The 11th Wellness
Moral Wellness, stylized symbol: Iron Mountain. I am strong.
We learn from the events in our life. Some of us suffer very violent childhoods. Some of us are not equipped to flourish in our environments. Let us support each other with kindness and understanding. And a leg up.
The person I admire is Mike Tyson.
Shake, Rattle and Roll --The Vibration Plate
A friend inspired me to try out a vibration plate. I had high hopes for improved circulation in the lower legs, but the literature cautions to seek professional advice for use with certain ailments, most every one of which I have.
So, carefully, in a seated position, just resting my feet on the plate, I did one minute. Next morning my knees were killing me ... well, they're often killing me, but now much worse.
On March 12 and March 13, I did 1.5 minutes. Knees remained the same.
On March 14 and 15 I did two minutes. I noticed that, immediately after the March 15 session, my knees felt good, but pain soon returned.
But I did think my knees were a little better, so I continued to work myself up to a five-minute session.
Well, to sum up, the vibration plate really did a job on me. I had to cancel the I-CAN-DO-THIS ceremony. My friend also had to stop using it.
I've been in agony ever since I tried it. If I ever try it again, it will be standing only and for brief periods only. I'll pIace my two-wheel walker over it so that I have the handlebars for balance and support.
I hope any older people trying out a vibration plate will be very careful not to hurt themselves.
The Tenth Wellness
Directional Wellness, stylized symbol: A Primrose Path. I am focused.
Focused on the three-prong long term: improved health, improved standard of living, and disciplined learning.
Calm and steady in the pursuit of these goals.
The person I admire is Ben Franklin
Ben Franklin's Daily schedule
He rose at 6am. From 6am to 9am he prepared for the day
From 9am to 1pm he worked
From 1pm to 2pm he rested
From 2pm to 6pm he worked
From 6pm to 10pm he engaged in evening activities such as reading, letter writing, entertaining, house parties, theater, and so forth
From 10pm to 6am he rested
"NEVER fail to do what you have resolved to do." --Ben Franklin paraphrased
On Death
Oh, we don't like death? We think it's unfair?
We are each lucky to be here at all. Consider the odds of success of the single sperm that is you.
Is immortality really a desirable thing? In a world in which we live forever, it seems likely that the elders would rule over all.
It's best not to be anxious about death, or anything that is inevitable. We are apparently the only animal that knows it will die. Knowledge is often a good thing. We've had our turn, let us be courageous, let us pass the baton cheerfully to the next generation when our day in the sun has passed.
Let us stop worrying about it. and have fun.
Let it be so
Focus
Elon Musk advises us to spend an hour a day focusing on our main priority. I've got a lot of main priorities, but today I'll take "Not losing my driver's license in April of 2026."
About seven years ago I was advised of cataracts. The doctor referred me to a firm that would remove my cataracts.
I said no, that he should adjust my prescription for glasses until I maybe get around to the surgeries he's prescribing.
He said no, that I probably won't even need glasses after the surgery.
Now I'm scared. He is not cooperating. I have no intention of having these surgeries until necessary. And he is obligated to report anyone to the Division of Motor Vehicles who does not meet vision requirements. With these old glasses of mine, I would never pass the vision test.
Now I proceed on tiptoe.
I ask, "Has my vision deteriorated to the point where I shouldn't drive?"
He replied, "You are borderline qualified to drive."
I said, "Okay, I will accept your referral. But please, in the meantime*, give me a certificate for DMV that says I am qualified to drive at this time."
He said okay, and I renewed my driver's license for 8 years by presenting his certificate.
So here I am today, looking down the throat of losing my driver's license next April. I have suffered having to live with these old glasses of mine, but I have no intention of having dangerous cataract surgery until I think I need it. I'm 83, too old for frivolous surgery. I think I see fine.
So, what to do?
I think this fall I will visit a new optometrist and tell him what I want: A prescription for new eyeglasses. If he says no, I will visit another optometrist. If he says no, I will face the question of surgery or loss of my driver's license. I will choose the loss of my driver's license.
I live in the suburbs where there are no taxis. A bus will not work for me because I can't walk to the bus stop. I don't intend to ask friends and family to tool my carcass around. I think it may be time to become an activist for a local taxi service although that would be prohibitively expensive. Really, I see no solution ahead.
What do you think, Dear Reader?
*Not a lie! It will be a woman's prerogative to change my mind.
The Eighth Wellness
Precautionary Wellness, stylized symbol: Camouflaged Lock. I am prudent.
We seniors should be ever thinking ahead to what can go wrong. Be ready, be vigilant.
"Set thine house in order." --Isaiah 38:1
The person I admire is R. Lee Ermey, aka “Gunny”, a US Marine drill instructor and Golden Globe-nominated actor.
