ACT Blog

Better Then the Alternative

As one grows older, one experiences things that normally don’t happen to those in their

twenties and thereabouts.

But a message to young  people – – Just Wait!

The following is on the horizon for you, and already here for me.

… Friends I’ve made in elementary school, high school, boy scouts & back-of-house

driveway areas are sometimes recognizable.  Not always.

… So many of my  older acquaintances are using canes, or, uh-oh, walkers.

… One of the first sections I read in the daily newspapers are – – the obituary and

death notice sections (“Please. Please.  Have no one  I know be there”).

… People  from my distant past, who might  not have been  friendly, now are quite friendly.

(We have something in common:  Survival!)

… I recognize I’m living in an IT world, where everyone has an IPhone, GPS and Google

for information.  Yes, I can’t give up reading newspapers – – from cover to cover.

… The one custom-made, expensive suit I purchased at least 25 years ago for “special

occasions” has never been worn.  Never.  And now it’s too large to wear.

… I read all the ads for hearing aids, diabetes control, nerve damage to the feet – – and

pay attention to the TV ads offering solutions to the aforementioned.

… Should you get a later model car then the one you have been driving for many years,

it comes with new gadgets, services, devices – – that never get used (because you don’t know how).

But you pay for them!

… You are now called “Mr.”  – –  if you’re called at all.

… When you receive invitations to after-dark events – – you just don’t go.

… The worst part of your day is – – exercising. UGH.

…. You might stop shaving every day.

… Your barber gives you a discount, not because you have less hair to cut (thought there is much

less) but because you are a senior citizen

… There are possessions rarely used, and maybe never will be used, that should be thrown

out – – but you can’t get yourself to do so.

… Your appetite goes down – – but not your stomach.

…  Your new friends are your eye doctor, dentist, family physician, podiatrist, audiologist and

dermatologist.   Yes, you  will like Medicare.

… When driving, especially at night, you can’t read the street signs.

… Question?  When did the cost of everything get so high?

… And now it’s inevitable that when you drop a coin, pen, pill (pills become part of your daily

routine)  they find a hiding place.

… When you can’t find your glasses;  look on top of your head.

But, with all of the above, life is good . . .  And much better than the alternative.

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