The Silent Generation, 1929-1945, and Baby Boomers right after us, came of age with labels: homemaker/housewife, career woman, feminist, anti-feminist. We raised, cared for and taught hippies, latchkey kids, a TV generation, and yuppies. Now that we are in our 60s, 70s and 80s, we are the youngest older generation in historyand are challenging every stereotype of what it means to grow older.
The label “senior citizen” is outmoded and worn; it just doesn’t fit. And the idea that “70 is the new 50” is fun, but a bit unrealistic. So I have a new description to consider:
AWESOMEover60:
Accomplished Women Exploring Self-actualizing Opportunities, Making a difference,
Ever-evolving.
Let’s take ownership of our reality: “70 is the new 70!”
AWESOMEover60 is about being committed to maintaining our individuality while discovering the footprint we leave as a generation, and exploring our vitality and spirituality well into advanced years. But AWESOMEover60 is just as much about a lesson in reality and responsibility, about using our time wisely and leaving a well-minded store behind. My observation is that we emphasize our quest to be healthy and happy but tend to put off the more sobering job of planning for end of life. Today, I’d like to address this.
It is both surprising and alarming that many women over 60 are not educated about the serious issues of power of attorney, health proxy, advanced directives, wills and trusts, long term care, Medicare and Medicaid. And – – especially if you are the parent of an adult with a disability – guardianship. Critical matters such as these are often faced in a crisis. Learning about all of this now, reviewing outdated documents, asking the questions, making decisions with clarity, and acting to have your finances and final wishes in order is essential to living the coming years with peace of mind.
You may want to research the internet for factual information from quality sources. Friends and associates are usually willing to share their experiences. Be prepared to be your own advocate and select counsel that fits your needs. No matter your marital and/or your financial status, take charge of your life and understand the future implications of the documents which you sign today. If you changed residency, be mindful of the laws of your new state or country.
Sure, some may feel that 70 is the new 50, but that won’t buy an extra twenty years. We can rest more easily, live out our spirit more fully, choose from a kaleidoscope of adventures more wisely, explore new possibilities for daily life more deeply when we’ve done the right thing first. Assure your legacy now.
Please take a few minutes to read the long message below and join me in forwarding this email to your personal and professional contact lists.
There are people suffering with lymphedema, women with breast cancer, oncologists and primary care physicians who need to know.
Just this morning, I was inspired, encouraged, and thrilled to learn of the leadership of Kathy Bates in increasing awareness and support for those dealing with lymphedema and cellulitis. Her voice will help tremendously in educating the public, in gaining the attention of healthcare providers, and in giving answers and hope to the countless number of people living with lymphedema – some of whom live in isolation, without treatment, not even knowing that there is a name for the disease.
In New Jersey, I am very grateful to Scott David Lippe, MD, Bergen Regional Medical Center, who, when he saw my swollen legs, already blistered with cellulitis, immediately identified the problem and admitted me for an 8-day hospital stay. That was 2001. Outpatient treatment at the Lymphedema Treatment Center, Woodbury, Long Island, NY, every day for a month and several times since, awakened me to the necessity of 24/7 self-management including the wearing of compression stockings, exercise, and massage. Thank you to Stanley Weindorf, MD; Bonnie B. Lasinski, MA, PT, CI, CLT-LANA and Candy Glasgow-Yarde, PTA, CLT-LANA whose caring treatment has made a great difference in my life.
Now a resident of Venice, Florida, it was my good fortune to have an appointment with Zenobio Aguilla, MD, who referred me to Patricia De La Ossa, PT, CLT, Lymphatic and Therapeutic Specialists, only two miles from my home! Patricia is a blessing. The sun, moon, and stars aligned to have me in this place at this time, leading me to Patricia for regular lymphedema massage.
Please click on the link Kathy Bates’ YouTube video below. Learn more from the Lymphatic Network website.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema, also know as lymphatic obstruction, is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system, which normally returns interstitial fluid to the thoracic duct ant then the bloodstream. The condition can be inherited, though it is frequently caused by cancer treatments, and by parasitic infections.
What is Cellutitis?
Cellutitis is a bacterial infection involving the inner layers of the skin. It specifically affects the dermis and subcutaneous fat. Signs and symptoms include an area of redness which increases in size over a couple of days. The borders of the area of redness are generally not sharp and the skin may be swollen. While the redness often turns white when pressure is applied this is not always the case. The area of infection is usually painful. Lymphatic vessels may occasionally be involved and the person may have a fever and feel tired.
Kathy Bates Takes the Face of Lymphedema Challenge
Thank you all, for passing on the information to others; everyone needs to know. After a lumpectomy in 1999, it took two years to find out what was wrong with my legs. Although it is heartening to know that this disease has gained attention, it is troubling that so many are affected and too many still untreated. Please forward and Again, thank you.
Joan
Joan M. Wright
AWESOMEover60
Accomplished Women, Exploring Self-actualizing Opportunities, Making a difference, Ever-evolving
