David read Dr. Kenneth Cooper's book on Aerobics in 1967, and started faithfully jogging five days a week. He jogged for more than 30 years, and when he stopped jogging, he continued an exercise program of walking or swimming, and he's still walking.
With Alzheimer's, I believe the discipline of his walking, being outside and breathing fresh air ... has given him so much pleasure, kept him healthy, and also gives him something to do.
He's still very aware of where he is, and has never gotten lost, but.......I know the time will come. I bought a Global Tracking device for him to wear in a fanny pack. We pay $17.99 a month for the service;......I connect to the company's website and look on the computer to see his location in the neighborhood. This has been such a relief for me!
EXERCISE ......EXERCISE!!!!
Real time, January 7, 2010....David still walks around the neighborhood, but with the colder weather, he's taking shorter walks. I look forward to springtime when he can be outside more.
And I say, "thank you God for exercise and so little change in David."
6 comments:
One of the things I'm always so impressed by is the HEALTHY lifestyle you and Uncle David have always lived!! Physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually etc. etc....and it's amazing how much this lifestyle has helped you both as you move forward with AD. Once again...SOOOOOO inspiring!!
As I read the last couple of posts, I felt like I had just read them yesterday! I can't believe it's now been over a year since you started your blog....and what an AWSOME blog!!
Thank you for always inspiring me to look ahead!!!
I love you!! L~
Yes, Thank You God!
You have a great blog. The blog and you and David's thoughts give me great cause to pause. Judi and I used to be long distance runners. I ran marathons and she ran the 5 and 10 k races. After I had my heart problem in 1992 I stopped running. What a shame I love running. But, alas, now Judi and I walk when we can. In this part of Washington State, it rains, the wind blows and snows at times. I just can't face the cold and wind and rain. Judi and I do walk at the various malls and stores. But, this is often interrupted by shopping.
Now that aside, the last three days have been really hard on Judi and me. I have been running with about a half of a brain. It's been a hard time for both of us. I tend to get angry when I lose control. Judi understands this but it doesn't make it any easier for her
Until my Mother could no longer walk ... we continued our daily habit of strolling inside and outside. When she was younger and healthy and living in Buffalo MO we would take the longest hikes through her 16 acres of fields and trees. I will cherish those times forever.
You are such an example of a godly woman and thanking God for you!
You are so wise to have the GPS program for your husband so he can enjoy his walks and you can be relaxed, knowing where he is.
Post a Comment