I recently had to fill out a survey for my medical provider, Kaiser Permanente. I guess I am supposed to be doing 30 minutes of brisk walking about five days a week.
So let's see, how am I doing this week? Monday I did my long PT program, did a little house work, and the laundry. I had an appointment in the afternoon to get a referral for a cyst on my finger and I got a flu shot. I came home and rested, then made dinner, then did 30 minutes on my stationary bike before planting myself in my chair for the rest of the evening.
Tuesday I got up, always a job in itself, had a Zoom meet up, and then we went to the nearby Highline Botanical Garden to scope it out because we are supposed to guide our garden group there on the 27th. I took photos which I'll share in a bit. We walked about a mile. I finished my PT and did another 30 minutes on the stationary bike. I rested and worked puzzles and read the paper and made dinner, and was tired and back in my chair for the evening.
Today is Wednesday. We got up late. I did my long PT, then went to the park to walk a mile. It takes me 30-35 minutes to walk a mile, not exactly brisk. I was beat, but I kept going after a short sit to talk to Tom on the patio. I harvested basil from the garden and chopped it up to freeze. Then thankfully it was time for a a long lunch, reading the paper and working puzzles. Now I am sitting at the computer catching up on blogs and writing a post of my own. I am physically tired and won't do much until it is time to make dinner.
I do my best to get enough exercise, but "brisk" walking is no longer an option. I don't think those guidelines exactly fit a person 81 years of age who has been as chopped up by joint and spine surgeries as many times as I have, or who has to use a walking stick to keep from falling over.
So, yeah, I try, and then I take photos and enjoy beauty wherever I find it.
Do what you can do. The Dahlias, Hibiscus and Sunflowers are sure cheerful!
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful garden to visit. Thirty minutes of brisk walking is a good goal but seems like you say, perhaps too much time for you. They have to consider our age and condition before they make exercise recommendations. 10,000 steps a day is said to be a goal for everyone, and I do not think a 20 year old and an 80 year old should have the same goal! I am 80 and set a goal for myself of 4,000 steps a day.
ReplyDeleteThe important thing is you do what you can. I think you're doing fine for 81.
ReplyDeleteI am 69 and I can’t do as much as you do. You are doing quite well! Five years ago today I had my spine cord surgery and I have still difficulties to move. Take your time.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear you are still trying to get better, LInda. We are in the same boat, in many ways. Nice to see your wonderful pictures, too.
ReplyDeleteLOVE that archway in the garden and the skinny pines attached to the wall. Thanks for the tour. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteLinda, I think you do very well and probably get enough exercise (and more than most at your age). I know about the 10,000 steps goal, but am happy to get 2000 in a day.... sometimes more, sometimes less. We do what we can.
ReplyDeleteAlso meant to say that your pictures are gorgeous... beautiful place.
DeleteBeautiful pictures. As to the walking....I can't walk briskly either any more and depend on my stick. It's still good exercise.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos!
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, simply moving is the key. You do a lot of that!
I love Japanese gardens. It makes me want to pause and just chill out. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have a lot of beauty all around you, Linda. My mom has Kaiser Permanente and they've been fabulous for her. It's a lot better than what we get at the military hospital here. You are better than me with exercise. I think I'm now averaging walking 4 times a week.. maybe... more like 3 actually.
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