Experience with Aging

Looking forward to retirement, I dreamed of mornings I would awake whenever I wanted, then read the newspaper while sipping coffee. For hours. And then showering and planning my day. A ride here, a drive there. Errands quickly done and leisure captured once again.

Also, vacation trips were envisioned. Slow tours of the southwestern deserts. Visiting the national parks missed over the previous decades. Even time to show grandkids what the canyon southwest is all about and why it is so important. And awe inspiring!

Then came the real aging. The illnesses. The dwindling resources. The limitations on movement. Horizons crashed. Viewpoints disappeared. Perspectives changed.

Substitutions quickly appeared. We read more. We nap more. We watch documentaries more and learn what we didn’t have time for before now. I write more. I work with individuals more and share entrepreneurial experience so they can make their own futures happen, their way. And I help existing small businesses overcome challenges that are hindering their progress.

I watched past generations of my family fall into retirements frustrated by illness and limited financial resources. In time this comes to each of us. Keeping up with life changes is challenging. Maintaining life quality is more and more difficult.

At least I have eyesight, hearing and a brain that works. The body, not so much. But the will and ability to keep on plugging remains.

This gives me time and motivation to mentor, write and grow.

Long ago I championed the rights and freedoms of our Black brothers and sisters. Then I supported women’s rights. Gay rights were more personal, but I fought for this truly all my life. When my parents entered retirement and aged beyond hospice, I bemoaned the loss of our vast community memories. When senior citizens are lost to us, a bit of our social history leaves, too. That is why I asked for senior housing programs and other services that would retain their quality of life and long life to remain in our community.

Now I face that reality, too. It is uncomfortable. A little scary. And breathtaking. Wait! That’s the emphysema!! Oh well, alternatives are available. Now to find them and use them. And keep on smiling! That helps.

April 27, 2022

 

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