There's a bit of a consensus brewing when people of a certain age gather, especially socially, that any health related item or discussion has a time limit! I guess it really means that we are no longer complaining about careers/kids/in-laws/
I've often said that our group is like its own petri dish. And some smart researcher should study us (as long as we receive some kind of compensation - these health related treatments can get expensive!) As our own petri dish, we often share the same challenges - as in "what was the name of that book/movie? What is that person's name? Am I in cognitive decline if I can't remember where I put my keys/phone, or why I walked into the bedroom for something that I now can't remember? I'm looking at an object and for a few seconds I can't remember the name" ? I take great solace in the fact that most of us experience these situations at some point, so it restores my confidence that I'm not really "losing it" as they say. There's safety and comfort in our group.
And speaking of that comfort, we literally exchange all kinds of helpful information. Need the name of a good physiotherapist? Eye doctor? Knee doctor? And how good are those gel shots at $500 each? It seems we used to talk more about exchanging recommendations about plumbers and electricians!
And we work hard at adapting to our bodies' challenges as we age. We engage with many different allied health professionals, personal trainers, yoga and pilates classes, aqua fit and gym workouts - and even toe surgery. But the icing on the cake (OK not a good choice of metaphor!) is the fact that, as a group, we just keep on walking, and even training for races. We are all very well aware of the intrinsic benefits of not only walking regularly, but walking outdoors and with like minded others. I have often said I'll do whatever I have to, to keep on walking. As individuals, we feel heard in these health related challenges, safe in our discussions, and fully supported, as we move from one pesky body part to another!
Onwards.....