Aging Inconveniences -by Cherrie Thornton
I call it my “List of Aging Inconveniences,” all these things and accommodations that, at 80+, I have to deal with. No option, they’re there. Various meds and surgeries (I am so grateful about knee replacements) have kept me going in reasonably good shape. I think about how it must have been for my parents and grandparents and on back in the past. They may not have lived as long, but they likely experienced arthritis pain, cataracts, and other ailments that made their lives difficult. Be grateful, I tell myself
So, when I have to remember eye drops, hearing aids, the vaporizer, and on and on, I add them to my list and say to myself be glad, you’re still here to make that list.
It’s time to turn this to the positive and remind myself of all the good things I have. First, family and friends, so important on how they enrich my life. A few weeks ago I travelled to Florida and had the opportunity to visit with my youngest (by 15 years) brother. We were never really close; I was almost out of the house when he was born. The past several years, we kept in touch by occasional brief visits and texting, but there is nothing like being next to someone for a conversation of any length. I came away from that visit feeling so happy. We are the last two of my generation, and I don’t want to lose track of him again.
I also find a lot of value in giving by volunteering. I get a sense of purpose and connection to my community. I love living in Fort Collins, in a neighborhood where people offer to help me out, especially when we get more than three inches of snow. The other day, I realized I have now lived in this city over half my life. Wow! I had to stop and think about that.
Now how do I want to experience this last part of my life? I think I’ll start a “List of Positive Things to Do”. Stay active, move about, walk, exercise, get out the that chair and off the couch. Turn off the TV and read a book (I prefer a real book but, ok, Kindle is fine also). Try a change of pace. I am now learning Tai Chi. I have been curious what it was all about and find myself challenged to coordinate arms and legs into some kind of “flow”. It feels good for both body and brain.
A reminder from The Beatles: "I get by with a little help from my friends."
Cherrie Thornton grew up in New York state and Florida, where she graduated from the University of Florida in 1963 with a degree in mathematics. After working for many years as a computer programmer she earned a Masters in Counseling Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado and changed her career path to mental health and social work with older adults. Since retirement, she has enjoyed family and friends, travel, painting, and volunteering.
