If you’ve been reading for awhile, you’ll know that I sometimes take a break from fashion and just talk about real life situations and what I’m doing to try to age as gracefully as possible. From food, to fitness, to trying to stay up on my health situation from year to year, there’s a lot to this topic that I thought you all might enjoy and benefit from too. Since I’m over 60 now, the aging process is rearing its head even more.
Remember when you were young and old people talked about their ailments and you’d chuckle about that and say, I’ll never do that?! Well, welcome to older age! I guess I’m officially old now, ha!
The 60s aging gracefully
I shared this post 5 years ago about my workout routine. It hasn’t changed a whole lot, I still try to get to the gym 3 times a week and get outside and walk when I can. I have gone down to a 20 lb. bar instead of the 30 lbs. mentioned in that post, since I have a shoulder that bothers me sometimes. My weight routine at the gym is about 20 minutes and I usually do 35 minutes on the recumbent bike and it’s low impact on my joints which is good. So, my whole routine is about an hour.
I shared this post about what I eat almost 3 years ago. I get questions periodically about what I eat, so I thought I’d do an update here. I’ll share more below about that and I so hope you aren’t bored with this post! It’s real life and I know we all deal with health issues, so here’s mine in a nutshell.
{I tend to stay in workout clothes all during the week, since I do go to the gym & they are so comfy to wear around the house}
My parents have made aging look so easy and so they have been my role models for growing older myself, but honestly, they have done it way better than I have (and my sister for that matter, we both have structural issues). My mom has told us that she didn’t start getting aches and pains until well on up in age, like into her late 70’s or 80’s. She is now 90 and does have back pain and degenerative conditions going on with her back. But, all those years, she has never had much pain at all with her back or otherwise. She does have arthritis in her hands, but she says it doesn’t hurt most of the time.
Dad had back surgery about 20 years ago which would have put him in his early 70’s. He had bulging disc issues which put him on his back and he had no choice but to get surgery. Thankfully, it was really successful and he’s gone on to have a very productive life in his older years. Around that same time, 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, which is the vertebra in the lower spine slips out of place and causes pain. I was probably born with it, the doctors said back then and I’ve been living with it for 20+ years.
{A veggie meal at my parents house, normal for summer fare. I’m sure that garden food has a lot to do with why they have aged so well}
Of course, with age, it has gotten worse and I’ve just had an MRI done to see what is going on now and to see what sort of treatment might be available. I’ll know more about that after my next appointment. On top of back pain, my hips starting hurting about 8 years ago, probably some of this is related to the back issues, but I’m not sure yet where that is going either, so that’s another thing that will be on my radar for getting under control as I get older. I have managed to live with the hip pain and still go and do, but I know it’s probably going to get worse. It’s like a rubber band in my hip joints that feels tight and hurts, especially with certain movements. I really don’t want to have to do hip replacement surgery, although my sister had it done about 2 years ago on one of her hips and has done well with that. So, that might be in the genes too, although mom and dad haven’t had hip problems.
Oh, those genetic issues that come to us from family. They seem to always be the bad stuff and not always the good ones. I was also just put on thyroid meds for hypothyroidism, oh the joy! My sister and mom are both on thyroid medication too, so again it runs in the family. I’m hoping not to have side effects with these meds, so we will see.
I have been very fortunate to not have to go to the doctor very often in my life. We went very minimal times as children. My parents prayed for us when we were sick and apparently that worked very well, as I cannot remember ever going to the doctor when I was a kid. My parents didn’t have health insurance either back then, so we just got by.
Two years ago I signed on with a Primary care doctor, since I had high blood pressure that needed to be dealt with, so that happened then and I’m on meds for that too. I always had lower blood pressure and all of a sudden it went up, for no reason about 8 years ago. I blamed it on the stress of what I was going through at the time, but it didn’t regulate back down, so I went on meds finally. My mom has high blood pressure too, so it’s probably hereditary, since I’m not a high risk for it.
I have always since I was in my 20’s, gone to an OB/Gyn for yearly checkups and started getting mamograms when I was around 40 and have kept up with those all these years. I believe in doing what we can to prevent things, like seeing a dermatologist, I’ve done that regularly too. But other than that, I have rarely gone to the doctor until just the last couple of years. I’ve been very fortunate that I don’t get sick very often and can’t remember the last time I had the flu. I rarely get colds either, since I take doses of Vitamin C regularly.
I am taking a whole regimen of supplements, so I’ll share that at the bottom too. I did get shingles last year, as I mentioned back before Christmas last year. I had a mild case, but don’t ever want them again! I plan to get the shingles vaccine when I can.
I don’t get sick often, but apparently my bones and joints are falling apart! I kid, sort of. I just want you to know that even though I get dressed up and look cute, things are not all perfect with me either. We all have health issues to deal with. I’m thankful mine aren’t worse and I’m determined to deal with them the best way I can in the future. I just try to keep moving and doing, even though my energy level is not nearly as great as it was even 10 years ago. I find that if I just keep pushing through, I get things done, I just have to do things in smaller increments now, like an hour or so at the time. I do get a lot of projects done around here, but it’s not without some pain and lots of resting too!
Let’s talk about food!
What we eat is such a topic of conversation these days. It seems that everything now is bad for you. If you eat Paleo, then grains, beans, and pasta is off limits. Oatmeal is good for high cholesterol, but you can’t have that on certain diets, it’s a grain. Wheat is bad for you and we aren’t eating as much bread as we used to, because gluten is off limits for so many now. I’ve never been gluten free or dairy free, but so many of my friends are. Is that a better way to eat? I don’t know that for sure, but I’ve just never limited myself that strictly in what I eat. I do however try to eat real food, in moderation. That’s how my parents have always eaten.
OK, so here’s what I will typically eat for breakfast. I still love these Paleo banana pancakes that discovered a few years ago and eat them at least twice a week. I add whatever fruit is in season, a little dollop of honey and some pecans.
Here’s another breakfast I shared recently on Instagram. Soft fried egg on a piece of Public toast, toast with jelly, avocado and fresh peaches. One thing I’ve been doing more of is eating avocado on regular basis. I probably eat 3 of them a week, they have the good fat that we all need, so I’ve added them to my diet and I really have grown to love them. And it’s funny, because I used to hate them. Now I love fresh guacamole, sliced up with salt and pepper for breakfast and they are really good on a BLT too.
Another breakfast, Publix Cranberry walnut loaf bread (it’s so good!), blueberries, scrambled egg and avocado again. Eggs and avocado are filling and so are the Paleo pancakes. When I eat breakfast like that, I’m not hungry until mid afernoon.
My rationale on eating is I try to eat fairly healthy, but I’m not fanatical about any of it. I don’t buy boxed meals, but cook from scratch most of the time. I shared this below before, but I’ll share it again. This was a pasta salad I made with white tuna, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumber, an easy summer meal.
I rarely cook anything out of a box anymore (except an occasional veggie pizza, I’ve been getting preservative free crusts), but cook things from scratch. I keep it pretty simple with grilled chicken, fish, pork or sometimes beef, with sides like sweet potatoes, roasted red potatoes, green beans, broccoli, asparagus, veggies like that.
Another typical lunch at home: rice crackers and cheese, salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and chicken salad from Publix (Boars Head) and grapes. I love that chicken salad for lunches at home and will buy that periodically. Of course, I could make my own, but it’s just me at home for lunch.
In the summer, a tomato sandwich is all I need, except for a few potato chips. I don’t adhere to a strict no-chip diet, but I eat them in moderation. That’s my main motto…everything in moderation. Chips and salsa included.
This is a favorite summer treat when fresh tomatoes are in, Caprese Salad. We love this and can make a meal off it!
This was chicken nachos that I cooked in the oven and added fresh avocado. It’s all veggies with cheese on top and yes, there are tortilla chips, but again, I eat chips and don’t ban everything from my diet. I wish I could say I eat healthy 100% of the time, but it’s just not true. I do limit the amount of bread I eat now.
I still buy whole wheat bread, but don’t eat it all the time anymore. I will buy it in the deli and not the regular bread section. Public has my favorites breads in their bakery. I will limit it to sandwiches usually and that’s certainly not every day. One of my weaknesses is BLT’s, so I will make those for lunch pretty often. I love chips too and those Kettle chips are a weakness, but I don’t eat those regularly either. I’ve also discovered sweet potato chips which are pretty awesome. I try to eat veggies often, but don’t do it as much as I should. I buy fresh veggies and fruits at Aldi’s and always have a variety around the house.
Mark and I both love pizza, so I’ll buy those preservative free pizzas at the grocery store or make my own with Public pizza dough, like this one above, and add lots of fresh veggies and fresh mozzarella. So yummy! Again, not healthy if you’re on a diet and trying to lose weight, I get it that this wouldn’t fit so many diet plans. It seems the Keto diet is all the rage now, I keep hearing about that one all over the internet.
{I’m not above eating at The Varsity on occasion. This is what I always order there and it probably has 5000 calories, but it’s worth the splurge sometimes. That’s a chicken salad sandwich by the way, with onion rings, peach pie and a frosted orange. This is about once a year for me.}
One thing I don’t do is snack between meals. I know many people are snackers, but that is something I am not in the habit of doing. I eat 3 meals a day and not much snacking in between. I do have a sweet tooth and will eat dessert at my mom’s whenever I’m there, but I don’t bring a lot of sweet stuff home to my house. If it’s not around, I can’t eat it!
I’m trying to cook things that are better for us and Mark is trying to lose about 20 lbs., so I want to do what I can to help him with that. Now that I’m cooking more, I’m trying to think about both of us in what I cook and serve around here. It’s not always easy though, is it? Why does everything taste so good that’s not healthy for us? See above, The Varsity!
When we were young, we could eat anything and not worry about our bodies, but that’s not the case anymore. Food is very important and what we eat definitely has an impact on our bodies.
I’d love to hear your feedback on health isses as you’re getting older and what you’re doing to try to slow down the aging process.
Anyone deal with back/hip issues like I do? I’d love to know if you’ve found anything that has kept the pain in check for you. I am on a whole host of supplements to help with bones and joints, so I’ll share those with you. I’ve been going to a chiropractor for the last 3 years and he helps me manage the pain, but it never goes away completely. I’m taking these supplements:
Tumeric
Vit. C
Calcium
Minerals from my chiropractor (Trace Minerals B12 and Min-Tran)
Magnesium
D3 (heard this was good for joints and bone) along with K2, so I recently added these)
Omega 3 Fish Oil
Biotin (for hair and nails)
Just thought this would be a fun change of pace for today’s over 50 post, so I hope you enjoyed. Please chime in with your own comments on what you’re doing for yourselves health-wise? what you’re eating? Do you have any tips you can share on pain management for joints and back? I’d love to hear from all of you too! This aging journey is a lifetime one, isn’t it? And it’s not a one size fits all. There’s so much to learn! Mark is getting ready to turn 65 this month and so we are starting to read up on Medicare options and all of that. I’m just over 3 years behind him. Until you get here, you just don’t know what all is involved with it all.
Keeping ourselves healthy is a lifetime goal, for sure and is constantly changing!
Eva says
Thanks the post for the certain age group. I’m ahead of you age wise. I have been very fortunate in aches and pains, but I’m sure as I go along that will change. I go to Yoga class three times a week and that has helped me so much. I have been practicing Yoga for probably seven years now. No, I don’t stand on my head 😂. Never could and never will. The class I go to is specifically for seniors, so more forgiving than other classes. Keep up the good work!
Lauren@SimplyLKJ says
Great, and fun post friend. I too take thyroid medication, my youngest just takes a supplement, and the oldest has Hashimotos (an auto immune thyroid disorder). I will say, I feel better than ever. Of course, changing our diets has helped too. Unless you HAVE to eat a certain way due to allergies/sensitivities, one should just eat a healthy diet of fruits, veggies, lean meats, minimal grains and processed foods. Not all “healthy/diet” foods are good for you. Many gluten free products are full of starch and sugar! Mark’s parents too lived to their 90s. They grew up on homegrown fruits and veggies, minimally processed foods and stayed active into their 90s. Something to consider regarding the hip pain. It could be mechanics…you back could be part of it, but also your feet. Our youngest had terrible hip pain when playing volleyball. We had her fitted for orthotics and the pain disappeared! Thanks for sharing your yummy meals.
PollyS says
My mother has been plagued with back problems her adult life.
Many years ago she read about combining trace minerals with gelatin. It was like a miracle very shortly after she started. It didn’t make the pain completely go away, but she finally had some relief.
She simply took about 1 teaspoon plain gelatin mixed with about 3/4 cup of orange juice morning and night. After about 2 weeks, she began feeling relief. Worth a try?
Leila says
Diet and exercise I’ve GOT to get back to the gym!!!!!!!!
Janet Cole says
Hi, Rhoda! I take all the same supplements with the addition of Glucosamine Chondroitin; when I am in extreme pain, the only thing that has helped me is a TENS unit. They used to be only available with a doctor’s prescription, but now you can get them on Amazon for $40-$50. They send electrical currents through electrodes that you apply to the area of pain – you might try it for days when you are struggling…it has helped me tremendously!
Debbie L. says
Rhoda, thank you so much for sharing. I was wondering if you might tell me which Omega 3 Fish Oil you take? Also if it isnt too much trouble could you tell me how much calcium and magnesium you take? Sometimes I see them together in one bottle.
We are close in age. TIA 🙂
Becky says
I will be 55 in a few days and relatively healthy, i.e. I only go to the doctor a couple of times a year for the routine appointments. I workout regularly with weights/cardio and have for many years. I truly believe that exercise is the fountain of youth.
Having said that, I have my own share of aches and pains. Sinuses, carpal tunnel (this is from being pregnant!), plantar fascitis (sp?) and my left hamstring is continually tight. Occasionally one of my knees tells me I’ve been doing to much high impact, so that’s my cue to cut back. I’m fortunate to have very little back pain.
My mom has severe osteoporosis so I’m taking calcium on the advice of my doctor. I’m also taking a supplement for the brain, Vit D, women’s one-a-day and acidopholus (sp?).
I think you look great Rhoda and hope you can figure out something to help your pain!
Carol says
Have you tried the cauliflower pizza crust at Trader Joe’s? My family really likes it. We brush it with olive oil then add a pizza sauce, veggies and mozzarella. I first had the California veggie pizza on cauliflower crust at California Pizza Kitchen. Now I’m a fan!
Rhoda says
Hey, carol, I haven’t tried that and wish there was a Trader Joe’s closer to me. It’s not in my driving range for regular visits, but I’ll have to try it when I’m in there again.
Edith (Penny) Weldon says
So loved today’s Post. I too have some right hip issues (Dr feels early arthritis). Luckily I do water aerobics at least three times a week with my sweet hubby @ the YMCA, so really good for the joints. I reward myself for this good exercise by jumping in the jacuzzi @ the YMCA for ten minutes (no more because I have high blood pressure). I also take a supplement that I swear by, buy @ Costco it is Nature Made Triple Flex (Glucosamine, Chondrotin & MSM) which helps me a lot. It took a month for it to work for me but I take it so faithfully like my meds. I too have Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism so I take meds. Six years ago I got diagnosed with Diabetes 2 so along with diet, exercise and meds I feel I am on top of it. Of course, losing weight is an ongoing challenge because I love to cook & eat. I really like your breakfast ideas too, always looking for great menu ideas. We like Publix too as well as ALDI. I am over 65 and live more actively than most of our friends. Thanks for being so transparent in your life with us. I so look forward to your daily blog❤️
Kathy says
Your description of the hip pain describes what I have experienced. Mine was so bad, I would drag myself upstairs using the handrail. I was convinced hip replacement was in my future. Then, I started going to the gym and it got better. I learned a really good stretch that provides relief-pigeon stretch. If you Google “pigeon stretch CrossFit” you will find a YouTube video. I also go to a massage therapist monthly and she keeps me nearly pain free. Truth be told, I think I am older than you so there is always hope. Good luck.
Diana 3 says
Thanks for this post! I’m in my 50’s, have always been in good health until nine years ago when I had a mass on my thyroid. They removed half if it and now I take medicine for that. The real problem came when it threw my whole system out of whack and caused massive allergies to everything especially food. I have 12 “safe” foods I can eat. I do eat others occasionally but I know I’m going to be sick for a good 10-12 hours. This getting older is not for sissies! Lol.
Toni Gorrell says
I had my left knee replaced in 2007. I’ll probably have right one replaced next year. I just had back surgery two weeks ago. I’m doing well. I had L4-5 fused. Four was slipping & causing horrific sciatica pain down my right leg. I have regularly gone for physical therapy; I’m not too fond of chiropractors. I have gone to them in the past but didn’t have a pleasant experience. I’m a “fixer”! If I have something wrong, I want it fixed!
You are a role model for all of us older gals! ❤️
Joen says
Thanks for the post! I try to do Yoga twice a week this does help with flexibility and keeping feeling stronger. If you find a right instructor they will give you alternate poses if you have an injury, my instructor overcame a severe back injury after a car accident with her yoga practice so she is great if you have a injury or back, hip or knee pain. I d try to get out an walk but not as often as I should trying to work on that!! Menopause and the death of my husband cause weight gain for me, so any healthy recipes you post would be welcome!!
Tricia says
Thanks for the post, Rhoda. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis not long after I tuned 60 (I’m 69 now). I have been taking methotrexate and Plaquenil for this autoimmune disease which has kept it at bay. I was an RN for 35 yrs. and was scared to death when I was told I had RA. All I could picture was former patients who had terrible deformities and were bedridden and/or in wheelchairs. I had not kept up with the disease and didn’t know new meds had been developed. My rheumatologist is trying to get me off the methotrexate (it has so many side effects). I pray that I will be able to do so. I only have three more weeks to go. I walk on the treadmill 5-6 times a week and keep active. I planted a large garden with my husband this spring and am reaping it’s glorious foodstuff now, especially fantastic tomatoes which I love. I also take Vit D 2000 IU, Calcium, Folic Acid 2400 meq, and Vit C. I try to eat a balanced diet but have not done so well lately. I feel pretty good and that is the name of the game, IMO. I thank God everyday for the RA meds and His mercy. Things could be so much worse.
BTW, my husband also has RA, he will turn 70 next month.
Louise Smith says
Hydrolyzed collagen in drink or capsule form for joints (and hair, skin, nails).
Lynne says
Rhoda, I really enjoyed this post. Taking care of ourselves is so important. Looks like you are doing all the right things. I still eat what I want, but don’t over eat. One plate is enough for me. I do like my chocolate though! I try to go to our Senior Center and exercise a couple of times a week. I stay very active keeping my two granddaughters during the week. I love to eat good food and don’t restrict myself from that. I just don’t over eat and or snack much. I never drink cola unless I am eating a pizza. Water and unsweetened tea for me. I am lacking in Vit D so tried taking supplements but they made me constipated. So does Calcium. So now I drink Almond Milk with calcium. I also started taking Flomax for my bones once a week last year. I am thankful for no real aches and pains yet and I am 61. I just try to keep movin’ and grovin’.
RomeGirl-Erin says
We love the Publix pizza dough too! For a fun summer treat we throw it on the grill and it is delish! You can use a pizza stone on your grill grate and put a piece of parchment paper between the dough and the stone. The parchment will blacken and crumble around the edges but your pizza won’t stick! So good and worth a try on your beautiful deck!
Lynn Rule says
Great post. I just turned 54 and workout regularly. My knees bother me on occasion more in damp weather. I’ve reduced my carb intake significantly and am sure to have plenty of veggies. Breakfast is the most important meal! After the gym I have a big breakfast to “refuel”, have a light lunch and light dinner. I’m not a sweets person but do enjoy the wine and if I have to give up bread to have wine I will!!
Ellen Felix says
Thanks for the post – nice to see someone address middle age issues. I haven’t personally tried it but I have a friend who is a retired dance teacher with joint pain. She had been contemplating a knee replacement but just started knee injections with hyaluronic acid (rooster comb). She gets them from her orthopedic dr and said it is a series of 4 and so far it is helping.
Julie S says
Hi Rhoda,
Thanks for your post today! Seems no matter how well we take care of ourselves, age always causes some sort of issues!!! Like you, I always had low bp, and now have to take meds😕. In 2008 I was diagnosed with Hashimotos disease. Just started meds for my thyroid 2 years ago. Dr prescribed a synthetic, but I requested a natural drug after doing extensive research about thyroid drugs. I am on Armour Thyroid, and doing pretty well with that. It’s a little more expensive, but it’s worth it, to me. Nearly 99% of people that have Hashimotos are also gluten intolerant, and that has been the case for me. I feel so much better since going gluten free after suffering for years with digestive pains and issues, and didn’t know the cause.
I do have some arthritis in hands, feet, knees, hip, back and neck. Degenerative bone disease in back and neck. I too, have a bulging disc and went to the chiropractor for years monthly, but haven’t been in 2 years , due to moving and the cost not covered by insurance. I do take Vitamin D, a Women’s 50+ MultiVitamin, and more recently, CBD oil ( helps with joint pain and sleep). I try to eat healthy and I do work out as I am able. I had 2 surgeries last year, one to remove 3 tumors from my breast( benign, thank you Jesus🙏,) my gallbladder removed. Lost my Mom to breast cancer, so that was a scare with those tumors. Over all, I feel very blessed, and I am nearly 62!
All we can do is our best, and trust the Lord with the rest, right? Have a blessed day!
Love, Julie S from Kentucky