We are so glib (inside) when there is nothing wrong with us. When things start falling apart we are a shivering mass of jelly. When we are not aware of our bodies it's bliss, but that is forever changed when we encounter accident, illness. From then on we are more wary, suspicious, paranoid (or so everyone says) and self-aware. The world feels a more dangerous place.
My family (all over 70) have had a bunch of accidents (3 busted feet already this year). I broke my arm falling on concrete 3 years ago, range of movement will never return. Facing a failing body is facing our mortality.
Social media has easy answers. Those "answers" don't work for the aging. They usually involve having/setting goals, making lists, going places, being positive, communicating, loving, caring for others. All good things but for someone with dementia or waylaid by breaks etc, this doesn't always work. Memes especially are the rage.
What has set me thinking about this more than usual is the neglect in nursing homes. It's on the news and it's escalating and it's scary. I spoke with a close friend about this yesterday and we both decided it wasn't for us. But what can we do about it if it comes to others making decisions for us because we can't, our children deciding it's time to move mum on, on to a home that's not hers.
Like the Bible says, "When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
I'm definitely digging my heels in.
My family (all over 70) have had a bunch of accidents (3 busted feet already this year). I broke my arm falling on concrete 3 years ago, range of movement will never return. Facing a failing body is facing our mortality.
Social media has easy answers. Those "answers" don't work for the aging. They usually involve having/setting goals, making lists, going places, being positive, communicating, loving, caring for others. All good things but for someone with dementia or waylaid by breaks etc, this doesn't always work. Memes especially are the rage.
What has set me thinking about this more than usual is the neglect in nursing homes. It's on the news and it's escalating and it's scary. I spoke with a close friend about this yesterday and we both decided it wasn't for us. But what can we do about it if it comes to others making decisions for us because we can't, our children deciding it's time to move mum on, on to a home that's not hers.
Like the Bible says, "When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
I'm definitely digging my heels in.
