Bat Wing Arms: Aging, the Gift That Just Keeps Giving
Updated: Oct 2
One T-shirt-warm day, my toddler grandson and I were outside waving at the street sweeper driver when, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something waving besides my hand.
“Ack!”
The skin beneath my bicep flapped back and forth like an inflatable air dancer in front of a used-car lot.
Cue horrified face.
When did this happen?
“Good gosh, Batman! I Have Bat Wings!”
Had the driver seen it?
I immediately dropped my arms to my sides and scurried my grandson inside so I could GOOGLE “How to tighten loose upper arm skin.” Because when I want answers lightning fast, that’s what I do. And this qualified as an emergency situation!
In less time than it took me to type the request, GOOGLE explained why it happened and offered exercises and diet changes to build up the arm muscles and improve the appearance of loose skin.
Aging, the Gift That Just Keeps Giving!
For the most part, the why can be summed up to aging:
Collagen production slows.
Elastin fibers weaken. But at least my skin’s elastin lasted longer than the elastic in my favorite skirt.
Natural padding fat decreases. But why don’t I lose fat in the places I’d like to?
Sun damage compounds the aging effects. Payback for all those years I used tanning oil instead of sunscreen.
Cell turnover slows, and skin retains less moisture.
I’d noticed older adults with “bat wings,” but always assumed they were the result of excessive weight loss. I never dreamed I’d sport a pair myself.
After suggesting I increase my protein and water intake, GOOGLE gently informed me that while diet and exercise may improve the condition, completely remedying this particular aging phenomenon would probably require a non-surgical or surgical medical procedure.
Cue sad face.
Surgery is invasive and costly. I prefer to save my surgeries for painful things like replacing a hip or treating a rotator cuff.
The non-surgical options didn’t sound bad, but most required multiple treatments which added up to a small jackpot sum.
The Plan
So, I looked into protein powders, and the exercises GOOGLE suggested.
I don’t own the proper benches or equipment for many of the recommended exercises, but I improvised. Our coffee table worked for bench dips, and soup cans became barbells.
I had also mentioned to GOOGLE that we have a freestanding pull-up and dip station, where I jump into one chin-up a day. GOOGLE indicated I should keep that up—but lower myself very slowly afterward.
Why Couldn't I Be Like Moses?
“Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was perfect and he was as strong as a young man.” Deuteronomy 34:7 TLB
Living to a ripe old age—but maybe not until 120—and being as strong as a young man until the very end sounds great.
But not if I had to walk around the desert for 40 years with a multitude of whiny people.
When we lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I couldn’t even walk around my subdivision at 7am in July or August without whining. I definitely resemble the grumpy desert walkers more than Moses.
And the Bible didn’t say Moses’ skin was smooth and supple when he passed from this world.
The Apostle Paul’s Words Are More Applicable
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 NIV
Unlike Paul, I have not learned the secret to being content in every situation.
In the meantime, while I try to learn to be content with my bat wings, I might as well try some of GOOGLE’s suggestions.
So, I added protein powder to my yogurt—except when I forgot. I faithfully performed the suggested exercises daily—except when I was overwhelmed by my day or, well, forgot.
Do you see a pattern here?
But you know, the temperature in coastal Oregon is mild most of the year. I can easily wear long sleeves year-round and conceal my “air dancer” arms.
Which is how it went unnoticed for so long anyway.
One More GOOGLE Search
Actually, I thank the Lord that I have been fortunate to live long enough to experience the effects of aging.
So, if you wave to me on a short-sleeve-warm day, don’t be surprised when I respond with a head nod … unless I develop a turkey neck.
Hey, I need to wrap this up so I can GOOGLE how to prevent loose skin on my throat.
May you enjoy the wisdom you gain as you age, find a little humor in the changes along the way, and learn to be content in all situations.
Blessings,
Angela
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Angela L. Gold is an encourager who shares the love of Christ in her writing. She is the author of The Lion Within and Kill Shot.
