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Alicia Dara's avatar

LOVE this post! I noticed the exact same thing during my father's aging process: once he stopped walking regularly it was a quick downhill to the wheelchair. I've never had much flexibility but this year I've been doing a series of exercises to help me sit down on the floor and stand back up again without using my arms (apparently this action is a life-saver as we age, and it's also correlated with brain health!). I started in January and now I can sit right down into a cross-legged position. Hauling my ass back up again is taking longer, but there are 6 months left in the year! In any case, we're supposed to do these things daily in order to keep up the strength, flexibility and coordination they require. I also read somewhere recently that dancing is a complex series of actions, balance, strength, coordination, etc and that we should keep doing it for as long as possible. Boogie for life!

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

#goals

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Thank you so much. Yes, all movement furthers our flexibility and youthfulness. Move on!

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

I’m right behind you - turning 64 in September. It’s kind of mind-boggling. You have a great perspective.

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Thanks for the reply Alison. Here's to a great summer of walks and talks with those we know and some new friends.

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Elizabeth Marro's avatar

Happy birthday, Jen. I remember when the Beatles sang that song I thought 64 was so old. Now McCartney is in his eighties and I'm entering my final year if my sixties. Still lots of love to be had! Keep doing this squats. It's like my religion now.

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Thanks, Betsy. You inspire me in so many ways. In fact this comments section is full of inspirational women!

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JUDY REEVES's avatar

Happy Happy Birthday, Jenny (any cake left?) What a good post for me to read today when I'm at my desk and I didn't do yoga this morning: I haven't taken a walk yet, But I did a couple of squats when I got my toaster oven out of its storage place this morning then put it away again. Does that count? So, I'll keep this short...I'm going to put on my shoes and get out there. It's a gorgeous day and I live in a beautiful neighborhood and the jacarandas are in bloom!

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

You brought me Jacarandas, thank you im picturing the purple snow! No cake yet. But manana for sure.

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Holly Starley's avatar

Happy birthday! Great reminders about the importance of continuing to move and to move toward what we want to see in the world.

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment here, Holly. It means a lot to me to get your positive feedback.

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Mikel K Miller's avatar

Hey Jenny - Happy happy birthday! Great post about taking care of yourself when you start aging.

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Thank you, maestro.

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Happy Birthday Jennifer!! What a lovely communiqué. I thoroughly enjoyed it. And yes, on turning 64, ya Gotta sing that song, to yourself if no one else. Such a great song. I love the accent thing w/ your friends--in English pubs, and trying out the accents. How fun. And so neat your coach had such an excellent ear, so -as you say - Henry Higgens-y. Love it. Your jaunts and sailing sound grand. And you are so right about walking and just doing physical stuff. The up and out of the chair exercises etc. I'll have to hang from a jungle gym next time I pass one. Also, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I wasn't aware. Please know my thoughts are with you on him. xoxo

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Gracias amiga. I really appreciate the comment. I wasnt sure about simply rambling today. As to my dad, he had a good run. He was grateful for it, too.

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