‘When I am an old woman I shall wear purple’
This is the first line from a poem called ‘Warning’ by Jenny Joseph. She goes on to claim that she will do all sorts of outrageous things, like ‘spending her pension on brandy’ and ‘gobbling up samples in shops’. When I am old I also plan to ‘run my stick along the public railings’ like Jenny! Jenny Joseph is planning to ‘make up for the sobriety of her youth’. She is planning to wear ‘terrible shirts’ and a red hat! This all sounds like great fun, apart from one thing – ‘learning to spit’. This one can be ignored! In order to have such fun in our old age, we need to keep as fit as possible before we get there!
One of Joe Wicks, the Body Coach’s, favourite quotes is:- ‘Do something today which your future self will thank you for’. Apparently, this was first said by the actor and author Sean Patrick Flanery. It is about developing a mindset which encourages us to become a better version of ourselves each day. For Joe Wicks his message is about being as active as possible and maintaining and even improving our strength and fitness into older age. We have so many clubs and organisations in and around Wedmore to help us stay active, physically and mentally. Give them a try! Our perceptions of older people would not necessarily include an old lady wearing ‘satin sandals’ or ‘setting off alarm bells’!
To help young doctors dispel any stereotypical view of older people this poem was included in an anthology given to all graduating doctors in Scotland in 2014. What a good idea! I’m not quite sure when I am going to be old, but I am practicing now by wearing purple! And if/when I need a stick, I may begin to tap it on any railings, as I walk through Wedmore!
Looking after our backs
Back pain, eg low back pain, can be a troublesome condition which affects many people and can severely affect quality of life at any age. Back awareness week is 2nd – 8th October. The website of backcare.org.uk has some very useful information, including six helpful NHS supported videos which help with the care of our backs. These are all accessible via YouTube, free of charge, from their website. You can also access support directly from the NHS website.
Back pain – NHS (www.nhs.uk) (Of course only do what is suitable for you!)
Minimising the risk of diseases.
A challenge for our ongoing activity and sense of fun are those pesky conditions of THE FLU and COVID. To minimise your risk of these, we are advised to be vaccinated, when we are at risk. NHS England is rolling out a large vaccination programme starting this Autumn which will comprise of the following vaccinations:- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (commonly known as RSV), Flu, COVID, Shingles and Pneumonia. There are different eligibility criteria for each disease. RSV is under recognised in adults and this is a new vaccine. Its clinical presentation and severity of illness is similar to flu. It is associated with heart disease & chronic lung disease. A single dose of vaccine will help to boost protection as patients reach an age group at highest risk of serious RSV infection. Axbridge & Wedmore Medical Practice will be embarking on their vaccination programme in the Autumn and vaccinations for Flu and COVID will be co-administered. You will be invited by your Practice as appropriate. To see all the details go to Surgery News (axbridgeandwedmoremedicalpractice.nhs.uk)
Support for people with dementia and their carers in Wedmore
Carer’s Group
Do you care for or support a person with dementia? Then this friendly informative group is for you! Come along on the first Friday of the month to The Swan Hotel, Wedmore between 10am and 12md, next meeting on Friday 4th October. If you want to find out more about the Memories Workshops and Carers’ Group, phone HeadsUp on 01749 670667 or email Sally Sargeant at wedmorecarers@yahoo.com You can also see their latest Newsletter by going to www.whawb.co.uk If you need help with funding, just ask, help may be available.
Cathy Butterworth
Wedmore Health & Wellbeing Project
01934 806266