Monday, July 02, 2012
Old people grunting
On last week's Dr Zorba show, someone asked why old people tend to make noises when they sit down or get up. Zorba didn't have an answer, and there probably isn't one.
I'd noticed it in myself for the last ten years or so. Doesn't make any sense, because my joints aren't painful or stiff.
Once or twice a year my back goes bad for about a week. This causes painful noises, but it's been happening since I was 20, so it wouldn't account for the recent onset of grunting.
This morning I suddenly realized that I don't make noises in the morning. It seems to start after noon and peak at bedtime. Still doesn't make a lick of sense. If anything, the circadian pattern should be the other way around. When my back is on the fritz, it's worst in the morning.
= = = = =
Few days later, after some conscious focus: the grunting and groaning happens when I'm tired, regardless of time. Maybe it's a motivational sound to break through inertia and get some effort underway. Maybe the codger's "Mmmmp" is the wrinkly equivalent of the karate master's "Hayaaah!"
I'd noticed it in myself for the last ten years or so. Doesn't make any sense, because my joints aren't painful or stiff.
Once or twice a year my back goes bad for about a week. This causes painful noises, but it's been happening since I was 20, so it wouldn't account for the recent onset of grunting.
This morning I suddenly realized that I don't make noises in the morning. It seems to start after noon and peak at bedtime. Still doesn't make a lick of sense. If anything, the circadian pattern should be the other way around. When my back is on the fritz, it's worst in the morning.
= = = = =
Few days later, after some conscious focus: the grunting and groaning happens when I'm tired, regardless of time. Maybe it's a motivational sound to break through inertia and get some effort underway. Maybe the codger's "Mmmmp" is the wrinkly equivalent of the karate master's "Hayaaah!"
Labels: coot-proofing
¶ 5:13 AM
