I am sitting in the hospital with my friend as her aunt is undergoing the procedure of having a pace maker installed today. Hospitals are never my favourite place; perhaps only those who work in these institutions can really enjoy or look forward to being within these spaces each day. But these visits do act as a necessary humbling reminder that none of us can ever be without the occasion of need that takes us to these locations that assess and rectify; and aid us to better health management.
I notice the changes in my body as age and wear and tear bring problems that straddle everything from the tiny to the unbearable. India is only just becoming aware of the importance of exercise for everybody. But here too the comprehension of what is appropriate and correct for the body does not really reflect itself in our gym culture, where trainers often have little or no real experience in body management that is tailor made to specific requirements.
Even obvious things are ignored. I am forever astounded that women who are large or obese are not instructed on the crucial imperativeness of wearing bras that have a good support for their breasts. Or that proper running shoes are not recommended. Personally we also choose to be foolhardy and casual when common sense could better advice our actions. I know for example that I often don't provide my body adequate sleep. Of course I always offer a reason for this, but in the long run I am merely ignoring the basic requirements essential to maintain a healthy longevity that assures me that my body management, with sensibility, is being attended to, with my eye on the future.
I have also begun to observe that my parents generation appear to have attitudes related to growing old that I find not very positive. On one hand they scream about being independent, on the other hand they are often desiring more attention than is really needed. They stop being active and make the home their only territory of existence without being participatory in ways that allow their bodies to exercise and be mobile. They sort of resign themselves to old age in a manner that I find rather negative and the agility of their mental abilities also diminish as a result.
Small acts of conscious thinking can go a long way. But then too often, being sensible is considered boring!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
To grow old gracefully, to continue to enjoy whatever pleasures life offers and to look forward to the next project, however insignificant it may be to the eyes of others... and one will remain young at heart, the body will follow...My mother will turn 77 next month, her diminishing health does not discourage her dynamism and those around her cannot but marvel at the active way she lives each day...she is certainly an example to follow.
ReplyDeleteI notice that the younger generation is quite vigilant about physical fitness, perhaps the media is responsible for this change...but let us hope they don't go to the other extreme...working out to fit into size '0' could prove dangerous!