I am going to give you advice to add years to your life. Nothing about diet, weight control or exercise. That is not my business and you know all that anyway.
When I ask my doctor for advice, he always says “Just continue doing what you are doing.” Hark! He doesn’t really know what all I am doing!
My suggestions are especially geared for those who live alone but can apply to those who don’t.
First, always eat breakfast in bed. Get up a little earlier than you need. Fix your breakfast and take it back to bed. Try to make one trip and not have to go back for a fork or your glasses. That can interfere with your serenity. No rules on what to eat, but don’t fill your coffee mug too full. This is a great way to watch the morning news and do a crossword puzzle. Each helps you tolerate the other.
Be a reader! If you are not a reader, teach yourself to be one. You can start out with magazines or the newspaper and work yourself up. At some point many of us may find ourselves alone. The way to not be alone when you are by yourself is to read. I grew up loving to snack when I read, so that might encourage you to read. What teenager could not be happy with Nancy Drew and a Sugar Daddy. I have given up Sugar Daddies because my teeth are more valuable now. Just think how much we have spent on our teeth!
If you are having lunch alone, why not take it to bed – a nice way to stretch out, relax and pick up your book. If you want to take a little short nap, you are already there!
There are some rules for all this eating in bed. No sliced tomatoes in your sandwich, as they slide out and get on the bed.
I recommend a bib. As I am not old enough for a real one, two paper towels do nicely. I do get more food on my clothes when eating in bed, but it is worth the trouble because eating in bed is so soothing! You always have to have a good napkin to resist wiping your hands or mouth on the sheet.
An eating tip when reading is to take really big mouthfuls, chew slowly and swallow small amounts at the time … less distracting from your book. I have yet to learn how to read and eat soup. Any ideas?
Final suggestion is I insist that you have a bedtime snack. If you take medicine at night it is very good for your stomach.
There is no better choice than ice cream, but too fattening to have often. A glass of milk and a cookie is my favorite. Some people like cereal, but if that was your supper, you have to come up with something else. How about an apple or an orange?
A piece of pie or slice of cake (small of course) is very acceptable occasionally. I sleep well with some use of peanut butter on toast, a cracker or a banana.
Of course, a piece of chocolate with a glass of milk is good for the morale. You do have to either worry about your teeth or pop out of bed and brush them. That and vacuuming your bed is a small price to pay for a longer life!
Never eat your supper meal in bed. That would be overdoing it and is not allowed.
I have a feeling that a lot of couples, after the children are gone, eat on a sofa before the TV. I don’t know whether that is good or bad. It is nice to chat with your partner from time to time. If you still have children at home, don’t try all this eating in bed … but now that I am thinking about it, that might be fun!
P. S. I hope you have the snooze feature on your alarm. You get a few years from that!
Jeanette Smith, 95, a Blythewood resident, has been active in the community’s civic affairs for over 50 years.