The stiffness of buttons, putting on socks or jewellery are tasks that have gotten more difficult over time . Not impossible but thanks for the helpful suggestions.
Thank you for that explanation of the grip strength changes. At 69, issues with getting small buttons fastened have been especially frustrating! That, and getting my earrings in and out with fingers that feel numb at the tips...
I love this. For many years, after waking, I have sat on the side of the bed and did ankle circles, gentle sky reaches (alternating sides), shoulder rolls, twists, any gentle movements to get fluid moving through my joints. I do just 4 or so on each side. The idea isn't really "stretching" but more focused on gentle movement within a comfortable range. Then I sit for a breath before getting up.
I can't imagine why anyone would get dressed before having their tea, but then again, I can't imagine even talking to anyone before my tea. :P
I make my tea and during the time it steeps, I take some deep breaths and do some more gentle movements like counter pushups and forward rolls. I typically have a smoothie for breakfast but that's usually a couple hours after I wake up and in those hours I have two cups of black tea with oat milk and honey. Delicious.
A shower does help get things moving. All of this is on the mornings where I don't have to be any where before 9. I typically get up around 6:15-6:30. If I have to leave the house by 8, I plan my outfit the night before.
One thing I know for sure and try to share with others who are either older (I'm 61) or managing a chronic condition: how I feel when I first wake up is rarely how I'll feel in an hour or so. Give yourself some time to adjust to a new day and then see how you feel.
I have MS and so I've been at this a little longer than most 73-year-olds. Two things: 1. eye drops. Dehydration is huge and eye drops -I use bio true-seem to help all over. It is like my eyes are taking a drink for me. 2. Butter leggings. These are like pants without having to feel them against your legs. For MS this is important but, for anyone, it provides a freedom of movement I've never experienced with anything else.
See what works for you, you don’t have to implement everything. Some of these changes feel like they’ll slow things down at first, but once they become routine, they can actually save energy and make getting dressed less frustrating.
Totally agree on setting out clothes the night before (to save time in the morning) and having a warm beverage before getting dressed (because it's glorious in the mornings on the back patio). I've been doing those for years...learning the things you mentioned in your article made me realize I was following your advice without knowing about it!
Thank you so much for all your work and reassuring words! You make me feel that I can * do * this (this ageing thing... smh... lol). <3
The stiffness of buttons, putting on socks or jewellery are tasks that have gotten more difficult over time . Not impossible but thanks for the helpful suggestions.
Thank you for that explanation of the grip strength changes. At 69, issues with getting small buttons fastened have been especially frustrating! That, and getting my earrings in and out with fingers that feel numb at the tips...
Very informative & helpful!
Superb advice, good suggestions and fixes, well-constructed pacing rec’s. Thank you.
RS
I love this. For many years, after waking, I have sat on the side of the bed and did ankle circles, gentle sky reaches (alternating sides), shoulder rolls, twists, any gentle movements to get fluid moving through my joints. I do just 4 or so on each side. The idea isn't really "stretching" but more focused on gentle movement within a comfortable range. Then I sit for a breath before getting up.
I can't imagine why anyone would get dressed before having their tea, but then again, I can't imagine even talking to anyone before my tea. :P
I make my tea and during the time it steeps, I take some deep breaths and do some more gentle movements like counter pushups and forward rolls. I typically have a smoothie for breakfast but that's usually a couple hours after I wake up and in those hours I have two cups of black tea with oat milk and honey. Delicious.
A shower does help get things moving. All of this is on the mornings where I don't have to be any where before 9. I typically get up around 6:15-6:30. If I have to leave the house by 8, I plan my outfit the night before.
One thing I know for sure and try to share with others who are either older (I'm 61) or managing a chronic condition: how I feel when I first wake up is rarely how I'll feel in an hour or so. Give yourself some time to adjust to a new day and then see how you feel.
I have MS and so I've been at this a little longer than most 73-year-olds. Two things: 1. eye drops. Dehydration is huge and eye drops -I use bio true-seem to help all over. It is like my eyes are taking a drink for me. 2. Butter leggings. These are like pants without having to feel them against your legs. For MS this is important but, for anyone, it provides a freedom of movement I've never experienced with anything else.
Thank you for the recommendations!
Hardest part of morning is not awakening with a panicky sad feeling; I am a caretaker.
Hint for warming up stiff hands : drive a car with a warming device in the steering wheel!
That is indeed useful!
Very helpful. I also appreciate the clear explanations of what's going on.
Interesting ! Doing all this is going to slow me down even more.
Thanks!
See what works for you, you don’t have to implement everything. Some of these changes feel like they’ll slow things down at first, but once they become routine, they can actually save energy and make getting dressed less frustrating.
Is that a good thing perhaps? 😊
Totally agree on setting out clothes the night before (to save time in the morning) and having a warm beverage before getting dressed (because it's glorious in the mornings on the back patio). I've been doing those for years...learning the things you mentioned in your article made me realize I was following your advice without knowing about it!
Thank you so much for all your work and reassuring words! You make me feel that I can * do * this (this ageing thing... smh... lol). <3