This blog presents the ideas and creative thinking of some of Utah's talented older adult writers. Their submissions are to inform and entertain, not to present policy or opinion positions of the Utah Commission on Aging. Enjoy.
Bone density, an indicator of one’s predisposition to bone fractures, can be measured by a DEXA Scan. I had my latest DEXA scan on 12/11/23. In the first call from my doctor’s nurse, he simply stated that there had been an increase in my bone density since my last test two years ago, so I should keep taking every-6-month Prolia shots. Unlike my usual “do-what-the-doctor-says” self, I replied that I refused to continue the shots and explained my reasons.
Intermittent Fasting (IF) is a popular eating strategy that involves restricting when and how often you eat, and it has less of an emphasis on what or how much you eat. Until I started IF, the only thing that worked for me was to go cold turkey on sugary treats like cookies (my weakness), chocolate, candy in any form, and all desserts. It takes me 3-4 days to get over the intense craving of my sugar addiction and then I feel great…until the next social event, or sleepless night, or the need to reward myself overtakes my willpower.
Probably most people reading this—grandma or grandpa—adore their grandchildren. You anxiously awaited the birth of the first one and now you can’t see them nearly often enough to suit you. Oh, I know the old saying, “It’s great to have them come, and it’s great to have them go home.” But if the other grandparents I know are to be believed, their grandchildren are the light of their eyes and their grandchildren adore them! But I have no idea how many of you actually feel guilt about their grandparenting or lack thereof.
“Age is just a number” is a common saying among seniors. It’s said to us and by us. It’s sometimes meant to encourage us to do things we think we’re “too old to do,” or to justify things we are doing that others think people of a certain age really are too old to do. It can refer to the way we dress, the people we associate with, the places we travel, the cars we drive, the things that are still on our bucket list, ETC.
You’re 18; you’re finally an adult; you think you know everything. You’ve graduated from high school (which was probably the hardest thing you will ever have to go through), and you’ve reached the moment that you’ve always dreamt of: adulthood. Now you can live your dream life, and you will finally be happy…