#いまあなたに伝えたいこと(16) 松山への新しい一歩 — 体と心のバランスを大切にする日々　(英語版) A New Step Toward Matsuyama - Living While Valuing the Balance of Body and MindLooking ahead to life after New Zealand, I am preparing my exercise, health, daily life, and finances at my own pace.

The gym I had attended for ten years closed last year, and I have begun a new routine at another gym. On Mondays I attend evening classes of UBOUND and Pilates. Tuesdays are for rhythm exercise, Zumba, and swimming classes covering the four strokes. Wednesdays include butterfly practice, aqua aerobics, the four-stroke swimming class, and Tai Chi. On Fridays I join belly dance, lymphatic stretching, and another four-stroke swimming class. Saturdays include challenge fin swimming, backstroke practice, and finally an aerobics class.

The amount of exercise is considerable, but I adjust it at my own pace. Including traveling by electric bicycle, my body is fully active every day.

After returning home, I take care of my body with self-treatment such as acupuncture, press needles (Pyonex), moxibustion, and medicated patches. There are moments when I feel that “I am actually a very good acupuncturist for myself.”

From March 12 to April 13, I will stay with my eldest son’s family in New Zealand. This is something I do every year, but this time my husband adjusted his work schedule so that we can attend the birthday celebration of our second grandchild, a baby girl.

After returning to Japan, I will move into Matsuyama Eden no Sono, a senior residence that functions much like an apartment complex. I waited nearly five years for my preferred room, and I finally signed the contract last November. My husband will probably join me one or two years later because of his work. Residents must be able to live independently in order to enter.

Next to the residence is a general hospital called Bethel Hospital. A free shuttle bus jointly operated with the facility runs once every hour and takes about twenty minutes to reach the city center. Matsuyama is known as a “compact city,” and most daily necessities can be found in the downtown area. Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous hot springs, is also very close.

After moving to Matsuyama, my first priority will be to establish a healthy daily rhythm. My room has its own kitchen, bath, and toilet, but I plan to have most of my meals in the large dining hall on the second floor, where three meals totaling about 1600 kcal per day are served. Because of my gym schedule, lunch may sometimes be something simple. In the evenings I do not want to push myself too hard, so I plan to join the gym as a daytime member and leave by 6 p.m.

I will also arrange the transfer of my medical records to the nearby hospital, make a reservation for next year’s full medical checkup at the Japanese Red Cross Hospital, and visit the dental clinic located right in front of Eden no Sono regularly.

As for hobbies and activities, I plan to enjoy them without rushing. Unfortunately I will not be able to continue belly dancing in Matsuyama, but I hope to maintain my physical fitness through UBOUND, Tai Chi, and swimming. I have also been asked about the possibility of helping establish a Matsuyama branch of the Toyo Hari Medical Society, an organization to which I have belonged for many years. I may try that once my daily life becomes more stable.

For work, I plan first to submit the necessary notification to the public health office for home-visit acupuncture practice. At the same time, I would like to look for a part-time job at an acupuncture clinic if possible. Regarding English, I am considering online private lessons that I can conduct at my own pace.

For us, this residence is quite an expensive contract. We are not entirely sure whether our pension alone will fully cover the management fees and meal costs. However, our son has told us that he would like to help if necessary. We did not ask him to do so, but apparently he discussed it with his tax accountant and his wife. Since we paid a considerable amount for his education, he seems to feel that he would like to give something back in his own way.

I have already written a will and plan to formalize it as a notarized document. I am also registered for body donation after death. After cremation, the responsibility of collecting my ashes will be entrusted to my guardian or my husband. I do not want a grave, and I would prefer that my ashes be scattered by a professional service.

I have thought through these matters step by step. I will move forward calmly and try things one at a time. If something does not work out, that is simply how it is. With a clear and peaceful mind, I look forward to this new chapter of life and the challenges that may come with it.

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