Help for the Aging Lady

Getting older is something that inevitably happens to us all. Whilst I would not want to go back and relive puberty I think that is much better than growing old. I mean there’s plenty of warning and everyone knows roughly when it is going to happen. Let’s be honest, as hard as it was, it was also most welcome. Longing for those first signs of becoming an adult – hairs under the arms and a shapelier figure. But want about later on in life? There doesn’t seem to be any predetermined age – or obvious advice.

Aging in my Thirties

For those who do not know I am only 36 years old. I say only because actually I am really quite taken by surprise that I am actually heading for old age. I am sure there are those who will scoff and say I am very young but really I was not expecting to feel changes in my thirties. It started when I noticed that I have started to have grey hairs. I am not sure when I thought they would come – post fifty maybe! I have seen advice to leave them alone but I couldn’t! Okay there’s only about 6 or 7 (and yep I cut them out), but it is the fact that they have really taken me by surprise. I have considered for the first time how hard it is for parents of teens, as they are not only dealing with their teen’s changes but they may also be dealing with changes of their own.

Physical Pains and Ways to Try to Prevent them

Apart from my grey hairs, other physical complaints are mainly my aches and pains. Again something I was not expecting so early on in life. I went to visit Sarah at Marusa Wellbeing for a back massage and got some advice on my lifestyle.I learnt that there are certain things that I do, that can be doing damage to my body. Things to consider are how I am sleeping – what are my pillows like? Am I being supported? Am I spending too much time slouched over – for example when using my phone or laptop? In fact actually to benefit my back and to improve visual comfort while working on a computer, my screen should be at eye level so I have been thinking about switching back to a computer desktop. In fact there are lots more physical things going on but I am too embarrassed to discuss them – again if more people did it may be easier (may be I will revisit the post when I am older).

Looking after My Health

I have also noticed my teeth aren’t what they used to be, and I am making sure I spend the time cleaning, not only my teeth, but between my teeth and gums properly. I am also trying to improve my diet and drink more water (which will also help with my gums). I definitely need to fit some daily exercise into my day.

The Emotional Side of Aging

Aside from the physical changes I am noticing, there seems to be the emotional side too. Although I do not feel like I could be experiencing a midlife crisis just yet (I hope not anyway), I am starting to become disheartened about my life. I hear others talk about what they have previously been (career wise), and what skills they have and I feel I have nothing to offer (which deep down I know is not true). I need to focus on what I have, and what I have achieved. Trouble is I have been a mother for so long that it feels like most of that is in the past (although saving to get on the property ladder was no mean feat and we only bought our house 2 and half years ago). I need to remember that being a mother is a very important job in itself too. My oldest son is doing very well and is leaving to go University this year. Maybe this is also causing my emotional unbalance. I think what I need to do is to set myself some goals, targets, things I want to achieve.

Advice for the Aging Woman

I would love to know if anyone else is feeling similar, or if any older ladies have any advice, experience or want to tell me it gets worse easier. I remember my Mother used to take cod liver oil capsules but never really understand why. Of course she is not here to ask, or to share her experiences. I think my main fear is that I am too young – and that actually things are going to get worse – much worse.