Frustrated at feeling less able.

I also do yoga for that reason but ours doesn’t have that meditation bit on the end it’s coreflex yoga Pilates So it’s more for strength And balance There’s loads of different types of yoga now. But you’re doing great looking after your husband and DGC so you need to take care x

I hate ladders, I get dizzy going upstairs, ? you do very well Leah50 looking after your grandchildren 30/40 hours a week must be really hard work, and btw 70 is not old,

I'm just naughty when it comes to climbing to change curtains, or a lightbulb. A sturdy chair with standing space rather than a ladder and I'm happy reaching the heights.
I've even balanced on the toilet and washbasin for the bathroom net which is tall, but I don't do that too often

I am careful though as the last thing I want are broken bones.
I hate not being able to do the things I once did with ease but I have to prove to myself that certain tasks are still not out of reach.

I suffer from vertigo so hate ladders. As I live alone I have to use one sometimes to change light bulbs etc.
I now have a 2 step lightweight set with hand rail. There is a hook to hang a bag and slot for small tools or screws. I feel very secure using it, but do wish I had gone for the 3 step version as I have a stiff shoulder now, which restricts my reaching distance. Perhaps something similar would help you.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

I too am beginning to feel nervous on ladders.

It is horrible, isn't it, having to admit that there are things we no longer can do?

Some things can be adapted. I use a three wheeler bike now, not an ordinary one.

You used to be able to get step-ladders that had a spar attached to them vertically, so you had something to hold onto while at the top of the ladder. I haven't seen one for years, but perhaps a broomstick securely lashed to the steps would do the trick and make us feel safer.

Leah you're doing really well, looking after your DH and Grandchildren too.
However, I would say that lampshades are just not worth getting upset over, so perhaps you are feeling at the end of your tether. Would your DH consider smoking outside and not in the house? Or using patches or a vaporiser? The smoke can't be good for you or the DGC, or indeed him if he is not well.

I cleaned the conservatory thoroughly this morning, as spiders seem to have made a lot of webs in here when I wasn't looking. However, I still couldn't reach the top ones which are annoying me.
We have to know our limits and also realise it would be worse if we had an accident.

My friend sends her DH out to his shed if he wants to smoke. It is a large shed though!

My mother suffered from osteoporosis which made her very fearful of falling.
I made a point of ensuring that wouldn’t happen to me so after a hysterectomy I replaced the oestrogen and still do 30+ years later. My bones are exceptionally strong for my age and I happily climb trees to prune them.

I'm not 70 yet but a couple of years ago I realised that DS would be horrified to see me balancing (or not!) on rickety stepladders.

I bought some with deep steps, and handles on both sides and across the top. I feel much safer using them but they are quite heavy to lug about.

I never touch ladders now I keep well away from them they should come with a health warning attached to them.
If I ever need anything done I have 4 strapping DGSs who I can borrow from my DD (just not at the moment) they will change lightbulbs and take down curtains for me to wash they come in handy for turning the mattress every couple of months I always make a list of jobs if I know they are going to visit.

Be thankful you have lampshades to wash! I live in a Victorian building with extremely high ceilings. I do have a step-ladder but can only manage to climb two rungs up. No lampshades, and no lightbulbs because I can't get up there to replace them.

You are doing really well Leah. Looking after grandkids is not easy.
I will be 73 in a few weeks and have had the wobbly feeling on ladders for a while. I don't do anything involving ladders now.

You have a lot on your plate Leah50 and with the current situation there is no wonder you are feeling a bit anxious.
I fell and fractured my pelvis a couple of years ago and while I made a good recovery it has left me anxious about uneven or slippery surfaces. I look at taking an alternative route now or ask to hold on to someone if necessary. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You are caring for your husband and grandchildren so get help with the other jobs you need to do. Take care of yourself.