Accepting our limits as we age…

On the surface of it, this could sound less than positive, or perhaps that I am giving up. Far from it, I have been awaiting back surgery and finally had it on 3/2/25. It is early days yet of course, but I have been reviewing my goals for my recovery. Prior to going to surgery I had three goals as follows:

  • To get back to riding my beautiful red e-bike, a bike that I love and the feeling of biking along a track by myself was a wonderful feeling of independence and freedom. Of being out in nature, enjoying the simple pleasures of riding my bike.
  • To get back to playing bowls. This has been on hold for about 37 years, so I think I am if anything overdue in taking it up again. I have met some great friends through bowls and I have been able to keep in touch with the club even though I am not able to play.
  • To be able to join my husband on his long walks eventually. To start off small – at the moment a walk to the end of the driveway seems a long way to go – and to eventually build up to walking for several hours. This should be achievable if I take better care of myself.

So, leading up to my surgery these were my three hard goals. The one at the top, while not being more important than spending time with my husband, was very important to me. I said loudly to anyone who would listen, that I would get back on my e-bike again one day. However, waiting for surgery gave me some time to reflect. Out of the three goals which ones made more sense and carried the less risks. Conversely, which of the goals was risky and could endanger my recently refurbished back? When I analysed the three goals, there was no question. The e-bike had the potential should I have a tumble to take away my mobility, not just in the short term, but perhaps forever and far too soon!

So, I have decided to sell my beautiful red e-bike and concentrate on my social goal of bowls and my couple’s goal of spending time walking with my husband. While I am a bit sad at the thought of never riding my e-bike again, I have thought about it long and hard and that is what I need to do.

So, for further thoughts, I’d love you to listen to my podcast.

Published by kiwipommysue

I am a retired Social Worker having retired in May 2024. I had been a Social Worker for over 20 years and for the sake of my health and wellbeing I chose to retire early. I have some literary projects underway and am enjoying the freedom of no longer working. Working on my projects at my own pace and enjoying my new hobby of lawn bowls is a wonderful thing. No regrets and a new kind of busy in retirement is wonderful.

2 thoughts on “Accepting our limits as we age…

  1. A wise decision, even though it’s closing a door.When my husband was diagnosed with PD he was told by the Physio, he could walk, run, swim, go to gym classes, but no road bikes at all. It went down fine, but then the OT said no ladders or floor rugs, he still occasionally climbs ladders, but we don’t have rugs..You are a positive person, as you say, one step at a time and be sensible…How is your pain?Sent from my Galaxy

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment. It reinforces I have made the right decision. It is for the best. My pain is gradually improving. The main thing is to be sensible and take my time.

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