Are you having FUN?

Since I'd last written in February about losing a friend, I have suffered the loss of 3 more friends and 1 cousin in just 4 months!    It's definitely had an impact on me as one of the hardest things I'm dealing with as I get older is "acceptance". 

I just don't want to accept the fact that as I age:

•  time really does seem to move faster (it's already JUNE).
•  I have to deal with even more unexpected medical issues.
•  I can't do things as fast as I did before.
•  I have to deal more frequently with the death of family and friends.

Every time I hear of another death, it's like a cold, hard slap of reality hitting me across the face, reminding me that life really is so short that all I want to do is have more fun before I'm too tired or it's too late.

Only you can define "what's fun" or what activities put a smile on your face -- but I sincerely encourage you to follow Nike's famous slogan and "JUST DO IT".     Don't be sitting in your rocking chair at 80, saying "I wish I had" when you still have the time to build new, exciting memories.

So, STOP right now and plan a fun activity - be it a hike, movie or concert - something you can look forward to!

WALK....RUN.....DANCE

I'm still in St. Louis and have spent some time visiting with 2 of my relatives over 90. My 91 year-old aunt is in a re-hab center and frankly, it was really depressing to see her there because I feel the accident that put her there could have been prevented. Her health problems all started with a fall near her front porch.

So, I'd just like to remind you to:

1. Do a safety check, not only in your home, but your parent's place as well.

Make sure that all railings are properly attached; walkway's well lit and clutter-free. Do a complete walk through of every room and look for ways that you can improve their environment. The GOLD VIOLIN Independent Living Catalog is a great source for items that can make life easier for us BOOMERS and our parents.

WEBSITE: http://www.goldviolin.com/

If you live alone, consider getting a medical alert button. Aunt Betty didn't have one, so she had to crawl up her front steps!

For additional info: http://www.firststreetonline.com/Featured+Products/New+Innovations/Designed+for+Seniors+Medical+Alarm.axd?sc=86072&gclid=CMzIjPab0pwCFSDxDAodJXzUKQ

2. WALK....RUN....DANCE......just move every day while you still can. When I see those elderly people stuck in a bed or wheelchair, it makes me want to exercise and play even more. A key factor to maintaining good health as we age is a daily exercise program......so find out what works for you and keep at it at least 5 days a week. Don't forget to work on balancing exercises because that will help prevent falls.

REMEMBER the NIKE AD and "JUST DO IT"