your body and alternate periods of activity with periods of relaxation. Be prepared to say 'no' to things you can't cope with and visitors you don't want to see.
* Keep in touch with family and friends and maintain your social activity, even by telephone.
* Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. If your appetite is poor, try eating small amounts of nutritious foods regularly. Remember that eating well is more important than eating more.
* As your strength returns, find time to do things you enjoy. Keep up with hobbies and aim to get out of the house regularly, even for short outings.

Mental health

‘if you had money that was the turning:
it was rules of thumb
if you had money
you were eccentric
if you were middle class
had a nervous breakdown
if you were working class
you were barmy.’

anon
Cherry Tree Hospital, Stockport
2009

"It's easy to think that mental health issues don't concern us but in fact a quarter of us will have problems with our mental wellbeing at some time in our lives."NHS choices website