Changing Body Image

Age is venerated in China. The older a person, the more respect he or she receives. The Chinese believe that the elderly come to the point that their lives resonate with the harmony of the universe, the Tao. If you visit China and go for an early morning stroll in a nearby park, you will see thousands of people doing their morning exercises. Most of these people will be practicing Tai Chi, the dance-like martial art and health exercise. Many are in their seventies and eighties. Some are even older. Tai Chi is a relatively recent newcomer to the shores of the United States, arriving approximately forty years ago.

As a senior, you must shop around to find the right teacher, someone who is sensitive to your special needs. There are many excellent teachers of Tai Chi who do not know how to teach seniors. An older teacher is probably better than a young one. He or she probably understands your needs. Find out how long the teacher has studied Tai Chi. Does he or she have any credentials? Certification? It is equally important that the teacher has a background in working with people such as a high school teacher or a psychologist. Steer clear of teachers who emphasize the martial arts aspects of Tai Chi.

Dear WholeFamily Counselor, I am in my sixties. So is my husband. I feel deeply connected to him. But I feel flat sexually. I just don't have the energy for it anymore. What should I do? Concerned About Sex at Sixty A Dear Concerned About Sex at Sixty, Throughout the life of a normal, healthy person there are ups and downs in our sexual desires. People who are harried, worried or under extreme emotional stress often feel flat about sex. As we grow older we can still enjoy sex but sometimes the drive is somewhat muted. This can be due to physical factors, or the reasons mentioned above. There are specialists in the field who can be consulted -- guidance counselors, sexologists and neurologists and they have means of assisting those concerned about the problem.

Dear Ma, One of the questions on my mind these days is the body and aging. I'd love your input. Does one accept the natural changes of the body? Does one fight them, go with the flow or find a way to stay firm and fit and invest the necessary time and effort? I was thinking about your running the New York marathon and the kids telling their friends with great pride, "My grandmother ran the marathon." I loved talking to you after you trained. You sound energized and full of the spirit of the thing. You told me once that it had helped you build stamina and discipline for other challenges of life, and that the marathon people stressed that what was important was doing one's personal best.

Dear Fa, Over the years, we have exchanged opinions on how to respect and care for our bodies, tbe aware of the body, respect limitations, and be on guard for injury. Today there is a strong emphasis on aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility for every age. A personal trainer at the neighborhood gym believes that these three components are essential for healthy living. Recently, he helped a ninety-year-old woman get stronger with lifting weights twice a week and so he is convinced that no matter what the age, anyone who really wants to and is disciplined can make significant change.