calling out to women 50+

I'd like to start this thread specifically for women who are 50 or over.

As a 53 year-old woman, myself, I am finding new challenges, unexpected difficulties and wonderful insights on my path to getting to and maintaining my health, weight and body shape.

What seemed to work for me as little as five years ago doesn't work quite the same anymore. My body doesn't seem to respond to what I consider healthy eating habits and good workout schedules as it even in my middle to late 40s'.

SO, I am would to hear from those out there who are finding themselves in situations. OR NOT, maybe you can enlighten the rest of us as to how you keep your shape, or how you're getting into better shape and a healthier overall lifestyle.

Hopefully this will be the start of something wonderful, educational, funny-offer up jokes anecdotes, whatever!

LET'S GET STARTED!

One of my co-workers came in very irritated with her 4 year old daughter.  The little girl was mad at her for some reason and said "You are not my friend!".  Her response was "No, I am not your friend.  I am your mother.  That is a very different job".  

Parents have far greater life experience than friends.  We are supposed to use it to guide our children to make the right choices and occasionally force them to do things that they need to do in order to grow up into sucessful people.  That won't win us popularity contests while the child is growing up, but our children will look back at the help we gave them and appreciate it when they are grown.

Of course this is hard when you are in the position of saying "Do as I say, not as I did" like you are One.  I have been in that position myself.  I think the best way to deal with it is to say "I am trying to help you avoid making the same mistakes I made" and discuss why that was a mistake and what the consequences were and how much you regret it now.

Anyway, enough sermonizing.  I loved the joke Bex.

Beth - Now you have made me want to walk in a hurricane.  I actually like walking in the rain if I am dressed for it.  I don't get much chance here.  I probably will never get a chance with a hurricane.

Have a good day all!

-Carol

ohio, yep...  it always happens on vacations & visits.  no biggie...  the sooner you get rid of it though, the easier it'll come off.  :D

diannec, just keep up the exercise.  that's really important!  along with eating more times a day.

southern, thanks!  :D  yep, i really think that belly is finally getting smaller.

one, it doesn't matter if you are working or not.  he needs to work!  good luck!!!  :D  it will all work out, i'm sure.

Original Post by rebbex:

 I always liked this little saying..."Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, chocolate cake in the other, body thoroughly used up, worn out, and yelling WOO HOO! what a ride!".

 

 Oh Bex - you just crack me up - I absolutely loved this saying !!! And how true, even though I'm trying to lose 5 - 6  more pounds, I'm still going to enjoy myself. I had wine, a cosmopolitan (which wasn't very good - you can either make those or NOT!) and dessert while we were away - came back the same weight. I think the key is exercise and still trying to keep calories within reason.

snow Way to go 137!!! You'll be at your goal before you know it. I walked to get my hair cut today - car is getting serviced - 2 miles - then came home and mowed the grass! LOL Always mowing... finished just before a storm blew in and it poured. Darn grass is growing as I type! LOL

robbie Loved the dress and shoes! Looks very comfortable and I want to know what "diet" you're on that you wear a smaller dress size and a bigger bra!!!! LOL  I need that one, as that is the first place I lose and can't afford to! LOL Hope Tom is recovering without problems.

oneHang in there - being a parent is hard work and can be very trying. I went thru a difficult time with one of my daughters - she definitely didn't like my advice but I kept giving it - felt it was my job to try to help her thru the difficult time - anyways - she's grateful now that I did what I did though at the time there were days.... You've gotten lots of good advice from everyone on here.

Carol's words - exactly how I function as a parent

Parents have far greater life experience than friends.  We are supposed to use it to guide our children to make the right choices and occasionally force them to do things that they need to do in order to grow up into successful people.  That won't win us popularity contests while the child is growing up, but our children will look back at the help we gave them and appreciate it when they are grown.

Still hanging at 121.8 oh I so want to be below 120 - still working at it!

Peg - still waiting for pics of the house! Are you busy working out there??

thanks guys!  LOL  136 today!!!  WooHoo!!!  that makes it only 2 pounds away from my goal.  i'm still exercising & using my weights.  i know that i don't look as good as i should, but it's not just the weight.  it's being all out of shape.  that's ok though...  i can exercise & lift weights.  no biggie!  :D

that is awesome!!!  walking to get your haircut!  i love it!!!  :D  keep on mowing!!!  you'll be under 120 before you know it. 

Snow - YOU ARE THE BOMB!!! What happens when you hit 134 next week? Do you have a big night out planned to celebrate? I sure hope so. Guess what, I know another reason why I like you SO much - your birthday is the day before mine!! You GO girl!

"The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but on significance - for then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning." - Oprah Winfrey

Hi there

I'm 51 in December. I'm just nipping in because I'm going to a birthday party this weekend for a lady turning 60. Any ideas for what scent of perfume I might get that she would like?

I don't wear much myself, so am unsure. I thought I would get some good advice from ladies around 50 to 60, etc. Thanking in advance :)

Also the perfume idea is not set in stone so if anyone has any alternative suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Like what would you like to get???

Who doesn't love Chanel? Always a crowd pleaser! Have a great time!

Hi Welcome Figurethefat (are you going to join our group?)

My Mum always loved Anais Anais by Cacharel.  You could buy a gift pack of an Eau de Toilette and a soap (which comes in a nice shaped container. 

Joanna

Hello Everyone!

Bex - I love the hair too.  Hmmm, deer, venison on the hoof!  Nice.  I used to deer farm in New Zealand back in the 80’s.  Also loved your Alzheimers joke but what really cracked me up was the “Life should be a journey …..” quote ……….. that’s just toooooo appropriate!

 

Ohio – both you and Bon and your golf!  Guys here in the office are golf nuts too.  I just never got into it.  Not bad at crazy golf though!  Also don’t be discouraged with a little bit of weight gain when you have guests staying over or at vacation time.  These times always seem to take their toll but you’ll do fine.  Just jump back on the wagon and you’ll drop that weight again in no time.

 

Snow – Ahhh, a fellow wine lover!  Yes, I like my wine and I also make homebrew beer.  I think I should try to stay off the wine until I’ve hit 155 (currently 157.5) then I can have some at the weekend – reward!  Then I’ll select another goal weight – maybe 152, we’ll see.    I’m ultimately going for 140 but that seems such a long way off at the moment.

 

Robbie – looking forward to seeing you in that lovely dress and accessories and yes, going down a size is always such a wonderful psychological boost!  

 

Fortunately we rarely get snow in Atlanta so not that much of an issue for the Mustang – she just drinks too much gas being a 5 litre, V8 (but she’s beautiful!)  Pretty much I only drive her to and from work – anywhere else, and we go in Rog’s Altima.  I’d like a second hand Subaru Outback for my next car but that’ll be down the road a fair bit.  (Repairs for the Mustang came to $991.87 plus cost of battery – as I said yesterday, I’m gonna be working til I’m 100!)

 

Regarding Kat, the worst thing is I feel so helpless – nothing much I can do from 12,000 miles away.  I try to encourage her but I often feel she just pays lip service to my comments.  It’s even difficult to phone her because she routinely doesn’t answer the phone as, and I quote, “its probably only Dad calling from work to nag me”.   Rog and I went to Perth, Western Australia and Auckland, New Zealand back in mid March this year for Nick’s graduation ceremony – he graduated Masters with Honors with a double degree in Environmental Design and Architectural Design from University of Western Australia.  In the near month we were there, Kat could barely fit us into her schedule (of hanging out with friends).  We saw her only 5 times, and she was late for three of those!  Its very difficult trying to be patient and understanding when you want to rip her head off!  We made a side trip to New Zealand for a week to visit my Dad before coming back to the US.  We’re going to be paying for that trip for many months to come.  In fact, I cannot at this point foresee ever being able to make such a trip again.  Oh and another point, Kat managed to loose both her passport and her Green Card.  Grrrrrrrrrrrr

 

So, jumped on the scales this morning and they read 156 …. But them a little bit later, and I hadn’t eaten or had anything to drink at that point, they went back to 157.5.  I’d like to believe the 156, but ………..

 

Diannec – glad to have you onboard.  Jump right in and chat like the rest of us.  You’re very welcome.

 

Southern/Beth – I love storms too, but here they are invariably electrical so can’t go out walking in them (or at least Rog won’t allow me!)

 

Clharr – thanks for your thoughts about Kat.  It is difficult but we all know that we don’t get a manual with them, we just do the best we can.  Both Nick and Chris have turned into wonderful young adults so I hope that Kat will get there too.

 

Oh well, have a great weekend ladies.  

Joanna

figure: Welcome. I wonder if instead of perfume, where people have strong preferences, you could find her a scented bath gel and moisturizer. That's less of a commitment, scent-wise. Bath and Body Shop, Origins, and Philosophy all have good selections. I like the Origins grapefruit shower gel and grapefruit body whip (moisturizer) myself, but I am a citrus scent girl. I love Prescriptives Calyx perfume, too--very citrus-y though.

Snow and Joanna: I love wine, too, but alas have had to sacrifice my real favorite--dirty vodka martinis--as it just lowers my inhibitions way too much. So, I limit myself to weekend wine. Snow, I'm so excited for you to be so close to your goal, and glad you're sticking with those weights.

Ohio: I agree with others; the company weight is manageable, albeit discouraging. Just keep an eye on your weight ticker and be happy for any pounds lost.

diannec: yep, gotta keep that metabolism in high gear with plenty of healthy protein and carbs. I'd love to know how to get started making jewelry--any suggestions for a rank beginner?

Beth: Wow. You're kicking calorie butt, aren't you? I will post a pic next week when I get dolled up in the new outfit.

One: I hate the Tough Love expression. It's really only tough on the parents! I think it should be called Real Love or Get Real Love.  I'll keep you and Kieran in my thoughts!

Joanna: Also, re Kat, same things we said about Kieran are true. You did your best, and at some point she is responsible for her own life, and imperfect parents (well, Dad, anyway)  are no excuse. I am sure my Dad's funniest line ever was when my little sister ran away at 16 with an illegal immigrant, "Hey, why couldn't she just smoke pot, like the rest of you?" Still cracks me up, and shows what a little time and distance do to change perspective! Count the 156--the other was a scale error!

Carol: I use the same line you do when I have to tell my sons not to do what I did. I think they appreciate the honesty more than they resent the hypocrisy.

All: I am celebrating. I had my annual gyno exam today (yes, she nagged me about being overdue for a colonoscopy, mammogram, and dexascan, but life is too busy to take care of myself), and the scale and chart showed 10 pounds down since same time last year. Whoo Hoo! Plus, my blood pressure is down and I don't pee when I sneeze anymore. Life is good! I am so jazzed!

Bonnie: The reason the bra size went up only is because my rib cage is spreading out and the boobs are getting floppier. Believe me, you're missing nothing! Are you going to post a new golf anniversary picture for comparison to last years (where you look very happy, I might add)?

Bex: I think you are the bomb, too! Loved the deer.

Cheers, all!

 

Hi there! I'm happy to find this thread...I'm 54 and this is the first summer in YEARS I'm getting fit!  And it feels good.  I've been doing yoga the past three months (I used to hate it, now I love it!) and this summer have been hitting the gym several days a week...which I now enjoy too.  Plus I try to go for long walks (I call them "ambles"...as in "Honey, do you want to go ambling?") a couple times a week.  And I feel SOOOO good!  I've been focusing on getting fit; in another month I'll work with a trainer to start weight training and see if I can get the flab 'round my abdomen down some.

My goal is to climb the climbing wall on my 55th birthday next spring!  Awesome, huh?

I feel great.  Of course my knees and hips feel "sharp" if I overdo, but I've learned to take Tylenol right after the exercise and that generally keeps the pain down.  Ain't gonna let it stop me!

I started my weight loss in early Feb. after I had the stomach flu...and up to a few days ago prior to joining this website had lost some 20 pounds with 20 to go.  Then I hit a plateau and nothing had been happening.  I decided to count calories for fun and was excited to find this website.  It'll keep me more accountable. Already dropped a pound and I'm really motivated.

One thing I *have* learned is that I can plan (I'm in a profession where I get entertained a lot or go out quite a bit)...so when I know I'm going to be eating "big" at night, then I eat light through the day.  I went to a potluck last night and had a glass of wine...and just focused on healthy foods in smaller portions: chix, bean salad,...and did cave in to a small brownie.  I even threw in an extra "100 potluck hidden calories" (sipped on my hubby's beer, took a lick of his cake's frosting, ate one of his chips:) ) and was delighted to see that I stayed within my daily calorie goal.  So again, I'm thrilled to find this site...thank you, thank you!

OK, end of rambling; gotta get ambling!  Best and blest to all!

Kayle

PS:  I get my physicals in January...this past Jan. I refused to get weighed.  Next Jan. I'll be proud to get weighed!!! I suspect that my cholesterol will show a drop too.

 

rebbex, thanks!  i still can't believe i am soooooo close to my goal.  celebrate?  oh no!  LOL  don't even mention celebrating...  you know what that would mean...  ANOTHER BUFFET!!!  :D

wow!  my birthday is the day before yours?  i have another friend on cc whose birthday is a day before mine.

i like your quote.  yep!  every single pound was a victory in itself.  :D  i sure will be happy when i reach my goal, but i sure will miss losing, too.  LOL  i think i've grown to enjoy it!  it's just soooooo thrilling when each & every ONE pound is lost, but it'll be time to stop losing & just maintain.  well, and tone up!

hi figure, sorry, i don't much use perfume.  if i do, i just buy something cheap.  lol 

joanna, that is awesome setting goals for when you can drink.  :D  i love it!  that way, you can discipline yourself to lose first.  the more you want it, the harder you'll try to lose.  140 might seem like it's a long way off, but it really isn't.

robbie, i can't believe i'm still sticking to the weights either.  LOL  it is soooooo not me, but i know i need to tone really bad & i really need some muscle anyway.  it's pretty cool.  i just play around with them for however long i want.  i'm not pushing it.  as i always said, anything is better than nothing!  :D

congrats on the 10 pounds & the great doc visit!

Before I say anything about what happend between Kieran and me, I must say I got down to 125!  Yes!  Never thought I would see that number again, when for months the scale was not moving at all!  So, from the picture of my sister and me, I'm the one with the longER hair, I've lost 13.5 pounds.  I know I'll go up and down, weight rarely is static, I am still pleased!

Now, for the episode with Kieran.  Well, he came home from work and I reemed into him about responsbility and being on time and blah blah!  He almost begged for a few moments to gather his thoughts and try and eat dinner.  

He asked me to paleeze let him show me how he has grown and to more or less stand a bit away from him so I'll see it.  I did not offer him the choice to fly right or move out, however, I did tell  him I was considering that move if he did not show some improvements.   He went out to hang out with a couple friends and a dear friend of mine came over.  We havent' really talked in months because of certain issues we could not agree on and could not talk.  So be it.  We both took our heads out of our a$$e$ and decided to make peace.

She is the one who said Kieran is probably fighting some fears.  And I need to explain to him courage is feeling the fear and walking through it.  And, as a result of that, responsiblity which take its natural order.   I know this stuff, I really do.  Why the obvious was so unattainable surprises me and yet it doesn't.  It is not seeing the forest for the trees adage.   If I don't see  a constant or close to it, upclimb in his behaviour I will turn to those more drastic measures.  When I was working out yesterday I was praying to my Higher Power to be able to be of help and that I would get out of the way, and be His vehicle.  Hope some of you know what I mean by this.  He ended up calling me on some of my ****, and I explained to him my some of my fears that I am trying to move through and how similar places we were both in.  It ended up  better than I would have expected.  I had made myself sick about all day long, thinking I might have to tell him to take a leave.  I even had some bags packed for him!  So today is the end of his first week of work.  And like everyone else will be looking forward to the weekend and hating Sunday night/Monday morning.  That's part of growing up. 

To our newcomer figurethefat-or close to it. I, too would like to welcome you.  As I've said before and will say again and again, the ladies who come here are absolutely fabulous.  So, c'mon in sit yourself down, or go workout-your choice and be part of this g-r-e-a-t family!

uukay, wow!  it sounds like you are really doing great!  :D  yeah, this site is awesome & so is this board.

one, congrats!!!  WooHoo!!!

joanna I have to agree with robbie at some point they are responsible. My husband's daughters would tell him all the time he didn't do this or that right when they were growing up and make him feel very guilty - I told him "you did the best you could in the circumstances that you were in and that makes it right". In the end that's all any of can do - our best and then the rest is up to them.  And for the record I'd take the 156! scale error the second time! LOL

robbieWill put up a new pic soon - haven't taken the time to download my pictures yet! LOL Glad to hear your Dr appt went well and WOW down 10 pounds!!!  I was 118 at mine last Sept - have 4 pounds to go to get back there but still down 6.6 pounds since January. And yes you should have all those tests!! LOL I'm a big one for preventative medicine! I've had them all. Since my last dexascan I've increased my Calcium to 2 a day as the numbers dropped a little from menopause (they always do). Small thin (don't I wish) women are more prone to osteoporosis.

KayleWelcome!! I laughed when I saw you refused to get weighed because I have actually done that myself - WHO gets weighed 2 days after Christmas - that's when my Dr appt was!! My neighbor hadn't been to a dr in many years just because she didn't want weighed - I told her REFUSE to get weighed ! LOL

snow Oh WOW 136 you'll be at 134 before you know it. I really seem stuck at 121's BIG SIGH trying to increase protein maybe that will help.

figure I myself use Red and Red Door but everyone certainly would have different tastes. How about a nice basket with a couple of bottles of wine and some cheese and crackers to go with it!!

Man, you guys DO talk a lot!!  I haven't had the time to keep up, and I come back to dozens of posts I haven't read  I am SO PROUD of all of you!  One, Robbie, Snowfence, you are LOSING!!! And everyone who is EXERCISING like Beth and Ohio - WAY TO GO!   And probably some others I missed.  The ones who are plateaued or have gained are keeping a great attitude and will be seeing lower numbers soon.  I'm going to start a spreadsheet to keep track of who has reported what so I don't have to keep scrolling thru the posts

My new job is keeping me very busy.  The work is not all that interesting - it involves an ancient computer system that reports to the State about Workforce Investment Act clients - but there is a lot to learn.  At first I thought the new office would be good for my weight since there are not bowls of chocolate candy sitting out at everyone's desk.  But little did I know --- ice cream every afternoon, chips, cake, donuts -- it is a Junk Food Fest every day!!  One day this week they got McDonalds breakfast, then went out and got donuts, then pizza for lunch, then DingDongs in the afternoon (more than one), and one lady had ice cream on top of it.  I haven't been 100% good, but I turn down 95% of what they offer me.  I contributed pretzels to the snack stash, and I plan to start bringing veggie trays on Friday to replace the chips and dip they usually bring.

I haven't been on the scale in weeks, but I feel pretty thin (for me) and my smaller clothes are fitting well.  Right now I'm doing my weekly workout but not going to the spin class or pilates, but as soon as school starts next month, I'll work 7:30 to 5 and take a 90 minute lunch every day, which will let me start taking the other classes again.  I have been doing stairs on my breaks, which is probably more effective than walking, but some days my knees act up a little.

That's all for now - I'll update on the hikes and other stuff later.

Alice

 

Robbie - whats a dexascan?

Original Post by joanna_atl:

Robbie - whats a dexascan?

It checks for bone density.

Hi Alice!  Its been a while.  That job would destroy me.  Good luck.  It is hard to eat healthy when you are going out and everyone is eating sweets.  You are showing a lot of restraint so far.  Keep it up and you will be my hero! 

Hi Moon/Alice - good to see you.  Have to ask, if there so much junk food around, is everyone in that office the size of a house?  If they're not, they should be!  Your restraint is impressive - we're all behind you - keep it up!

Its good being really busy though - although reporting to the state about Workforce Investment Act sounds just a tad dry.

Yes all of us do talk a lot don't we.  I started making notes as I read the posts each day so I know what to comment on.  And just when you think you've covered it all, you update the site and find there's half a dozen more posts.  Don't think I'll ever catch up properly, but at least trying.

Robbie - thanks for clarifying - I am happy to say that when I went to the hospital for a bone density scan they told me if I was any denser I'd be dangerous.  Not sure if that was a compliment or not!  Hope they were talking about my bones and not my brain!  We also have a Health Fair every year here at work where we have free flu shots, free mammographies for the over 40's, chloresterol testing, mini bone density tests (the thing you put your foot in), along with fat meters/calipers etc.  With those mini tests they always have to add onto their scale for me because my bones are really good.  Guess that's a plus.  Don't have any chloresterol issues either.

OK, back to work.

Joanna