Finding My Fifty

Approaching fifty is quite a landmark event.  I went for my annual checkup yesterday and was told I have all sorts of things to look forward to. First of all, when I actually turn fifty I'll be eligible for a shingles vaccine that will reduce my chances of getting the painful nerve disorder by 60% .  Yes!!! Happy Birthday to me, can't wait for that shot in the ass.  In addition, my metabolism will get increasingly slower and slower over the years, causing me to need less food and more exercise.  Oh goody!!!, that was just what I was hoping for.  I want to be at the gym working out a good portion of the day, that way, I won't be tempted to eat those calories I can't afford anymore. While I'm at it, calcium and vitamin-d are increasingly important for the aging adult and I was informed that I should be supplementing my diet with Viactiv and appropriate supplements to compliment my poor eating habits. Seeing as how I am lactose intolerant, surgically forced into menopause and not a candidate for estrogen supplements, they have ordered a bone density test be done.  This will indicate just how much bone loss I've experienced so far.  From this I believe they can predict exactly how much I will stoop over with each coming year, so I can alter my clothing accordingly (anyone know a talented seamstress?).  They've also ordered a cholesterol test, blood tests to check my thyroid and cell count, and I had my first EKG. I am also due for my annual mammogram, to be sure I am not growing anything other than more fat cells in my breasts. With my cancer history, I'm one of the fortunate ones that had my first colonoscopy done at age 47.  I am now required to get them done every three years because I have a redundant colon that attracts precancerous polyps, thus I am now due for my next colonoscopy.
I was also informed of the link between sugar, inflammation, heart disease and cancer.  None of this is good news for me, the sugar laden, sweet maven, with ovarian cancer and hereditary heart disease. Medical studies also show that those that live longer lives, eat 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, avoiding animal products and prepackaged foods, in addition to doing weight bearing exercise.  My question is, how much weight bearing exercise could they be doing, if they're only eating fruits and vegetables???  I used to live off chicken and power bars because I thought they were giving me the protein and nutrients I needed to maintain an active lifestyle.  Good thing my doctor straightened me out, I was clearly headed down the wrong path there.
The entire time I was at my appointment I couldn't help but feel like I was being called out.  Yes, I am guilty of enjoying sugary treats, I probably eat more processed food than I should and I am overweight, but I do not think of myself as an at risk, active older adult, but I guess that's what I am, a "fat-risk" adult.  Not exactly the new title I was hoping for, but I guess I can live with it, if it'll move over and give me more "space"!!!
Ironically, as I was walking my dog this afternoon in the woods that surround my neighborhood, I ran into some older people that were also out walking.  We stopped for a brief conversation and the entire time we were talking, I was looking at them as "elderly", but truth be told, they were probably only 10 years my senior.  As we parted ways, it occurred to me, that I was probably looking at myself, 10 years from now.  These walks would be considered my weight bearing exercise and walking would probably be all I could muster on my new diet of strictly fruits and veggies.  If this is where I'm headed, while I don't relish the meal plan, at least the accommodations are immensely better than the alternative.

 Finding My Fifty and learning to love it!