Tuesday, September 9, 2008

The Elderly

What would be your definition of the old folks? Getting old seems like it takes a long time, until you get there, and you ask yourself "where did the time go"? When we were young and complained to mom I wish I was older, she would say "why are you in such a hurry, you are young such a short time, so don't rush it just have patience. She was right it seems like yesterday I was young and care free, but the years flew by, I know the older folks will agree with me.

I wish I would of kept a record book of my life, then I would know everything I did. The reason for this is when some one mentions something I did or said I could look it up and see if they are right. Aging is not a disease, it occurs differently in each of us. The beginnings of change in the five senses are as follows; in the 50's it is vision, taste late 50's, smell mid 70's, , of course we do not experience these in any noticeable order. Some elderly may not experience any of these changes. I know some older people that can work circles around people younger than they are. What ever changes come most older adults are in pretty good health. Look at the changes in medicine and the life saving devices we have now days, this has increased life expectancy greatly.

Here is a number of ways old age can be defined; 40 years may be discriminated for employment, 55 individuals qualify for subsidized employment and can learn new work skills, 62 you can take early retirement, however with people living longer people born after 1938 can work until age 67 and at age 70 is mandatory retirement in some professions.

Old age consists of ages nearing or surpassing the average life span.. We have wrinkles or liver spots on the skin, our hair turns grey or white or we can lose our hair. We can lose some or all hearing, loss of reaction, and our ability to think or recall memories. The life expectancy in the United States for women is 80 years and for men it is 77 years. Lets face it we start getting older each at birth. You can visit the Ohio Department of Aging web site here. Please feel free to comment, I would like to know what you think of aging.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...
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Margaret Cloud said...

Thank you She's Gone Fishing for coming by, I will be stopping by your blog soon, thanks for the tag, I have had you book marked for some time so I know how to get to your blog site.

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

On Oct.6 I will be 55 years old. The way I think of it is that I am blessed with every day day my Lord gives to me. This was a very insightful post. Kiley has made a new post...Have a good night..m..

Mary said...

I've actually scared myself a few times when I've looked into the mirror and seen a complete stranger starring right back at me. I do have this sneaking suspicion that I am going to be as cranky as ever when I start to feel( or act) my actual age.

Irene said...

Hello,
Old age is a tricky thing, it is true. I am glad I'm growning up because I can now do things I couldn't as a child or adolescent. Growing up means knowledge, confidence, and opening up to opportunities.
I am quite proud of my graying hair (I am not 40 yet, but still...), although my daughters insist I should color it.
When it comes to old age, I'd love to be a welcoming, cuddling, cake bakind, apple picking , wise, welcoming, a little bit wierd, not snoopy but very cheerful granny. That's what I want and pray for my life.
I have seen myself changing a lot after 35. Especially since I put on quite a lot of weight. But I am more confident now in me, my looks and in my views than I was in my 20s.
Some people are born old, some grow old. And some are pleasant and desirable to be with, white hair and all; I believe you are one of them.

Kathleen said...

Hi Margaret,
I just recently turned 50, and have had some of these same thoughts. But for me, aging is a process that presents some challenges...some of them new and exciting, some of them - meh, I could do without them.

I notice the bodily changes, but still feel as young as I did when I was 10 years old, in my mind. In fact, I wih I had been half as aware at that age as I am now.

Margaret Cloud said...

Thank you Mary Isabella and Kiley too, Mary, Irene and Kathleen for making comments on this blog.

Vee said...

Just popping by to thank you for your visit to my corner and for leaving a comment.

It's a privilege to have a grandmother still going strong at 99 years of age. She's truly remarkable. I'll have to get her input on your post. I agree with the vision thing so far. ;> She just told me today that she doesn't know what's so golden about the golden years. I encouraged her to try thinking about it a different way. We're here until God calls us home so we might just as well make the best of it. Truly, I think that she has.

blessings said...

I'll be 40 on my next birthday. It's not the number that is of any significance to me. It's more that my children are ages that I clearly remember being at. That my oldest son is nearly the age that I was when he was born. That he's moving out soon and I don't know how to turn off "being mommy". He's the first one to leave home so everyone says this one is the hardest.

Truly, I'm looking forward to years alone with my husband! I'm looking forward to a new chapter, things that I didn't get to do before I became a mom at 18. But this chapter isn't quite done yet and the letting go is hard.

My grandmother is still alive but she's completely bent over and can't see a thing. I wonder how long it'll be before she's gone and my mom is the one I'll think of as elderly.

I wonder if I'm going to want this big old farmhouse when all the kids are gone. Maybe I want just one more baby even though 4 is plenty and my tubes are tied. Babies are so deliciously lovely. Mostly I'm glad the kids are old enough now that they know not to put things in their mouths and I don't have to change poopy diapers or wet beds. But the hard part is in raising them! Teaching them about what God wants for them. And homeschooling the 3R's. Boy, will I ever get it right?

Aging = Tired!

Blessings... Polly (And I wish I had done more cartwheels when my body was younger!)

Margaret Cloud said...

Thanks Vee-A Haven for Vee and Counting Your Blessings for your nice comments.

Anonymous said...

Margaret-what a sweet blog you have! I just read your post Elderly and I have a few thoughts....
Currently I work for a non profit organization that works with the elderly who want to stay in their own home (not go to a nursing home) but they need help. It is the most rewarding thing I have ever had the pleasure of getting paid to do...
I have always felt as though I were born in the wrong time. I love vintage clothing and jewelry, antiques & big band music. Perhaps being raised by my maternal grandparents has something to do with that?
One drawback (if you can call it that) to my current position is that I find myself so worried about my parents. How will they age? How can I make sure they won't need the type of assistance my organization (thank God) provides?
I have even put off having a child of my own (partly)because I feel I may need to take care of my parents.
All in all, I feel like we (as a culture) don't value our elderly. We walk past them without making eye contact or simply acknowledging their presence. We don't listen to the wisdom that their years here can bring to us, we smile and pat their hands.
I, as a personal mission, have decided to try and make hanging out with the elderly 'hip' and 'cool'. I have cocktails once a month with a group of women 70+ (they are volunteers) and I try and join in the crafts, bingo and socialization at our Adult Day Centers whenenver I can.
And I will continue to check in on your blog!!

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