Frustrated at feeling less able.

I've always been terrified of the most sturdy steps and can't reach to change a lightbulb - totally dependent on DS, who fortunately still lives at home. However, I really want him to be independent and am encouraging him to move out, but would have to ask him to visit regularly to change light bulbs, take down shower curtains for washing, dust spiders' webs from ceilings etc. All those silly little jobs that I can't reach!

There comes a time when we all have to accept that we can no longer do the things we used to do. Think back to your granny at your age, then give yourself a pat on the back.

Some people, regardless of age, are better on ladders than others.I am fine, DH not so.
Age does play a part though as well, as DH now falls over quite a bit.Yesterday, in the garden, he was about to stake some delphiniums, when he suddenly tumbled over into a large patch of catmint ( I was watching) he was ok, but had a tragic face and said ‘I’ve broken my stick!’ We both burst out laughing at the same time.?
Not five minutes later he fell over again, this time by the wall, but managed to steady himself.He has never had a good sense of balance.
So, Leah just do the things you feel safe doing.

it helps to have a tall aluminium stepladder, so that you don`t stand on the top step and have something to lean against, to feel safer and supported. One with non-slip feet and ties between the legs and a top step that clips down to keep the ladder secure. They are very lightweight and I have one for lightshades etc. I feel safe on this, not on steps that are not tall enough. I use the ladder for drilling holes etc too, I am under 5` and 72. It is reaching up that can cause accidents

Leah50
Just a thought:
As your grandchildren's parents are key workers, the children could have been attending school throughout the lockdown, including during the Easter and upcoming half term holidays. Even if they attended for part of the week, it would relieve you of some of the pressure.
Perhaps there were reasons for deciding not to avail themselves of that facility.

I'm 76 next month and definitely a lot slower than I used to be. I am generally fit and have not smoked for 55 years, only drink a little and watch my weight. That aside when I cycle I'm nothing like as fast as I used to be, it is real effort and my confidence is less on the bike, on ladders etc.. Driving is not a problem unless you count being more cautious and a bit slower. I suffer from corns so walking is impaired, during lockdown the chiropodists are closed. This aside I'm probably better than most of my age.

I am in my 50’s but have always hated heights! Even standing on a chair makes me dizzy! It’s very frustrating especially if you live on your own and I have never been able to get up into the loft!!

sawsage our surgery is offering blood tests, very careful and As safe as they can make it. Please do check with yours, it sounds as if you aren’t as well as you usually are.

I am 72,still go up my ladder in the garden,but I am extremely cautious.I don’t go as high as I used to.

I do hate asking anyone for help,I feel I should be doing things myself,I am still painting ceilings,but mine are not very high at all.

It's really depressing when you begin to struggle with things you've always easily done. I'm 'only' 66 but I've decided that painting ceilings is now beyond me (too much pain later with disk problems) and I'm far more wary about pruning from high ladders.

I now need a kneeling pad and something nearby to help me to stand up again. I have ice grippers for shoes, a jar opener and silicone guards on oven shelves (as I've become clumsy).

Having installed and tiled a new kitchen and shower room in the past, now I'm getting people in to do another bathroom - it just seems too much of a challenge.

It seems to be down to individual surgeries. Ours is open but you have to queue outside and only two in at a time. All prescriptions are being sent direct to the pharmacy.

Might be worth checking their website.

I'm 68 and have mobility problems with leg weakness. I take Thyroxin but I think I need a blood test (are surgeries open for this?) for a medication review.

My DMiL lives independently in her own bungalow. We are ringing her twice a day, and popping over with shopping etc a couple of times a week (self-distancing, of course). She was quite frustrated and tearful this morning - it has been very windy overnight, and she was upset that tidying up leaves and twigs in her (rather large) garden had felt unsafe. She kept having to stop, as she felt unsteady whilst being buffeted by the still-strong winds. I was shocked she had even attempted what I see as an unnecessary chore. I told her she was doing amazingly well, as she has been doing all her own housework (she is fastidious) and looking after herself, doing all her own cooking and cleaning, extremely well for many weeks now. I promised that as soon as restrictions are lifted, we will be going off in my car, anywhere she chooses, and as fast as she likes, which cheered her up a bit. And there will be lots and lots of hugs. Believe it or not, she was 90 years young in January! We are so proud of her!

My friend who is in her 70s won’t climb ladders at the present time as she’s petrified of falling and hurting herself and got to hospital and catching Covid 19 she lives on her own .Will give Pilates a try if it’s good for balance I do Zumba but this might be better

I had no trouble climbing ladders until I started having trouble with my hip, when I was 78. Now I’m almost 81, and have had a new hip, I find that I have lost all confidence at climbing. I therefore leave changing bulbs, cleaning windows etc to my son. Like his late father he takes a while to get around to it, but it gets done eventually.

My yoga teacher is doing classes on zoom during the lockdown. It's gentle yoga and though I have been going to classes off and on since I was young, my balance has got worse recently.
It must be my age, I'm 71 and there was I thinking it was alcohol!
I broke my wrist falling about 10 years ago and that left me nervous especially walking on icy pavements

Hamp75 - look under ‘Acronyms’ under Gransnet Forum up top.

I found it awful at first but in time it became normal. ?

No hamps you have not got it wrong.

Since joining this site I have been puzzled at all the references to DG or DH or whatever: I have a horrible feeling it might stand for dear someone or other. Please tell me I am wrong! It would sound so twee. As much as I love them and might occasionally use the word directly to my children I certainly wouldn't use it in general conversation with other people: Have I got it wrong in which case what do these initials stand for?

As we get older we seem to lose the spring in our knees. I was gardening the other day, on my knees ,and couldn’t get back up. Had to crawl to the nearest upright post and pull myself up. Had a little chuckle to myself , glad that no one saw me!

Ladders are dodgy most of the time anyway, in my opinion.

When I moved into my house 10 years ago, I gutted it and did a lot of the renovating myself.

I was up a ladder in what is my bedroom now, plastering a wall and somehow fell off the ladder. I concussed myself and had to go to the doctors (plaster in hair, dirty DIY clothes and all). I'd had cancer 2 years previously and she was quietly concerned that my cancer might have spread to the brain (one of the key areas my type of cancer goes to first) but thankfully not.

Possibly I'd got over confident. I don't know. I was only 45 at the time and perfectly fit and healthy.

Sorry 'done,' not 'down'

I'm only in my 60s and don't like ladders ,and certainly would only go up one if near a wall.
Well down for going on so long. Just let dust gather on light fitting just now , no visitors to see it.
Afterwards get a nice person to help you.
Take care