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Getting older and older
USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Jan, 2008 by Gerald F. Kreyche
GETTING OLD IS A ONE-TIME experience, so make the most of it--and remember, getting old is not for sissies. Regardless of euphemisms such as senior citizens, gray panthers, golden agers, etc., the fact is when you're old, you're old! The important thing is to grow old gracefully and with as little anxiety as possible. It has its highlights and good points, such as escape from the nearly unending hustle-bustle of younger years when you were still trying to "make it." Many can take pleasure in seeing their children as adults and enjoy the biblical blessing of seeing one's children's children--and don't forget those senior discounts. One can take gratitude at reaching whatever age one has reached. Above all, remember the French actor Maurice Chevalier's response to the question as to how it felt to be getting older. He replied, "Not bad, when one considers the alternative."
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As with any other stage of life, there are pitfalls to be avoided and advice to be garnered. There are numerous anxieties that accompany old age, but the anticipation of these can reduce them or do away with them altogether. It is easier to confront the days ahead when one knows what they are about. Hence, this essay of purely gratuitous advice that may make old age less a "terra incognita," as it is for many.
First of all, once retired, by and large, one should not worry about saving money for the future--the future is now. Retirement automatically lessens one's expenses such as travel to and from work, new wardrobes, etc. One might think about moving into a smaller house that is less expensive and easier to maintain. It's true that one must husband one's resources, but that doesn't preclude hiring a cleaning lady or paying a teenager to cut the lawn or clean the gutters.
Do not be embarrassed at taking an afternoon nap. You still have all the energies of past years--up to noontime, that is, when most of us conk out. Doctors tell us that sleep is good for building up our immune system. (Might one add here, "If some is good, more is better"?) Those old codgers who hate the word "nap" and who eschew nap-taking probably are getting in afternoon siesta time, except that its called dozing in front of the TV. This brings to mind Shakespeare's remark about "Would a rose smell less sweet if called by any other name?"
Purchase some new items of clothing once in a while. Don't wear things until they wear out, as they probably will outlast you. A new blouse, skirt, or shirt and pair of trousers is a welcome sight to your mate--and men, get rid of those ridiculous-looking jumpsuits of yesteryear. They went out with the Lone Ranger. Besides, they always were a handicap when nature came calling in a hurry. Along this line, don't be obsessed with looking like a teenager. Who would want to, especially these days with the hip-huggers for girls and the pants falling-down for boys? Be proud that you have made it to this age and follow the advice you gave your kids to "act your age."
Take seriously the truism in regard to the uselessness of worrying. As a farmer might say, "Worrying never pulled a stump or plowed a field." One writer claimed there is a worry spot in the brain that insists on being filled at all times and that's why when one gets rid of one worry another immediately takes it place. Know that worry is a part of the human condition and you just have to live with it. So don't worry about worries.
When in the presence of others, don't announce your medical problems or annoyances of old age. Others don't want to hear your problems; they want to tell their own. Be a patient listener. They will praise you as a great conversationalist. Don't be offended at jokes about seniors. Some of them truly are funny, poking fun at forgetfulness, hearing loss, etc. For instance, an old geezer whose vision was poor needed a partner in golf to see where he hit the ball. The Starter said he has just the right fellow in mind--an oldster who had a successful cataract operation and has eyes like a hawk. A good match, one thinks. When the first man hits the ball, he asked his partner if he saw it. "Yes," said the man, "but I forgot where it went!"
Ladies, old age is not the time to flaunt your jewelry. Faux diamonds and numerous bracelets look better on young women than the real Mc Coy on old ones. Excess jewelry just brings attention to one's wrinkles or dark skin spots. Note that octogenarian, Barbara Bush usually just wears some pearls and always looks in style. Also, do not apply makeup in excess and wear your glasses when putting it on. Smears are not beauty marks.
Avoid getting paranoid when watching the plethora of TV medicines for senior-related maladies. Like the young intern studying to become a doctor who is convinced that he has the symptoms of each disease he studies, you may feel the same way. If you really had them, you would be dead by now. An added fillip is to beware of climbing ladders, whether in the kitchen or outside the house. Falls are the most common reasons for going to the emergency room.
