THE BITTER PILL OF EXERCISE. Srianee Dias

THE BITTER PILL OF EXERCISE NEED NOT BE BITTER

Srianee Dias

Most of us have reached that age when one has to work hard at keeping our muscles and joints well-lubricated and in working order. I have better luck at keeping my car in working order than my own body because I pay someone else to work on my car. 

Keeping my muscles strong, however, is my responsibility and no one else can do it for me.  The problem is that I hate exercise routines because they are so boring! It is so much more fun to put my feet up and read a book while listening to my favourite music.

I keep reminding myself that it’s important to do them, just as important as taking one’s medication prescribed by a doctor.  I have come to terms with the fact that if I am destined to live long (my mother lived to be 93), I have to remain independent.  There is no point in living long if one is limited by a lack of mobility and dependent on others. I have decided now to give the boring exercise routines the same level of priority as swallowing the daily pill to control mild hypertension.

Some of us are natural athletes and like to play golf, badminton, tennis and other sports, which is wonderful because it also involves engaging with other people, another important bonus.  There are others who attend gyms regularly and work with personal trainers.  However, those activities require investing a fair amount of time and making plans with others.  I suggest that we ( the less motivated types) find some activities that we can do every day for 15 to 20 minutes.  These routines should help us improve our balance and our muscle strength.  We don’t need fancy equipment.  One can walk outside for a few minutes when the weather is cooperative.  There are many, many YouTube videos with exercises designed especially for seniors.  I think it helps to vary the routine, to prevent boredom. It is also important to choose routines that will not cause injury.  It is important, however, to give it priority and not just be something that we do when we have a little time left in the day.  I think if we give it the same level of importance as brushing our teeth or the prescribed medication we stick to swallowing without a second thought, it may help us stay on track.

I would love to hear what my friends are doing to keep themselves limber and mobile.

The Sad Tale of UkiRani and Ruso (contd)...Act II

The Sad Tale of UkiRani and Ruso (contd)... Mahendra Gonsalkorale

Act II

Setting: Ruso and Youeseh sat in Ruso’s lavish apartment enjoying a Vodka.

Ruso: It is good of you to come and meet me Youeseh or shall I use your pet name Chump?

Youeseh: Good to see you too Ruso, nice, really nice and you can call me Chump if it is easier. You are a good man Ruso, a really nice man and I like you.

Ruso: You know of course that UkiRani did not listen to me and refused not to invite Nato. I warned her of the consequences and sadly, my intervention in her country led to a lot of unnecessary grief and destruction. But you know me, what had to be done had to be done and those who died… well sometimes we have to look at the greater good and what greater good can there be than provide staunch support for a fearless brave man like me, easily the greatest Russian in history. I would have said that earlier but modesty stopped me. I don’t mind saying this to the greatest American President!

Ruso stands up to make this modest statement and sits down, looking quite pleased.

Chump: You are kind, very kind. I know I know. It shouldn’t have happened. It would not have happened if I was in charge but sadly, that chump Byedan was there and he was useless, pretty useless. It shouldn’t have happened and I am sorry you had to call their bluff. You are a great man, just like me, destined to make the World a better place, for you and me.

Ruso: I had no option Chump. UkiRani and her team are far too close to my border and I had to show her who is boss.

Chump: I know, I know. It should never have happened. It should never have happened. All those millions who died. Real shame, real shame, it should not have happened.

Ruso: What is your advice to me now my valued and strong friend Chump? How can I get out of this mess?

Chump leans forward in his chair, with his long blue tie falling between his parted legs. He points and wags a finger while twisting his neck and face, his lips pouting.

Chump: Listen to me Ruso. If this goes on there will be no winners, only losers and I am not going to waste my dollars helping this to go on. UkiRani knows this and is worried about it. You might say, what about Urope and his friends? Let me tell you, Urope and friends are disorganised and in deep shit (pardon the expression) with their finances. Some may shout about continued support for UkiRani, like that useless weakling Stammer from the UK who should really keep out of this; he has enough problems in his own country. But they know you are strong and cannot be defeated. You have always been strong, so strong Ruso, a man after my own heart, a man who believes that law and order must be observed,  so long as it helps you, and who does what he wants and states boldly, very boldly, to these bureaucrats who interfere with progress, your progress, they will be fired and make no mistake!

Ruso glows with pride and tries to comb his hair forgetting for a moment, he has no hair.

Ruso: Thank you my friend. If UkiRani knows that she cannot rely on your support, I am sure she will agree to my terms, which I shall state in such a way that she does not feel like a loser, although in fact she is one, as you well know.

Chump: You got it right Ruso. UKiRani will have no option but to agree to a Peace agreement where she will need to concede some territory but have the satisfaction that the war will end. But I have one very potential big problem Ruso. Will she accept not to accept the protection of Nato? If she digs her heels and insist that Nato should be given the right to protect her, what should I do? What is your advice Ruso?

To be continued….

The Sad Tale of UkiRani and Ruso. Mahendra "Speedy" Gonsalkorale

The Sad Tale of UkiRani and Ruso

Mahendra Gonsalkorale. 17^th February 2025

 Act 1

Setting: Living room in UkiRani’s house in Europe. UkiRani is seated on a sofa knitting.

Enter Ruso, looking very agitated: he bows to UkiRani and addresses her.

Ruso: Hello, my lovely UkiRani. I have come to see you on a matter of the greatest importance. This is not just a simple neighbourly call.

UkiRani: Why, Hello, Ruso! And what is this all about? Pray be seated.

Ruso sits down as requested. Looks uncomfortable and avoids the gaze of UkiRani.

Ruso: This is a rather delicate matter and I crave your indulgence and patient understanding.

UkiRani: You got me all of a flutter now, Ruso; pray, what is it?

Ruso: Rumour has it that you are getting very close to my enemy Nato and are considering allowing him to protect you. Nato, as you well know, is not the sort of person I would like a kind and beautiful soul like you to keep company with.

UkiRani: Oh! Come on Ruso! Nato is not really my friend but who can refuse a kind offer like his to protect me!

Ruso: But Nato is devious, and I hate to say this as I don’t want to upset a kind soul and indeed a close neighbour like you with whom I have had such a long association, but…

UkiRani: Yes Ruso, but…what?

Ruso: It is fair that you should be warned. Let me say again, as I have said many times, that I love you and would never do anything to harm you, but even such strong love as mine has limits. I hope you understand.

UkiRani gets up and looks directly at Ruso with a stern but sympathetic expression.

UkiRani: My dearest Ruso, as much as I care for you, I would not like you to tell me who I should like or dislike. I am an independent soul perfectly capable of managing my own affairs. I hope you understand that.

Ruso looks tormented as he walks to the open window, stares out, and returns to address UkiRani as she gazes at him anxiously.

Ruso: My dearest UkiRani, this is not easy to put across to you, but put it across, I must. If you insist on having ties with Nato, you will be responsible for the consequences. I beg of you to listen to me and ignore what that other “friend” of yours-Ha! Friend indeed!- is telling you and keep away from Nato. This other person, Youeseh, is dangerous and wants to spread his influence all over the World. I beg of you not to take advice from that scoundrel and listen to me, me who has such long ties with you and me, who shall never harm you…unless you leave me no alternative, and that will be so sad.

UkiRani returns to her sofa, quite distressed and after a short period of silence, addresses Ruso.

UkiRani: That was quite a speech young Ruso! However, I have to Put you in your place. My friendship with Nato is not intended to harm you Ruso, or any of my neighbours. We have far too much in common and much to lose.

Ruso, red-faced and angry, looks directly at UkiRani

Ruso: That is good to hear, but I am deeply saddened if you insist on letting in Nato and value the advice of Youeseh, that megalomaniac scoundrel, much more than mine. In which case, I have no alternative but to take action to protect my country, and that will be a sad day for all of us.

Ruso turns around and storms out of the room.UkiRani is speechless and stares at him close to tears as he leaves in a huff.

UkiRani:  I know him only too well. He will never invade my territory as he knows quite well that it will cause such unspeakable agony.

Postscript: Ruso could not accept UkiRani’s friendship with Nato, and “all hell erupted”.

The End

Act 2 to follow

Hearing aids and their importance. Mahendra Gonsalkorale

Hearing aids and their importance

Mahendra Gonsalkorale

This is an important topic that Srianee brought to our notice.  I wrote a new article that included the relevant material from her comment on the subject in the previous post.

The topic relates to these main areas.

1)   The importance of detecting hearing loss early.

2)  The cosmetic aspects of wearing hearing aids and how they relate to our concept of identity (how we wish to be seen and regarded).

3)   The good fortune to live at a time when there are excellent options to make hearing loss no longer a handicap.

4)   The rewards of persistence when faced with early problems but continuing to wear them.

On the first point, as Srianee has indicated, there is good evidence that if remedial aids are not worn, the hearing loss will continue with evidence of irreversible changes in the auditory cortex. (like turning the water flow (auditory stimulation) to feed a plant from a stream to a trickle). If aids are worn, this process is slowed down. The auditory loss has profound consequences for maintaining our intellect also as if uncorrected, the brain loses the advantages of communicating with others, keeping up to date with information and losing the rewards that auditory stimuli can provide. 

The take-home lessons are:-

Expect hearing loss as we age – especially after 70 yr. (Over half the population aged 55 or more have hearing loss. 80% of people over 70 will have hearing loss). These hearing loss population estimates are calculated using the most robust data available on the prevalence of hearing loss (average hearing levels of 20dB or worse in one or both ears) for adults aged 18 to 80, combined with population estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Source RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People).

Get your hearing tested by a competent audiologist. The services vary in different countries, but a simple hearing assessment won’t break your purse or threaten you with penury!

Choose from the wide range available as we all have different perceptions of what is suitable (cosmetic, comfort, power: disposable batteries or rechargeable) etc. Digital ones are by far the best and you can choose from a wide range from behind the ear, in-ear, hardly visible etc. Most providers give a 3-month trial period free of charge with no commitment to buy as they know from experience that the vast majority, although initially shocked at the cost, decide to keep them as the rewards are so great.

I would advise wearers to wear them all the time except when showering, bathing, etc and take them off at night.

At first, it may be slightly uncomfortable, but if you persist, you don’t even notice that you are wearing them.

I have worn different types for 20 years! Initially, I was very self-conscious and did not want others to know that I wore aids. It was as I realised with wisdom, a wrong belief which could only harm me.  I soon appreciated that it made a huge difference in my life, and I have no reservations about recommending them. Like Srianee, I would go for rechargeable batteries. If you feel self-conscious, this is natural, but very soon, you realise that to be seen wearing hearing aids is not a stain on your character. It does not reduce the esteem people have for you. I always announce to new people that I wear hearing aids as even with the best aids, your hearing cannot match normal hearing. People then appreciate that you are not stupid when they talk to you and become much more understanding and often modify the way they speak by more deliberate pronunciation and the use of visual cues. You must be prepared to meet the odd person who will shout at you and talk to you as if you are an imbecile, but these ignorant people are, fortunately, rare. You will be surprised how much visual cues play a role in communicating. Watching is as important as hearing, that's why people with impaired hearing often are worse when the lighting is poor.

I wear black in-ear aids as I found the behind the ear ones with a small pipe ending in an almost invisible ear plug (earphone) uncomfortable and messy to manage. I made the decision after trying both, and furthermore, rechargeable batteries were available only for the in-ear ones. I feel no shame in wearing them (like wearing specs if you have problems with sight), and it is understandable that some don’t like to wear them as they feel that they convey a wrong impression; that of an ageing, decrepit old person! (although even if so, being old and decrepit is not something to be ashamed of at all. (Being conceited, selfish, and lacking in empathy or patience are the bad ones! ).

I hope you find this useful. Please contact me directly or via the blog if you need more clarification or information.

Here are the comments in Srianee’s  Embracing Technology post.

Srianee

I would like to take a little detour now and write about another technical innovation that has improved my life. My hearing aids (plural). A few years ago my family (my daughters in particular) were complaining that I was making them repeat what they were saying. “Mom, you need to get your hearing checked!” My response was, “Oh you people mumble” or “You talk to me while walking away from me.” I’m sure that sounds very familiar to many of you. I finally relented and got my hearing checked out. The verdict was “mild hearing loss” and I was given the option of trying out a pair of hearing aids for 3 months. I was told that I could return them if I felt that they didn’t improve my hearing. I tried them out and I was converted! I certainly didn’t want to return them. 

I am now an ardent advocate for the use of hearing aids before the hearing loss becomes too severe. Unfortunately, hearing aids are expensive and not very user-friendly. But, It is easier to get accustomed to using them when you are seventy than when you are ninety. I would recommend getting the rechargeable types, because fiddling with the tiny batteries is not an easy task.

Most new hearing aids can be adjusted using the bluetooth function on a smart phone. Of course, the two devices need to be ‘paired.’ (The people who supplied the hearing aids did that for me.) 

I know that many people don’t want to wear them all the time. Why? If it is not part of your routine like brushing your teeth, you will forget to wear them daily. On most days I don’t have anyone else in my home conversing with me, but yet I wear my hearing aids, because every sound I hear, the chirping of the birds outside my window or the music I am listening to, is sending stimulating signals to my brain, and that is a very good thing.

 There is growing evidence that if hearing loss is not corrected in time, cognitive loss will occur. This is a very important reason for getting one’s hearing checked. If hearing aids are recommended, make the effort to learn how to use them effectively. Once you master the finer points, you will experience many wonderful things that you never knew you were missing!

Nihal

Thank you Srianee for bringing up an important topic. Hearing is vital for our well being at any age. At our age it is essential to maintain contact with friends and family and to keep our minds in gear.

Hearing aid seem like an important accessory for old age and a very useful one too. I listen to a lot of classical music often at great cost to myself, at the concert halls in London. When I found that I couldn’t hear the high notes of the violins I thought my hearing wasn’t good enough and got my hearing tested. The person who tested me was a pretty Afrikaans lady. Her accent was hard to decipher and I wasn’t sure if it was my hearing or her accent that was the problem. Anyhow we struggled through the test. I went for a basic behind the ear hearing aid (BTE) which changed my hearing and my life for the better.

There are a few issues with the contraption. At my age I do not mind its bulk and ‘unsightly’ appearance. There are occasional extraneous noises like squeaks specially while in a crowded noisy room. I have learnt to ignore them. It is a hindrance than a help speaking in a room with a large gathering. I remove them and manage ok.

The hearing aid is a foreign body hanging on to my ear. After a couple of hours it gets tiresome and I remove them. I tend to wear them every day but in short bursts when I’m listening to music. This seems like a good compromise.

My hearing aid requires batteries and I cope quite well changing them weekly.

Srianee

Nihal, thank you for sharing your experience with your hearing aids. The current designs with the microphones tucked behind the ear is not the most efficient. But, if there is a visible contraption in front of the ear, people will be even more reluctant to wear them. I saw something on TV recently, where the hearing aids are incorporated into spectacle frames. The microphones are in the front of the frames, and the sound is transmitted to the receivers that go into your ear invisibly through the spectacle frames. I'm not sure if such hearing aids are commercially available. The biggest hurdle for most people is the cost.