Our mission
is to empower older adults to proactively embrace and use assistive devices and
products that support an active and independent lifestyle. And we cannot
embrace the kind of products offered by Savvy Senior Products unless we first
embrace our bodies.
Till now and
still now we’ve focused mainly on the “outside” of our bodies, our appearance.
This is why we dress the way we do and fuss over that extra 5 pounds. However,
if we’ve only lately acknowledged that we do get older and, in our youth-obsessed
culture, lose the “looks” we once had, it’s easy to look negatively at this
body that not only looks different but is beginning to show signs of mortality.
We are
mortal, something our culture frequently doesn’t face, but we are forced to as
we age. As miraculous as our bodies are, they do begin to change. We may have
more difficulty climbing stairs, driving, enjoying recreational activities,
even bathing and dressing. These changes are inevitable and will eventually
happen to us all.
A Strategy for Aging Well
Well, this is
certainly depressing, you might say. Why do I need to read this? I’m hoping
it’s because if we “get real,” that is, come face to face with this reality of
our changing bodies, we can begin to forge a strategy for living this part of
our lives that is honest and freeing, even empowering. We can:
- Approach our bodies with knowledge, gratitude and compassion.
- Take responsibility for the aspects of our health we can control. Stay functionally fit.
- Proactively use assistive devices and products that keep us “in the game.” No more denial: “I don’t need to use…” We are living longer and need to stay active and independent through these extra years we have been given.
Walking Tall in Our 70s
And to end
on a less serious note: we can also correct our posture. When I was an
adolescent, my parents constantly nagged me to “stand up straight.” Tall, with
an adolescent’s insecurities, I shrugged off their correction and slunk around,
pretending to be invisible.
Now I finally
“get” it! Poor posture is even more common with older adults. Our heads may
droop and our shoulders round. Over time this poor posture causes our muscles
to weaken or tighten, negatively affecting our gait and our balance. A quick
look at a physical therapy text showed me how to assess my current posture and
how to then improve it. I can’t believe it…but here I am, in my early 70s, finally standing up straight.
It’s part of
my new sense of empowerment. I am here. And I’m glad to be here. Please join me.