Little “wins” when you can’t move as fast as you used to

Walking slower means you can be more mindful and relaxed, noticing more.

I know what you mean, OliviaRema. During the course of this past year, I have been in hospital twice and didn’t expect to resume activities I had formerly enjoyed. I was so weak that we ended up hiring a wheelchair for a long awaited cruise involving a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens in The Netherlands last May.

Nevertheless, I am managing to pursue activities that I love and give thanks for small successes on a daily basis. More recently, I’ve even managed to perform in a Choir singing Bach's B Minor Mass. Currently, I am enjoying a small part in It's A Wonderful Life being staged next week.

I’ve managed a weekend with my family who live over 200 miles away, travelling by train and using the Passenger Assistance service which I would thoroughly recommend.

Each day presents its challenges due to arthritic joints but I try to be mindful of what I can do and generally people are kind and supportive.

Keep on keeping on! 😉

I am not good at bending or reaching, I use large plastic boxes in my lower kitchen units to contain things like all my baking trays and roasting tins, all my cleaning sprays and bottles, then I can just pull them out like a drawer. Smaller baskets in the wall cupboards contain things like flours ,different types of sugar or storage cupboard canned food. It makes life easier not having to rummage at the back of shelves for things you need.

Romilo, I’ve done a similar thing in my under counter fridge. Makes it much easier to get at things at the back of the shelf.

Doubling up on things such a scissors, dust pans & having an 'upstairs' cleaning cupboard also helps with cutting down on scrambling around for things. I have a' hand bag drawer' to dump the contents so no faffing for keys, lipstick & purse if I change my bag

teabagwoman

*Romilo*, I’ve done a similar thing in my under counter fridge. Makes it much easier to get at things at the back of the shelf.

I don’t know if you have room on your work service, but, my partner moved a neighbours fridge onto the work service.
She was over the moon.

I remember reading somewhere that a sure sign of slowing down (or up?) is when you bend down to pick something off the floor and think 'what else can I pick up whilst I'm down here'? That's become so true of late

I just wanted to endorse Ashcombe’s recommendation of the Passenger Assist service. I (and my mother before me) have used it with several train companies and they are always, without fail, the most helpful members of staff. They don’t make you feel like a burden or a silly old woman at all. So, please, if train travel is becoming difficult for you, don’t hesitate to use this free service.

I have become rather good at buttonholing tall men in the supermarket to reach me something from the higher shelves.

Throwing dirty laundry down the stairs and then after they have been washed and dried, put them in an ikea bag and drag it up the stairs 😂

Sarnia

I have become rather good at buttonholing tall men in the supermarket to reach me something from the higher shelves.

At 4’11” on a good day, I haven’t waited to be old to do that! I’ve been doing it for many years!

Definitely. I do my best to move at right angles, put things where I can reach them, and limit my outings per day to one. I just can't cope with a lot of 'stuff' nowadays.

My shopping trolley has been a godsend over the psst 5 years. When I think of the heavy stuff I used to stagger home with.. My poor hands/shoulders/back/neck.
In my mind only old women used trolleys. It is a Rolser and I use it every day.
Also the baskets in cupboards to hold similar stuff. Just pull the basket out. I have 3 in one cupboard for all thr plastic boxes and lids and microwave dishes.

boheminan

I remember reading somewhere that a sure sign of slowing down (or up?) is when you bend down to pick something off the floor and think 'what else can I pick up whilst I'm down here'? That's become so true of late

I purchased several litter pickers to use when I had a hip replacement. They’re still in use now.

boheminan

I remember reading somewhere that a sure sign of slowing down (or up?) is when you bend down to pick something off the floor and think 'what else can I pick up whilst I'm down here'? That's become so true of late

That made me chuckle. I've found that I'm deliberately slower now because where ever I am in the house I always look around to see if there is anything that needs to be transferred to where I am going. I am always putting things on the stairs so that next time I am going up/down the stairs I just pick them up and take them with me.

Sarnia

I have become rather good at buttonholing tall men in the supermarket to reach me something from the higher shelves.

Oh yes! Me too. I must be under 5 foot now, and upper supermarket shelves have become. No-go area, so any taller person is approached to reach up for me.

boheminan

I remember reading somewhere that a sure sign of slowing down (or up?) is when you bend down to pick something off the floor and think 'what else can I pick up whilst I'm down here'? That's become so true of late

or making a decision as to whether it is worth picking up

Definitely also recommend Passenger Assist. They are brilliant.

My house is littered with grabbers!

A small win for me is managing a shower .......

I've lost a lot, but unless I lose my hearing, music will always be a comfort, a delight, a challenge, a companion.

boheminan

I remember reading somewhere that a sure sign of slowing down (or up?) is when you bend down to pick something off the floor and think 'what else can I pick up whilst I'm down here'? That's become so true of late

Hah!
Yesterday I quite lithely got down on my knees to rummage in a drawer, found what I wanted ; put one foot on the floor expecting Knee to elevate me to standing. Knee refused. "Nope, try the other one". So I changed feet and the other Knee whined "Not bloody likely".

I had to crawl to a chair (and up it).

Long handled dustpan and brush…a clever invention!

Crossstitchfan

Sarnia

I have become rather good at buttonholing tall men in the supermarket to reach me something from the higher shelves.

At 4’11” on a good day, I haven’t waited to be old to do that! I’ve been doing it for many years!

You made me chuckle. Glad there is someone with the same problem. I will have to start looking for supple young men to bend down to the bottom shelves very soon.

I have a table right next to my rotary clothes line which I put the washing basket on so I don't have to bend down each time I peg out an item

I also qualify as vertically challenged, so I have fold up step stools scattered round the house to help me reach things. Trouble is, I could now do with a second step! 🤦‍♀️