SENIOR MOMENT: Retired yet tired

By BETTY MUNSEY/Columnist

Over one-third of Virginia seniors are classified as working for pay whereas another third are unpaid volunteers in churches, charities or hospitals.  The other third are providing valuable aid to family members or neighbors. So we’re certainly not slackers and definitely carry our weight in community caring.
Across my forehead I, along with many others, could be wearing a bumper sticker I saw on the back of a pickup truck that stated “Retired yet tired.” Retirees race from one activity to the next wondering how we ever found time for true employment. The fall season seems to be especially hectic with winter preparations, cleaning the garden and flowerbeds, numerous festivals including Lord’s Acre sales, and, of course, apple butter making.
Fall is especially stressful on the farm with cattle being sold; fall calves being born; hay equipment being cleaned prior to winter storage; plus completing all those necessary winter preparations. Put it all together and many folks are plum tuckered out while knowing that the hectic holiday season with all its madness is right around the corner.
Being tired or even exhausted in retirement may be caused by a variety of physical factors including poor nutrition (too busy to eat properly), stress, certain prescription or over-the-counter medications, excessive stress, physical illness, and/or inadequate sleep.
In most cases we’re walking zombies because we’ve overextended ourselves by forgetting to say no to too many requests for our assistance. We enjoy feeling needed and helping others. Yet we continue to tap from our own personal energy reserves as though drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico.  Even a Louisville race horse can’t run full steam ahead forever without either stopping to rest or finally collapsing.
When we’re tired we don’t think as clearly or as quickly. Our relationships falter as our energy levels diminish. So how can seniors jump start our energy levels?  We know that a nap is a great attitude changer for a fussy toddler; whereas, young adults rely on energy drinks, a quick jog or even a day at the spa for their rejuvenation.
Medical intervention is recommended for severe exhaustion since it can be linked to more severe medical problems. The rest of us can probably make a few minor adjustments to reclaim our previous energy levels. Getting some extra rest and not feeling guilty for taking a short mid-day nap helps a lot. Watching what we eat, avoiding too much sugar and junk food, and focusing on vegetables and fruits helps reduce our calorie intake while consuming necessary vitamins and minerals.
A breath of fresh air and some exercise everyday refreshes the body as well as the soul. Remember that we’re not alone and in our circle of friends there are others who are probably tired and in need of renewed energy.
In 1932, world-famous jazz pianist Thomas Dorsey endured several personal tragedies just days before writing what is considered by many to be the greatest Gospel song of all time “Precious Lord, take my hand lead me on, let me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am lone.” He survived and we will be revived.
A retired Extension agent, Betty Munsey lives and farms in Bland County.