It’s spring in Australia and the birds know it. Early morning solos with choir practice later. Harmony.
Emphasised beauty of nature to eye and ear.

Lazy Bobtails sunning themselves near the veggie patch. Ducks flying overhead, Galahs vocally securing rentals in the hollow Tuarts. Bees buzzing in my lavender patch.
A wonderful time of peace and reflection.

Strangely, it was a reflection which recently disturbed my calm. I caught sight of myself in a glass door at work. Stooped and tubby. At first, I stopped to allow the elderly woman ahead. And I’ve been reflecting about my reflection ever since.

Sitting quietly on my garden bench today, I now think of Risk Factors for the Elderly. Lists and lists of them. Disturbing Facts We Must Know if we are to live to be at least 96, like our beloved late Queen.
Diabetes risk. Heart Risk. Falls risk. Dementia Risk.

And most of my friends are Worried. Previously easy-going girls are now counting calories. Instead of sitting in gardens (or gardening) and reflecting on the beauty of nature they are frantically playing Sudoku and Mah-jong. Off to play Bridge. Cycling three times a day. Rushing off to Tai Chi. Husbands are complaining that they never see their wives. It’s even impacting old style gatherings. “Sorry, no cake- I must watch my cholesterol and my blood sugars,” says a friend, frowning. “Actually, no coffee either-just read that cafestol and kahweol in coffee increases cholesterol! “she said, looking at my flat white with horror. “Maybe next time we can go for a walkie talkie around the block?”

Furrowed brows are worsening into permanent scowls. It seems all this risk aversion is depressing older woman who are continually worried about not doing enough to prevent their futures.
Yet, stress is known to be a negative factor for all health issues, so surely, we should forget the figures and age gracefully, calmly and peacefully? Being held accountable for every health issue to come is a heavy burden and probably the biggest Risk Factor to our health.

We may yet squeeze the joy out of everything in removing any possible risk to longevity. Everything in moderation. Balance is probably what it’s about.

With my coffee leaning on my tummy as I close my eyes and savour the sounds and peace in my garden right now, it’s a perfect balance! And I’m happy in this moment.