Yes, that is really a word to describe folks in their 70s. And yes, it’s 70s with no apostrophe, since it’s not a possessive form. I am embracing my age and my English grammararian-ism..
I held off for quite awhile. In
my 60s, I looked younger, so why even talk about my age? But approaching and
eclipsing age 70, I had to face facts. I was a senior, on Medicare, no longer
middle-aged, with less of life remaining before me than I have passed through.
Time now becomes a “big thing” since there’s less of it left. I stay up later
and sometimes I get up early, though I might go back to bed to get a full 8
hours since it’s supposed to help my aging body and brain to stay healthier.
Health is a big thing, too. I do
my leg exercises daily before I get out of bed. I’ve slacked off on my arm
exercises since I seem to have injured my left arm. Tomorrow the doctor will
take a look at it and determine muscular, skeletal, or ligament problems. And I
hope and pray it will be an easy fix involving easy exercise, rest, and
ibuprofen—my current self-care program.
Healthwise, I also watch what I
eat. I could joke here about how I watch the ice cream cones go from the
freezer to my lips. But I am generally diligent about eating a varied diet of
more vegetables and fruits than empty carbs. I eat oat cereal, berries, and
nuts with my coffee for breakfast, a salad for lunch also with nuts, seeds,
and some cheese. Then I have a mashed cauliflower/potato base for a variety of
tofu and mollusk entrees. I gave up bread for awhile, but now I eat a flax seed/low carb
bread, vegan butter, and sliced boiled eggs for a mid-morning snack. I have
cranberry tea and coffee latte popsicle for an afternoon snack, At bedtime, I often repeat my breakfast minus the coffee. Then I squeeze in plumots and
mini-ice cream cones as the impulse strikes me. So a lot of small meals to keep
my energy level up and metabolism working. There will be no more dieting.
I work on my daily walking
and other exercise to improve my health. But dieting doesn’t work and is no
longer recommended. Eat a healthy variety of foods. Exercise in a variety of
ways to engage most muscle groups. Move it or lose it. Our bodies were meant
for non-sedentary lives so we need to walk, bike, hike, swim, dance, etc. These
are all adaptable moving activities that you can do all your life evem if you can’t
play tennis, run races, play sports, ski, etc.
I cherish the life I have that
allows me freedom of expression—I write every day, not that it’s always great writing,
but at least I work at my craft and my self-expression. I nap when I feel like
it. I watch TV and read books for entertainment. I tutor to help parents and
children succeed and for income. I volunteer to give back to my community. I
spend time with my family and friends. I walk my dog and cuddle my cats. Life
is good. I want to maximize the time I have left.
And I will share insights,
thoughts, feelings, experiences here.
Welcome to my world.
Penelope Anne Cole
San Mateo County Fair Short Story Award 2017;
San Mateo County Fair Short Story Award 2017;
2 Honorable Mentions 2018
Tri-Valley Writers Conference 2017 Prose Award;
Tri-Valley Writers Anthology 3 Finalist Pieces 2018
South Bay Writers Talk Challenge Short Story Award, 2017
SLO NightWriters Golden Quill Non-Fiction Finalist, 2017
Award Winning Author of Magical Matthew, Magical Mea,
Magical Mea Goes to School,
Magical Max and Magical Mickey, and
Magical Max and Magical Mickey’s Big Surprise
In and Out, All ‘Round About – Opposite Friends
What’s for Dinner? and ¿Qué vamos a comer?
For Halloween: Ten Little Tricksters and Diez pequeños bromistas
My Grandma's Pink House
My Grandma and Me Coloring Book
