(W)holy, (W)holy, (W)holy

Health, Healing and Wholeness Article: February 2010

“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘This applies to the Levites:  from twenty-five years old and upward they shall begin to do duty in the service of the tent of meeting; and from the age of fifty years, they shall retire from the duty of the service and serve no more.  They may assist their brothers in the tent of meeting in carrying out their duties’.”  (Numbers 8:23-26a, NRSV)

One might assume that in the case of the Levites, forced retirement was meant to foster younger leadership – young men could begin to serve while still under the guidance of the temple elders.  Or perhaps, it was due to the physical requirements of hauling the tabernacle and its furnishings through the wilderness.  Regardless, God seemed to know that a healthy retirement requires some sort of advanced planning.

How well one adjusts to this new phase of life depends on a number of factors.  Dr. George Valliant, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School likens it to being in 4th grade – “cooperative play, helping others, having friends, and learning are all important.  Problem is that by this age, we’ve forgotten how to play.”  There may be much more than a grain of truth to his statement, because it appears that those who strongly identify with their occupation, often have some difficulty adjusting to life without a time clock.

Taking time to cultivate a network of friends outside of work relationships, can be immensely helpful in getting through the initial retirement adjustment phase.  If you are one of those who used his/her job as an escape from family issues, this time may be particularly stressful. Spend time with your spouse, but don’t overwhelm them by expecting him/her to meet all your social needs – this is an adjustment for him/her as well.  Meet friends for coffee, join a Bible study, organize a regular round of golf – allow yourself to have fun!  Is there an activity that you’ve always wanted to try, but never had the time? Engage the creative side of your brain – it can lead to re-discovery of who you are!  Have you always had a desire to play the piano, or learn to paint?  Do it now!

During retirement, physical activity is more important than ever.  Consider participating in a formal fitness program – golfing, dancing, swimming – or walking 20-30 minutes at least 3-5 times-a-week – any and all will go a long way toward establishing or maintaining healthy behaviors.  Strength training exercises [weights or resistance] several times a week, have been recognized for their value in decreasing stress, improving balance, and increasing endurance and flexibility.  Good dietary habits:  limiting fats, sugar, and salt, in conjunction with drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day, and getting regular sleep, all contribute to living a full and productive life.

Plan your time and set some personal goals.  What do you want to accomplish on a typical day?  It is human nature to waste time when you have lots of it!  Get more involved in your community; volunteer at your local hospital, the local chapter of the Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, help establish or maintain a community garden, spend time weekly at a soup kitchen, or delivering Meals-on-Wheels.  Do you have a special gift or talent? Use it to teach others!   Do you enjoy working with numbers/business – help your fellow retirees with tax preparation, or offer to serve as treasurer of a club or organization to which you belong.  Help raise funds for a favorite charity or community group.  Find out what it is that you enjoy doing, and do it!

Get to know yourself spiritually.  Consider attending a guided retreat.  Engage the services of a spiritual director.  Study scripture.  Sign up for seminary courses either locally or on-line.  Explore a variety of prayer forms.  Learn more about God as you simultaneously learn more about yourself.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow theorized that we progress through different phases of development as we age.  For the healthy adult in later stages of life, one’s goal becomes reaching our full potential as an individual, or self-actualization.  This involves letting go of old routines to make way for the next phase of life.  It involves continual learning.  Retirement is a great adventure – time to take a fresh look – to reassess in body, mind and spirit.  In the words of Robert Fulghum, “Live a balanced life. Learn some and think some and draw some and paint and sing and dance and play and work everyday… And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.” (Source:  All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten)  Blessings to you as you pursue this wonderful, new phase of life!

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Nurses Notes: February 2010

February 7
At the start of this new year, here are some resolutions for you to make on behalf of your dog or cat!

1.  I will not fee my dog/cat table scraps.  The higher fat content of “people food” can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.  To break the habit of “begging”, put him/her in another room when you are eating.

2.  When I say “No.” I mean “No.”  As with children, consistent consequences needed to curb bad behaviors, but remember to reward good behavior.

3.  I will take my pet for an annual checkup.  Pets develop chronic illnesses just as their owners do.  Routine shots and blood-work are important to diagnosing and treating illnesses such as kidney failure, diabetes and hyperthyroidism. 

(Prevention, January 2009, pg. 128)

February 14
Nine easy swaps that save loads of calories!  To lose ½ to 1 pound a week, aim to cut 250-500 calories a day by making a few of these swaps:

Swap 1 can regular soda  for   1 bottle of water     Save 100 cal.

Swap small French fries  for  apple slices   Save 270 cal.

Swap Big Mac   for  Regular hamburger  Save 290 cal.

Swap ½ c. granola   for   ¾ c. high-fiber cereal  Save 110 cal.

Swap 1 Tbsp. mayo   for  1 tsp. mustard   Save 100 cal.

Swap 1 lg. (4 ½”) bagel  for  2 slices whole grain bread Save 269 cal.

Swap 1 sm. bag(1 oz.)pretzels for  2 c. air-popped popcorn Save 47 cal.

Swap 2 slices pizza    for  1 slice pizza + 1 ½ c. salad with 1 Tbs. low-fat dressing Save 229 cal.

(Prevention Magazine, January 2010, pg. 72)
 

February 21
Upset by conflicts with others?  Learn to speak your needs or distress directly, avoiding “you always” or “you never” accusations.  Instead, use statements such as:  “I feel ____ when you _____.”  If conflicts are a  source of distress for you, consider taking a class to help you become more assertive.

February 28
Hungry for the taste of fresh fruit in mid-winter?  Reach for freeze-dried over heat dried fruits.  Freeze drying helps retain vitamins and minerals that are sometimes lost during the heated drying process.