Getting older can be painful…

It’s my manner to seek the lighter side of subjects, especially on this blog, but every now and again life gives you a reminder that you can’t ignore the practicalities of aging.

Having to live with back and knee problems, I’ve been looking into various options for making improvements to my core strength and balance, yet cannot deny there’s been a bit of dithering in the decision-making on my part. But there’s a saying in the coaching world that if you don’t get on and do what needs doing, life will keep on repeating the message…

And so it came to pass.

In that glorious part of the UK known to those of you who are Ted Lasso fans…. I had a fall. I was strolling back to my car when I came upon a man struggling to corral a toddler and a stroller. So, I stepped off the pavement, took a couple of strides, but (fatefully) looked up and smiled in acknowledgement of the thanks being expressed my way…. and put my foot into a steep dip where the tarmac had become warped into a fine approximation of a hilly landscape. With a curious sense of inevitability, I tipped forward, thinking “oh no, my poor knees” only to be surprised when my forehead hit the surface first. As I later discovered, there were many hills in that tarmac landscape, and my head connected with the bit which was the highest of the peaks.

Fortunately I didn’t lose consciousness, and with kindly passersby coming to my aid, I was soon able to continue on my way. But my right eye looked… well, let’s just say “not great”. Still, I got to enjoy lunch, with a side order of ice pack, and then drove myself home.

Just to be clear, there was no swoon, or loss of balance, or anything which would turn it into something else entirely, indeed this was a fall which could’ve happened to anyone. But the fact of the matter is at my age, even that can have consequences, so am most grateful to have gotten away with it lightly (only a mild concussion). But I also took the time to note that, being closer now to 70 than 60, I was immensely grateful for the kindness and the willing aid of passersby, and no longer feel cross or embarrassed at being fussed over. In other words, I accept that I’ve passed that threshold…

But there’s no reason to lose my sense of humour about it, so let me relate this little tale from a subsequent visit to my Osteopath. I had chosen to wear a burgundy dress which – as she commented – matched my eye perfectly 😀 Naturally, it reminded me of this little number, sing it with me…. 🎵oh your red scarf matches your eyes 🎶

Do you have any decisions you’ve been prevaricating over? How easy have you found it dealing with life’s major steps – out of your 20s, into your 40s, turning 50, becoming old…?

© Debs Carey, 2024