SOCIALIZATION RATES NUMBER 1FOR A GREAT RETIREMENT ACTIVITY

Just as I was thinking about socialization as a topic for my next blog on the retirement series, my neighbor, Tess, a walking buddy invited me and another neighbor for dinner. 

I thought, why not?  I knew it would be nice to visit her vibrant and lovely home again.  Besides, it is always great to meet another possible good friend.  

I read that socialization rates number one among the retirement tips suggested by experts.  It is the best way to keep the doctor away and illness at bay.  Yes!  More than the apple-a-day prescribed by a nursery rhyme we learned in kindergarten.  Interaction with people tops in keeping the older folks lucid, alert and happy more than breaking our brains doing crossword puzzle;  agonizing over every move in chess or reading almost every book. 

I remembered my manners so I wondered what I'll bring to dinner.  I know a bottle of red would be appropriate but I recalled that my hostess asked me if I like crabs and there is no more white wine in my husband's stash.  Besides, they say that the best pairing for crabs is beer, I really wouldn't know though, I don't drink alcoholic beverages; except maybe a glass of bubbly on special events, but that is seldom. 

So I went to a nearby bakery and found a nicely decorated matcha green tea chiffon cake and I decided that will do. Someone said that if there's a cake it's a party, otherwise, it is just a meeting. 

Promptly at six, I found myself comfortably seated on a comfortable leather couch with soft pillows all around, in my hostess' office/ tv/lounging room being offered plantain fries with a glass of my choice of drink while waiting for the other friend to arrive.  

As soon as she arrived, she offered her hand to me in introduction.  Right away, I found her quite interesting, I knew that we would click as friends.  For 30 years, she worked as a flight attendant, she is still looking young and fresh and has kept her hour glass figure like our hostess. I didn't mind that I'm not as slender as they are, after all I'm more than 20 years older, so that's acceptable. 

We had dinner by the pool; there was a slight breeze coming from the plants surrounding the lashed garden.  Before I knew it, we were eating and laughing a lot, sharing stories and everything women talk about when they get together.  It was a fun evening. We were reluctant to end it but we are just neighbors so we can always do it again. 

This morning, I saw Me'anne or rather she saw me and she sat beside me in church for the first Friday mass.  She told me after mass that when she saw me she told herself, "Lord, I knew she could be my friend". 

I had a great time at dinner last night.  Socializing with friends  indeed breaks the monotony of routine and boost adrenaline for anyone, young or old alike. 

WHAT IS YOUR RETIREMENT WORD?

Bloggers say that it is good to adapt a word or theme that will serve as a reminder to keep us in line with our goals, resolutions or commitments we made to better ourselves.  

In our busy world nowadays, mindfulness has been the "talk of the town ", my son said.  Because of the numerous distractions we encounter everyday people get tired; I guess many believe being mindful is a way to reconnect with themselves to be in the present.  

I'm choosing the word mindfulness as my theme, which rightfully coincides with my blog title.  For me, mindfulness is not only focusing on the present; but also opening our eyes and minds to reality; to be right here right now. 

I believe that my theme is not only timely but also necessary during these trying times of the CODVID 19.  Everyone is trying to "flatten the curve" that mindfulness is imperative. The elderly especially must be mindful of precautionary measures because they are believed to be the most vulnerable. 

Sometime last week in my eagerness to buy our maintenance medicine quickly and be done with it, I didn't realize I was almost crowding a lady at the drugstore counter.   I realized that I wasn't mindful when my husband asked me to move back, social distancing totally slipped my mind. 

To me mindfulness also means being alert for our well being and safety.  That's the reason I am always careful going up and down stairs.  Take this scenario in a church wedding when I'm all dressed up wearing a moderately high heels (no stilettos for me anymore).  While going down the steps, I see a friend eagerly waving to me.  If I continue looking at her and not watch where I'm going, I may miss a step and who knows what I'll break? 

Oftentimes we miss our great moments because we are too preoccupied reading emails, doing Facebook, Twitter, watching Netflix or playing games on line. All these activities elude us from being mindful of the present.  

Mindfulness also means keeping with the times, being updated in every way.   Let's take fashion for instance, I guess everyone can tell if some of out outfits are passé.  If we ladies haven't changed what and how we use make up since college, it means we are not paying attention to current trends.  Someone said that it is good to "walk with the times". 

Sometime ago, I was looking for my shade of lipstick when the sales lady told me that they phased out that particular shade.  A charming lady beside me said: "if your shade is no longer available, it means it is time to change".  And she was right, I did find a better one. 

Oftentimes, life's challenges overwhelm us. We worry too much about our difficulties that we miss moments that could otherwise have given us hope and allayed our fears. I always resign myself to challenges; if I have done what's to be done then I move on and try to focus on the present again. 

Mindfulness is vital to us retirees so we do not stress ourselves thinking of our difficult past and worrying what the future will bring.  After all, we often say that the past is water under the bridge and the future is still to unfold.  Worrying will just give us stress that can cause illness. 

Let's learn to appreciate every little thing and try to find joy wherever and whenever we can.  Let us slow down, calm ourselves, spend sometime outdoors, smell the flowers again, listen to the birds that sing, bask in the sunshine and the cool breeze; let's fill our senses with nature, it's the best there is and with no cost at all. 

COVID19, THE CURRENT GLOBAL CONCERN

I wouldn't let the existence of the COVID 19 pass without writing about it.  Good or bad, this is a part of global history and I thought that somehow, in my own little way write about it.  Who knows this writing could add knowledge and perhaps relief from the same or another virus in future generations. 

Much have been said and written about COVID 19, especially so with everyone's access to social media.  The entire world is being advised to heed precautions only from reliable authorities like the World Health Organization and the Department of Health of every country. 

I believe that hygiene tops the precautionary measures mentioned, like washing hands properly, eating well-cooked food, covering mouth when we cough or sneeze.  Wearing face mask is advisable when sick or when we go out where there is no proper ventilation with many people around.  Social distancing is emphasized so as not to transmit or assimilate the virus.   It is believed this could come in through the MEN, not joking here, I mean the Mouth, Eyes and Nose.  "Don't touch your face" , medical experts say.  

"Stay away from crowds", we were all warned.  They say transmission is exponential, so we should stay home unless it is explicitly necessary to go out.   In most countries, government imposed prohibition on mass gatherings like shows, concerts, programs and even religious worship.  Life's  milestones like wedding anniversaries, birthdays and other celebrations were postponed or totally cancelled. 

Statistics showed that the elderly are more prone to catch the virus, as most of those confirmed cases are seniors.  Of course my husband and I strictly follow all precautions of hygiene, exercise, proper nutrition and isolation.  

As of this writing, no medicine has been created, though experts in many countries are doing their best to come up with a vaccine, a capsule or a tablet to fight the virus. So we need to be careful at all times. 

I read that in the early 1900, during an epidemic of Spanish flu, tents were put up to accommodate patients.  In good weather, they were brought out of the tents for more fresh air and sunshine.  They got well faster than those confined in hospital rooms.  

This is a great idea to expose ourselves to more sunshine and fresh air at this time.  Sick or healthy, I believe that we must take advantage of what nature provides.  And let's wash our hands!

TAKE A BIG LEAP THIS NEW LEAP YEAR

This one is something I didn't mention in my last blog about a more exciting retirement.  I read that one way to make us retirees feel more alive is to take a big leap.  I don't literally mean taking a leap down a Clift or jumping from an airplane, or diving into the deep end of the swimming pool if we can't swim; not even riding a roller coaster if we're not up to it.  We can't afford to live dangerously.

The big leap I'm talking about is doing something out of our comfort zone, something we believe we are not good at; something we're not comfortable with; something we've never done before;  like jumping  into unchartered seas. 

Many seniors I know refuse to learn using a cellphone, much more a computer.  "I'm too old", they say; "it is too complicated for me".  I personally know two seniors who doesn't own a cellphone, they rely on their children to receive messages from friends who relay the same via landline.  

Isn't learning to surf the Internet, using apps, or just simply sending and receiving text messages exciting in itself? If one never touched a cellphone, an iPad or a laptap earlier, I say learning to do so is a big leap. 

Many people do not want to cook because they are afraid to fail, "what if I burn the roast?   What if the stew doesn't taste good?  What if the cake turns out a flop?".  Doesn't that sounds familiar?  I'd say cooking  and baking without regard to the outcome is a big leap.

I've known a lot of people who are not confident to speak before an audience.  Public speaking is one thing, but how about the speech itself?  Two problems then: what to say and how to say it.  Mastering and overcoming our inhibitions in public speaking is a big leap.

How about dancing?  Some people are just too self-conscious to dance.  When asked, they would adamantly refuse; "I have two left feet", they would say.  Learning to dance confidently with enthusiasm is a big leap if we have never dance at all. 

I guess the older we are the more we put resistance in doing things we are not used to.  I am amazed that children have no fear, self-consciousness nor shame in learning new things.  When they fail, they laugh then try again.  Adults however, specially us seniors are very sensitive and are ashamed to make mistakes.  Seniors are more reluctant to take risks of any kind.

At this point , I'm still making up my mind what will be my big leap.   I can cook, bake and brave enough to experiment with  new dishes; I  can write a speech and confident enough to speak in public.  

At this writing, I know the basic use of gadgets but I'm still trying to catch up with the fast evolution of technology .  I want to learn more tricks and enhance my skills in this field, but that wouldn't be a big leap. 

I admit that I can't swim, I can't draw, i cant paint.  If I pursue painting or drawing, I know I won't excel, my work will be mediocre.  Then it will not be worth my time if I'll do it for the sake of trying to make I big leap. 

At this point in my life, the third part; I still don't know what my big leap is.  But I know that it is never too late to learn as long as I am open to new experiences.  I am in good shape than most seniors my age, I may have health issues  but I am healthy enough because they are normal aging conditions. 

As I continue this journey called retirement, soon I hope to realize what my leap is.  I'm sure it will bring more fulfillment and excitement in my life; be it a big or small leap. 

What Now My Life?

I read about a 94-year-old who retired from the corporate world at 60.  He regretted having done nothing more afterwards but waited for his time.  Those 34 years approximately equal a third of his lifetime. 

This made me wonder whether I'm doing the same thing.  So I asked myself, what more can I do to make a more joyful, interesting, meaningful and rewarding retirement lifestyle?

I'm turning 75 in July and if I live to be 95,  that's 20 years from now and equal to more than a fourth of my lifetime.  Shouldn't I be doing something more than just letting the days and years pass me by?  I'm not complaining though, my life is far from boring and lonely.  In fact, I'm busy as ever; but then I just feel that I could do something more. 

I've always thought that the way to go in life is more about ambition and achievement that is financially productive.  But retirement experts say that a great retirement isn't  measured by endeavors and it is not also necessary to keep up with the Joneses.

The last time my younger daughter was in town, I mentioned my sentiments about retirement.  She said that "sometimes it's not bad at all to go with the flow and see what happens".   Isn't that squandering my life to chance?

But then she told me that I need a bucket list, a board map so I could establish a reference, a basis of comparison between now and where I am going.  

"Your plan need not be something big and spectacular, you could start doing a regular exercise routine or develop a more sensible diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle".   Well, that makes sense,  if I put my health and wellness first. 

Looking back to 15 years ago after my retirement I believe that I did fairly well.  Those intervening years from 60 to today didn't go for naught.  I devoted a good part of my time managing our convenience store.  That made my transition easier since  I was occupied and able to use my management skills. 

Moreover, that was the time my granddaughter, our first grandchild was born.  I saw her every other day until she started kindergarten.  Nowadays, I see her once a week but our connection was established because I was a big part of her growing up years. 

For the last 4 years, I focused on settling in the new home and started gardening along with my husband.   It is a fascinating and exciting experience to see our plants grow, bear flowers and fruits; moreover it is rewarding to cook veggies directly from the garden to the kitchen. 

Now that I closed the store and my 14-year-old  granddaughter is in school 5 days a week, I feel that I have too much time at my disposal.  I feel like I should be doing something more. But what to do?????

Some say that if you are looking for something, read a book. So I searched on line what retirees do to while away time.  I found more than a hundred and one ways .  Most common are:  socialize more, volunteer work,  develop a hobby, do gardening, travel, write a memoir or a book, open a business, babysit, connect closer with family, reconnect with long-time friends, join a book club, teach and read a lot or choose from the above.  

"Do anything that will make you happy", 

 retirement planners say.  "But there is  a major rule for a perfect retirement balance", they further warned.  There is no way a retired person can be happy if he is not financially secure.  There is a need to suit lifestyle with financial capacity.  If a retiree can't financially support his lifestyle, it would be stressful and may cause illness. 

And so it dawned on me that I'm doing great after all. 

I had a business which I closed, 

I babysat, 

I read a lot,  

I FaceTime with my children and 5-year-old grandson weekly, 

I travel at least once a year, 

I garden,

I crochet,

I walk 4-5 kilometers a day, 

I always aim to prepare healthy meals,

I blog 

and

I'm happy. 

I therefore conclude that retirement life is how we want it to be.  In the end it will boil down to the choices we make.  

THE EYES ARE TRULY MADE FOR SEEING

Dr Jamie, my neuro ophthalmologist, one of only 30 specialists in her field in the Philippines gave me a thumbs up today, she cleared my recent eye problem. 

Ye Hey! I can drive again!

In mid-November last year, I saw everything double and linear objects slopped at the ends when both eyes were open. That's when I saw an ophthalmologist who confirmed nothing clinically wrong with both my eyes but referred me to Dr. Jamie who explored further.

After some tests, Dr Jamie said the nerve in my left eye experienced some kind of an attack, hence it doesn't synchronize with the other.  

"The deviation is not extreme, so I'm hoping your condition will go back to normal in 3-4 months", she said.  

She prescribed meds and the use of an eye patch alternating both eyes.   I have to manage my sugar and cholesterol intake as these may have triggered my condition. 

I was really worried. What if my eyes won't go back to normal?  What if it will get worse?   It was a big inconvenience that I couldn't drive and cross a busy street on my own.  When I was driven down the road, cars looked like there were two of each; when we turned a corner, it looked like we just missed bumping cars. Things looked normal up close with my patch on, though my peripheral view was limited to less than 90 degrees.  

My children did not want to wait 3 months, they wanted to know what's wrong straight away.  So I underwent an MRI and  to our great relief,  results  proved nothing wrong with the brain and everything connected to the eye. 

As I waited for my eyes to heal, my older daughter, our only child who lives in town came to the rescue. She patiently drove me around; to the supermarket, the drugstore, the bank and my doctor's appointments.  

The good part about it is that I enjoyed bonding with her especially when we hung out in the coffee shop while waiting for appointments. This also gave me a glimpse of how my life will be when I'll grow much older and more helpless in the future. 

She immediately ordered an eye patch online since my doctor ran out of her stock and the item is not available anywhere. For a week I wore one that my husband improvised out of a face mask. Eventually we got the ordered one and then my younger daughter abroad also sent me a pair for both the left and right eyes.  

I found out that there are a lot of good and compassionate people out there.  Strangers helped me navigate the few steps up and down the church.  My acquaintances in the neighborhood wanted to know what's wrong and how I'm getting along and offered to accompany me to where I was going in case I can't go alone. 

Most of all, I have a support group of people closest to me: my immediate family.   My son said:

 " I'm praying very hard for your recovery Mom and I'm happy you are taking this matter with optimism". I replied that I have faith.  I'm sure, both my daughters equally prayed hard for me as well. 

My son's in-laws were concerned and consoled me; a dear friend also volunteered to bring me to the doctor and do errands; my older daughter's in laws have devotedly prayed for me; her mother-in law, the Hijas de Jesus congregation of nuns, one of them being my daughter's sister-in-law; a candle was lighted for my recovery in Fatima, Portugal by another sister-in law. 

But more than these enormous help, I had unwavering faith that I will get healed.  I also prayed very hard and made special devotions.  I pleaded for the compassion and intercession of Our Mother of Perpetual Help who never failed me.  I offered everything:  my work, joys, sacrifices, sufferings and frustrations everyday to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and for the healing of the sick. 

After this experience, my heart goes to all the blind people; life must truly be hard for them.  Imagine the frustration of those who wasn't born blind and are learning to live another kind of life again. 

I can't say that I am a very religious person but I am devoted to my religious faith.  So whenever I am helplessly dealt with challenges like my eye condition, I don't despair.  I've always accepted life's challenges with resignation because I know there is only One who can help me best, our Creator Who does not abandon us and has plans for all of us. 

My MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Experiemce

Are you aware what takes place in an MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan?  Well, you'll get scared if you know that you will go inside a closed machine.  Moreover, since the purpose is to see what's wrong inside the body you are also wary about the result; that it could possibly change your life is unfathomable.  

I just underwent three scans.   Before the scheduled procedure last week, I asked: 

“Is the procedure invasive?”,  my doctor, a neuro ophthalmologist, one among only thirty doctors in the Philippines who specialized in the field assured me that “it’s fairly safe”.   

Fortunately I had a blood test two weeks ago so I got cleared after I showed my creatinine level result. This is important to ensure that the kidneys can filter the dye used for contrast. 

I asked for allergy precaution and I was prescribed anti-allergy tabs, prednisone to be specific, that I took twice ; one tablet 10 hours before and another one 2 hours before the procedure. 

My close friend, a nurse told me to wear comfortable clothes without anything metallic.  For the first time in 50 years, I took off my wedding ring.  My friend also adamantly cautioned me to close my eyes before I will slide inside the machine. 

In a waiting room, a nurse explained the procedure; which greatly quelled my apprehension. She then inserted an access on the back of my palm for the dye to go through.  My last minute questions properly clarified,  I went through the procedure with a better frame of mind.  That also erased doubts that may otherwise prompt me to consider backing out at the last minute, and to run passed the nurses in the radiology room. 

I asked if there is medication I can take to prevent allergy from the dye after the procedure but I was assured that taking lots of water, 8-12 glasses within the next 12 hours will flush down the dye. 

The technician assisted me while I lay down the "bed" part of the machine. He told me what to expect before putting the earplugs; that I must not move my head; that the initial scan will last 30 minutes; then they'll bring me out to inject the dye before the contrast scan which will take 15-20 minutes more. 

He covered me with a thick and heavy blanket and put a cloth over my head like a helmet, leaving only my face exposed. He handed me a buzzer to alert him should I find something wrong. Then he must have pushed a button and I was swallowed by the machine. 

I tried to sleep it out but it was impossible because I was quite nervous so I just prayed the rosary, counting the Hail Mary's with my fingers, the only body part I can move along with my toes. I completed 3 mysteries and halfway through the 4th.  

Finally, true to the time specified, the grinding sound stopped and I was out of the machine. However, since I was in a confined area: which is pretty much like a coffin, and my eyes closed, it felt like it lasted forever.  I remembered to take one glass of water right after. 

Back in the waiting room, I saw my daughter eagerly waiting and probably quite nervous as well, asked how I was feeling and I assured her I was fine. 

The nurse took off the IV access and told me to watch out for allergies: hives, rashes, itchiness, redness, runny nose, dizziness, coughing and vomiting  in the next 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Should this happen I'll need to go to the emergency.  Thank God, I did not experience any. 

MRI is really quite an experience, hopefully I'll never have to go through one again.  Mind you, MRI is not cheap. I'm just glad that the result turned out well.