I realized this weekend that I am not only transitioning from one part of my life to another, but I am in transition about who I am as a person and how I relate to the world out there.
For most of my adult life I have had positions of authority and the power that goes with t hose positions. In fact, if asked to describe myself I would have used those titles and positions as part of defining who I was. The key word is power; I am used to having power and having people follow my leadership. That is part of my big change now.
I am becoming more and more a product of my age and Parkinson's. I tire easily. I move slowly. I nap. I frequently chose to stay home rather than go out to social events. I don't care about leading anyone, even though I am still asked. But (this is a big word) I am still feeling like I am giving up something, withdrawing from a powerful (no pun intended) drug. And withdrawal is no fun. It is difficult and sometimes painful. And I was feeling sorry for myself until yesterday when I found out that MaryJo had a stroke and is in ICU after emergency brain surgery. Lord knows what adjustments she will have to make.
I have a few friends who are blessed with good health and it seems to be mostly genetic. And then there are the rest of us. At my last visit to PD doctor they took blood as they are getting DNA on all PD patients to test the genetic theory on that too.
So, back to my point. This is not just a transition but a giving up more and more for a very different life style. And at least I feel better realizing what my withdrawal is all about.
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So much could be (and has been) written about Power. In many ways, most of my studies and interests are about power and power-differential. I myself have never seen myself as a powerful person, but rather a catalyst for those who have it.
Regarding health, there was a very good piece on the most recent Nova about researching aging and longevity. Two things seem to be the most important factors...
1) low calorie diet--less than 'normal' (like 1500 cal instead of 2000) . This triggers chemical responses to slow down metabolism--makes body go into 'I-want-to-live' mode.
2) Large LDL cholesterol molecules (not large amounts, but literally large particles. They do a much better job at mopping up the bad cholesterol. One thing we can control, and the other is complete luck.
Interestingly enough, all of the scientists who are studying longevity who came across the low-calorie research all said they tried to cut their caloric intake but couldn't keep it up.
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