What happens to your body during your 40s and 50s? Why do simple activities suddenly become more challenging as you age?
In Excuse Me While I Disappear, Laurie Notaro offers a candid and humorous look at the physical changes in midlife. Her personal experiences and observations provide both comfort and practical solutions for navigating this transformative phase of life.
Keep reading to discover honest insights about aging that will make you laugh while helping you feel less alone in your journey.
Physical Changes in Midlife
Life’s journey includes numerous mental and physical changes in midlife that require adaptation and understanding. Notaro writes that these transitions affect every aspect of daily life and require new approaches to maintain comfort and functionality.
As we age, our bodies undergo various transformations. Skin changes become particularly noticeable, with thigh areas taking on what Notaro describes as a “raw chicken” appearance. Post-shower routines now include applying body powder to manage sagging skin. Notaro recommends keeping a variety of remedies on hand, including antacids, natural remedies, and medicinal syrups to manage various discomforts.
The emergence of unwanted facial hair, particularly around the chin and neck, becomes a persistent concern. Bodies also begin to behave unpredictably, such as experiencing occasional urinary leakage that can lead to embarrassing moments, such as mistaking heated car seats for accidents.
Physical recovery becomes more challenging with age. Muscle injuries take longer to heal, and falls occur more frequently, often resulting in bruising and requiring walking assistance. Even with insurance coverage, medical expenses accumulate significantly.
The aging process affects unexpected areas of the body. Something as simple as eating a cracker can lead to dental problems, including molar damage. Toes may become painfully swollen, and muscles or tendons can unexpectedly weaken.
Adapting to Physical Limitations
To manage reduced mobility, Notaro suggests specific techniques such as the “Primate Posture” and “Elevation” method for everyday tasks. She emphasizes the importance of protecting one’s body from injury, acknowledging the increased physical vulnerability that comes with age.
Hand-related issues, such as tingling sensations, may progress to requiring wrist supports and dealing with reduced manual dexterity. Notaro notes how decreased flexibility and weight changes further complicate physical activities.
Sleep and Hormonal Challenges
Sleep becomes increasingly complex during middle age. Notaro’s nightly routine includes various medications, including Klonopin for leg movement issues. Hormone-related changes contribute to sleep disruptions, leading to insomnia and frequent night-time waking. These sleep disturbances reflect the significant impact of hormonal changes during middle age.
Psychological Changes in Midlife
Notaro faces mortality head-on through her examination of personal health statistics, yet manages to approach this serious topic with a light touch. This is particularly evident in her humorous description of a comedy performance where she portrays herself “bitch-slapping Death.”
As people progress through middle age, they often experience significant mental shifts. Notaro notes that fear tends to diminish with age, though this observation isn’t extensively explored. Her life story reveals how various challenges and transitions have shaped her identity over time.
Humor emerges as a key coping mechanism throughout the book. Notaro acknowledges that physical discomfort becomes a common companion as the body ages, yet she maintains a lighthearted perspective. Her friends contribute to this approach by sharing “expert tips” on handling midlife challenges with humor. Despite dealing with various conditions, including insomnia and unpredictable physical responses, Notaro maintains an optimistic outlook, finding moments of amusement even in difficult circumstances.
