Let's say you retire at age 65 or there about. The adjustment to retirement is usually difficult unless you have some hobbies, like woodworking, traveling, golfing or club work. Some people get involved in community activities such as hospital aides, substitute teaching, etc. At least for several years.
Then, we who thought we would never get sick, do so! We become unable to walk without a cane, and our diets often undergo major changes. We have eye problems, hearing problems, dental problems, knee problems, and sometimes, hip problems. These are disconcerting and result in various changes in our physical lifestyles in many instances.
You know how senior retirees spend much of their time? Looking for misplaced items like eyeglasses and keys! (And countless other items.)
Extraordinary amounts of time are also spent trying to open or unwrap all plastic enclosed items and dog food sacks. Even candy snacks. A pair of scissors should be located at a convenient place in every room. And lids on liquid products are usually wrapped in mind-boggling arrangements of plastic-like material that has to be removed before you can unscrew the lid. You cut through the plastic stuff and then you need a pair of pliers to unscrew the lid. In the process of all this opening stuff, one is likely to spill a substantial amount of the container's liquid contents, and a mess has to be cleaned up.
You are likely to have forgotten where you put the pliers, and where in the heck is the dishwasher sponge? (Unless you are wearing a carpenter's tool belt with the necessary items.)
It is an exercise in patience to deal with declining memories, eyesight, teeth, hearing, strength, and appearance.
On the other hand, it is an exercise in love, faith, and consideration for each other.
-- Louis Houston is a resident of Siloam Springs. His book "The Grape-Toned Studebaker" is available locally and from Amazon.com. Send any questions or comments to [email protected] or call 524-6926. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Community on 08/24/2016