Growing old isn't so bad when you consider the alternative" Maurice Chevalier
I am still not comfortable saying that I am 50, but it is only a number. I do not feel my age, certainly do not act my age, but I 'think' my age. I am old and wiser with many life experiences. Mr Chevalier was known in his later years for his famous 'old' quotes. To me, he exemplifies how I want to feel and look when I reach 80. When I was young I read James Barrie's Peter Pan- about the boy who never grew up. He didn't get old--I did.
Mr Barrie does discuss getting old with this quot ,Life is a long lesson in humility .
I have seen that as we age, we sometimes tend to get more anxious. There are many causes of this age related anxiety. The anxiety can stem from seeing other family members and friends get ill and leave this Earth. Another cause of anxiety is fear of isolation or being alone. I find the best way to deal with anxiety is first to discuss it with a patient. This is an open communication policy between the doctor and the patient. I begin with a discussion of basic concepts regarding how imbalances in the stress system underlie the anxiety symptoms. I then focus on how mind-body practices may correct these imbalances without the need for pharmaceutical anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications. Once a patient can understand the connection between their breath pattern and anxiety regulation, they are more likely to comply or at least attempt these practices.
I love the 4-7-8 method of breathing. Take a deep breath in on a count of 4 seconds; hold the breath for 7 seconds; and fully exhale the breath on a count of 8 seconds. I always tell the patient to start slow. First block a period of time in your schedule . For example 15 minutes twice a week are carved into your busy schedule. You will only start to the do the 4-7-8 breathing for 3 minutes out of the 15 minutes. Every week we increase the 4-7-8 breathing technique by 1 minute. In 12 weeks you will now have 15 minute of 4-7-8 breathing
Another simple introductory method of breathing is called Coherent Breathing (CD) I suggest
www.coherence.com The individual follows paced breathing at 5 breaths per minute thus allowing a gentle relaxation. I ask a patient to do 10 minutes twice a day.
Many breathing technique are used in the Practice of Yoga. One of the Five Principles of Yoga is Pranayama or Breathing Exercise which promotes proper breathing. Proper Breathing, in a Yogic point of view, is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control prana or the vital life energy. A type of breathing called Ujjayi Breathing also called loud breathing is very effective for anxiety issues.
Ujjayi strengthens the nervous and digestive systems and gets rid of the phlegm. I find it best to learn this breathing in a Yoga class. This alternate nostril breathing can be difficult especially for the elderly population. There are many senior centers which now offer Yoga to the ever-growing older population. It is hard to describe how to perform this method of breathing.
Below is a textbook description of the type of breathing. I would encourage to look on line for a video showing how to perform Ujjayi breathing ( Loud breathing). Those who practice Loud breathing have a immediate sense of well-being and calmness within 5 - 10 minutes of doing this technique. This technique was taught to those who were present at the World Trade Center disaster. It has been used for Post traumatic stress disorder patients.
This consists in drawing air in through both nostrils with the glottis held partially closed. Ujjayi translates as "what clears the throat and masters the chest area." This partial closure of the glottis produces a sound like that heard in sobbing, except that it is continuous and unbroken. The sound should have a low but uniform pitch and be pleasant to hear. Friction of air in the nose should be avoided; consequently no nasal sounds will be heard. A prolonged full pause should begin, without any jerking, as soon as Inhalation has been completed. Closure of glottis, use of chin lock and closure of both nostrils are standard. Prolong the pause as long as possible; but it should be terminated and exhalation commenced smoothly and slowly. When properly performed, exhalation proceeds slowly and steadily through the left nostril with the glottis partially closed as in inhalation. One may begin to exhale with release of air pressure by lifting the finger from his left nostril, loosening his chin lock and then partially opening his glottis. Exhalation should be complete.
One of my goals for the New Year is to explore other Yoga Practices.
Until tomorrow...
I'M NOT YOUNG ANYMORE
" How lovely to sit here in the shade
With none of the woes of man and maid -
I'm glad I'm not young anymore!
The rivals that don't exist at all,
The feeling you're only two feet tall -
I'm glad I'm not young anymore!
No more confusion, no "morning after" surprise,
No self delusion
That when you're telling those lies, she isn't wise.
And even if love comes through the door,
The kind that goes on forevermore,
Forevermore is shorter than before -
Oh, I'm so glad that I'm not young anymore.
The tiny remark that tortures you,
The fear that your friends won't like her, too -
I'm glad I'm not young anymore!
The longing to end a stale affair,
Until you find out she doesn't care -
I'm glad I'm not young anymore!
No more frustration, no star-crossed lover am I;
No aggravation,
Just one reluctant reply, "Lady, goodbye!"
The fountain of youth is dull as paint;
Methuseluh is my patron saint.
I've never been so comfortable before,
Oh, I'm so glad that I'm not young
Maurice Auguste Chevalier (September 12, 1888 – January 1, 1972) was a French actor, singer, and popular vaudeville entertainer. Chevalier's signature songs included "Louise", "Mimi", "Valentine", and "Thank Heaven for Little Girls". His trademark was a boater hat, which he always wore on stage with his tuxedo (dinner jacket).
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