Today an 80 year old friend helped me to attach my original screen door to my new back door. Well, in reality it was me who helped him. He did most of the work and I played the assistant. He showed me what to do then handed over the drill so I would learn. By using the tools and having a hand in attaching my own door I felt proud of the end result and empowered. Inevitably we encountered problems as we had doors with different dimensions. It took us a couple of hours and several adjustments to end up with a screen door that opened and closed smoothly and properly. What an inspiration, wouldn’t it be incredible when I am 80 to be as active and teaching practical skills to others.
Another inspiration is a female friend in her 70’s who takes no medications or supplements at all. She’s religious about eating well, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and exercises daily, mainly by walking. She oozes vitality and wellness. In contrast more people I know are having hips or knees replaced, and they don’t seen that old. I hope keeping active with yoga, swimming and cycling I won’t need hip or knee replacements. At least I keep telling myself I will be like these friends as I get older. An article I saw on the need to continue to keep fit and exercise as we grow older made me think of my fit and active friends. Our lifespan is increasing but we’re not necessarily having a healthier old age. Putting the work in now keeping fit and active is insurance for a good old age.
Living well on a shoestring 