Today Is My Birthday!!

 I'm writing this from my home in Oceanside, even though at this very moment I am in Guatemala at the end of my Guatemala/Mexico trip.  I am 81 today, and I'm happy to say I don't feel it.  Yes, I have many aches and pains, but my energy level and desire to live life to the fullest, is still present.  I am excited about every day and what it may bring.  Fortunately or unfortunately my mind seems to be going nonstop.  If I'm not doing something that takes focus, like bridge, golf, reading or pickleball, I'm probably thinking about future plans.  When will I go visit my kids and grandkids, when will I take another big trip, what will I plan for my Mom and I to do next.  It's hard to shut off your mind.  

That's one of the reasons I don't sleep well.  I fall asleep easily, then around three or four o'clock wake up.  I am rested, the mind starts to think, and that's it.  If you want to know what was on the first hour of Morning Joe (3am-4am) I can probably tell you. 

Most of us are so fortunate to have good health and live in such a beautiful place.  I feel so fortunate to still be of sound mind and body, and contributing to this world in my small way.  As they say, "Age is only a number."  Growing old is mandatory.  Growing up is optional.

Oldest Street Artist in the World: Grace Brett

 Grace Brett was a Scottish woman, just an ordinary woman, who became known later in life for her involvement in yarn-bombing and community street art.  At 104 she was featured in reports as possibly one of the oldest street artists in the world, celebrated for helping transforming everyday objects like benches, lamp posts and other town fixtures in her hometown of Selkirk, with colorful knitted and crocheted pieces as part of local arts projects and festivals.  

Grace was a lifelong knitter who enjoyed her craft with the community, bringing smiles to them through her creative decorations. Born in 1912, she was from the generation where most women learn to knit at a young age.  She continued the craft throughout her life, but it wasn't until very late in life that her work was truly recognized and appreciated.  Her work with the Souter Stormers knitting group helped shine a spotlight on yarn art in her region. 

Grace Brett's legacy lives on as an inspiring example of how traditional skills, community involvement, and a playful spirit can bring beauty and warmth to the world-proving that it is never too late to create, to contribute or to be celebrated.

Do You Get Nighttime Leg Cramps? You're Not Alone

 I never got nocturnal cramps when I was younger, but over the past 10 years I have experienced the excruciating pain of them more often than I would like.  About 1/2 of those over 80 experience nighttime cramps, some as much as several times a week!  Nocturnal cramps are characterized by episodes of painful, sudden, intense, involuntary contractions of muscles in the legs, fee and other extremities in the middle of the night.  But you already know all this.

Most scientists think that dehydration, lack of exercise during the day, and mineral deficiency, mainly magnesium deficiency is the problem.  Up to 80% of adults are deficient in magnesium.  This is due to de-mineralization of ground soil from mass agriculture, reduced nutrient density in modern diets (packaged foods) and increased magnesium excretion, caused by stress, caffeine and sugar intake.

Some studies suggest that magnesium glycinate, when taken before bedtime, may help reduce leg cramps.  The quality of your sleep may also affect nighttime cramping.  Poor sleepers seem to have more cramps at night, so relaxation with the use of melatonin may help.

We all know the traditional remedies.  Walking and pressing down on the cramped area if it is in your food, massage, heat or cold, they all give some relief.  

Old wives tales mention the following remedies for nocturnal cramps.  I have not tried any of them, but here they are.  Eat a spoon of yellow mustard (yuck), drink some pickle juice, or pinch your upper lip, the area between you lip and your nose.  Mustard and pickle juice both contain acetic acid, which may help cramping.  Pinching your lip has something to do with acupuncture, as it affects another area of your body, but I wouldn't swear to any of these remedies.

The best way to prevent nighttime cramps is to stay active during the day, stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet and possibly a magnesium supplement, and keep bedding loose.  I hope this helps.  Sweet dreams.

Who's Going To Take Care Of You When You're Old?

 Planning for the future, and who will take care of you is an enormous problem for our aging society.  It is difficult for everyone, but most difficult for "soloists."  No, these are not people that play in an orchestra.  They are men or women (mostly women) who are either widowed, or have been single and childless all their lives.

Who's going to take care of any of us?  Single or married, the most important thing is to have a plan.  Having a plan is the key to success in almost everything you do in life.  Know what you want.  Do you want to age in place, go to a senior community, live with a friend, live with family, who will take your dog or cat, etc?  In California and Arizona we have professional fiduciaries who can look after your money.  You would tell them what you want, how much money you have, and they would work out the details.  In the rest of the country professional fiduciaries do not exist.  People appoint a bank or a lawyer, both who charge big fees, or they get a friend or relative to take care of things.  The latter doesn't always work out well.

Many people opt for long term care, which if bought at an early age might be a good decision.  If, however, you are 60 years old and your aging father has Alzheimer's, you will most likely not qualify for long term care.  The insurance company doesn't like to take chances.

Other people decide to self insure.  Statistics show that one should put away $500,000 in an account to be used for long term care.  Sounds like a lot, but it goes quickly. 

The best solution for many is to age in place.  Stay in your home, bring in help as needed, and continue to enjoy your community.  This will work so long as you don't need special medical attention that the home cannot provide.

There are other options, like what is often called the golden girls lifestyle.  Get together with some other seniors and live together.  Or, there are group homes to live in.  

The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone.  So many people are facing the same challenges.  We are a community, and through community you will find the right doctor, the right lawyer, and the right place to live.  Ask everyone you know to help you solve a problem.  They will help you solve it.  People helping people solve problems works!

Any choice you make should be discussed with a financial planner or estate planner.  Often the family is involved in a group meeting, where the senior's wishes are discussed so everyone knows what he/she wants

Planning for your future is difficult, but necessary.  If we don't plan, the time will come when we can't make decisions, and someone else will be making them for us.  We want to take control of our lives and our future and planning is the best way to do so.