…although I do have to ask who is that skinny old man, and why is he following me around in mirrors?
I’ve been overweight for most of my adult life. That’s why seeing myself like this is more than a bit of a shock. I’m currently about 5 lbs. more than I was in 1980 (22 years old) when I moved out of my parents’ house and into my first apartment. How do I know that? It’s because I bought a digital bathroom scale (it was the future, baby!) and the number that flashed on its blue fluorescent display is forever burned into my memory. Right now my goal is to simply maintain this weight and not lose any more.
Last night as I was drifting off to sleep, I was listening to Forever by Flight Facilities, and the last thing I remember was the song Heavy. I was suddenly the young man above, vibrant and full of energy, dancing and twirling to the beat. I felt the wind blowing in my hair and it was wonderful.
I may be an old fart whose body is seemingly disintegrating around me now, but that young man still lives inside.
I can relate to all that except I am still overweight. My brother recently sent me a photo of me from 1971 when I was skinny. From that to this was most of a lifetime.
The ONE thing not really suspected in maintaining “a weight” as we age is the loss of muscle mass. Sure, weight decreases, but “flab” increases to replace it. Once the “weakening” starts, it CAN get worse, especially the loss of confidence, which can also relate to hormone changes.
We also can adjust our daily activities to compensate for the loss of strength. Subtle at first, more later on. Plus “cranky joints”. As some of the substances our body naturally produced decrease in production as we have aged. NOT just a particular hormone! Even the mundane “walking” activity can do a LOT to keep things going well. Especially after meals.
Order-up a decent chaise lounger for the back yard and start to work on getting some sun every day. Otherwise, Vit D3, abt 15K units/day. Ir IS glorious to feel the heat of the sun on your bare skin, as you further relax, but modulate times to not get cooked.
In those earlier times of yours, you were physically active, getting out and seeing people, and having fun. In retirement, the activity level decreases and the “seeing people” goes down too. See if the local Democrat Party has some events you might attend. Even some “social times” for meals and discussions. This can get you in contact with like-minded people who you can talk to and with.
Retirement is supposed to be fun, but it also takes some time to get things re-focused and “comfortable” to be in. I’m three years “in” and the process is still happening.
BTW, YOU and your friends were some sexy looking guys, back then. Aim to rekindle some of that now. Do things that “make you smile”.
good to see you1
We like the old fart!!
I moved out on my own into my first apartment in 1976 at 19. I had just graduated from high school, and my father expected me to find gainful employment to support myself adequately. Such an ass. I got tired of his constant bullying, so in that year, I moved in with my brother and then found a job and my own place. I lived in Sacramento (Carmichael), California.
We could put a couple of pounds on you, but you look refreshed. As we grow older, we should be thick. I didn’t say sloppy overweight. But filled out. As they say in the military, height and weight proportionate. And yes, you could be placed on the fat boy program if your weight is ok but you look sloppy in your uniform.
A question for a future post. Looking at the cute, twink, younger you. What would you tell yourself?
I like it too.