This acronym suits me to a T and for the uninitiated means ‘Fear of getting old’, or in other words suffering from gerascophobia – a description of someone with a fear of physical decline who perceives all the negative aspects that comes attached.   

So, reaching the big ‘70’ has been something that I have feared and dreaded. These days my skin seems to be more of a relaxed fit and its weird being the same age as old people.

As the years have rushed past in a blur, I now find the natural wear and tear on my body is beginning to rear its ugly head. Getting out of bed in the morning, trying to straighten my back, or standing up after sitting too long causing my legs to ache and stiffen is extremely annoying.

I know that lack of exercise and weight gain along with ‘age’ has taken its toll. So constant nagging from my darling ‘sprogs’ and hubby have resulted in me acquiring a treadmill. Although I enjoy walking and discovering new places, certain outside elements now cause my eyes to ‘stream’ – and this I have discovered is caused by various factors including dry eye syndrome and allergies, which is a major part of my daily life. So, using the treadmill indoors is ideal for me.

The NHS Chief Medical Officer states that adults should aim to partake of at least 150 minutes workout a week, moving quickly enough to raise your heart rate, breathe faster and feel warmer. We all know that there are numerous benefits for exercising, including improving physical and mental health, reducing risk of falls, certain diseases, and of course strength training helps maintain and build muscle mass. So, I plan to purchase a set of dumbbell weights to help tone my arms and legs.

Of course, reading that exertion can reduce risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is a definite interest to me, my memory has always been dreadful, but now seems to be getting worse, mind you it helps when hubby has ‘jobs’ around the house lined up for me – ‘what jobs’ I ask, feigning shock at the possibility of not remembering.  

Spouse and I are not on diets per se, but we are changing what we eat, how we cook it, whilst cutting down on alcohol. We are allowing ourselves treats, otherwise daily routine would be boring, and I fear hubby would be ready to string himself up from the rafters.

A recent visit to the doctor resulted in a recommendation to start taking statins. Although my cholesterol reading was within the normal parameters, apparently other results were taken into consideration and it was explained that I had a 10pct chance of a stroke or heart attack. I’m certainly not an expert but it does seem as though statins are being handed out like smarties these days.

So, over the next couple of months, I am logging my weight and monitoring what delectable delights enter my ever demanding ‘cakehole’. So, I will share this journey with you, but I do know how easily tempted I am, so I will only say I will try my best.

First of monthly updates:

Height: 5’6’’  

Weight: 80.5 kg (gulp).

Update 27.6.25.

Well peeps, I have not done quite so well as I had hoped. Although I have learnt a few things during this process.

Going from a complete novice on a treadmill has been a bit of a learning curve, and yes, the emergency brake does work. Thankfully. I have learnt (the hard way) not to cast my eyes around the room, only focus on what’s in front of me and most importantly, always empty my bladder before starting the programme.

On average I suppose, I achieve a brisk 30 minutes’ walk about 4 times a week, and have found watching the TV or something to focus on, definitely makes the time pass quicker.

Being on immunotherapy treatment this past year has made a massive difference to my life and without this I certainly wouldn’t have been achieving the steps I have. There is always the chance that my body could get accustomed to this therapy.

Eldest daughter nags me to take photos and measure my progress – not quite sure if I’m ready for that to be honest. Baby steps.

Weight: 79kg.

Talk soon xx  

Update 25.1.26

Fraid to say, its not gone too well. This diet malarky unfortunately seems to have disappeared into oblivion, especially over the Christmas period.

I have still been on the treadmill for my 30 minute brisk walk, several times weekly, whilst reluctantly exercising with hubby’s exercise bands, and trying to tackle my hip bursitis – which I have suffered from since my 30’s, that is now impacting on my nightly sleep, or lack of sleep, should I say.

Weight: 78kg.

Head bowed, shame faced, talk soon xx