ACT Blog

Handicapped? Using a Walker Has its Benefits. Like Walking!

By: Joe Ball

I’ve heard it said that “when you age – – the feet & legs are first to go”.

True – – as it affects me.

But first some good things about aging.

I’m soon to be 88.

I feel good … from the waist up.   Downward, well no comment . . .

I have neuropathy .

That’s where the nerves in the feet take a never-to-return vacation.

The result is loss of balance.

And loss of balance is a major problem.  Major!  So major, I want to say it again, this way:

“Don’t fall down!”

To fall, as a senior harboring brittle bones, could result in months of rehab, or a perpetual,

forever, horizontal position.  Underground!

I’m on a walker.

That’s good. I’m walking!

I’m here.  Living!

So, What Else Is Good?

                 There are residual benefits of being “handicapped”:

They include:

… Having a vehicle “Handicapped” sign.

I don’t drive.

But, I have  a driver.  (Thank you long-term insurance.)

I’m in a car every day able to get to and from my office.   Also, to the radio station

where the interview shows I produce  are aired …  plus shopping trips … library … family social & business visits.  …

Here are more  of the positives:

… Experiencing impromptu courtesies from people from all walks of life.

… When entering a restaurant, a medical office, a library, an office,  someone seated will

almost, without exception offer  me their chair.  Applause to them!

…  The few times I’ve taken a train, or plane, the carrier’s personnel have been excellent.

A wheel chair is available.  Attending personnel are well trained and pleasant – – and understanding of needs.

… On my walker outdoors … within a shopping center …  inside a business building  …strangers

smile and say, or without them even speaking to me,  their body language  says, “Can I help you!”

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There are the negatives:

…  To be standing with my walker  in front of a seated person who is aware of my condition, but stays glued to their seat.

• The most common individuals so doing are teenagers.

I think to myself, “Didn’t their parents ever teach common courtesy, or respect for elders”

Problems for users of walkers, that I have experienced, include:

… Uneven pavements:  The cracks, ridges, will suddenly stop the walker’s movement causing the user to lurch forward.  Dangerous.

… Hills: Going up is difficult.  Going down is dangerous.  The walker’s wheels , because of gravity pull ahead, which could result in a fall.

… Doors:  Try to  open a door, pushing or pulling with hands off the walker.  It’s  a  balancing problem.

… Darkness:  If you can’t see what is on the ground in front of you  – – stay put!

… Misc:  Dangerous slippery surfaces.  High curbs.  Jostling people.  Entering & exiting vehicles.

…  And the possibility of getting round-shouldered, by hunching over the walker while pushing.

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Positive Thinking

• Being handicapped is also a great “door-opener” for conversation with strangers.

Especially those with a limp, cane, walker or wheelchair.

People like to talk about their own causes & treatments.

I give them an opportunity  (“What  caused your situation?”)  That often leads to  an interesting conversation.

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Other’s problems usually are much more troublesome then mine.

Example: I have a long-time friend who just had one leg amputated about the knee.  Ugh!

I feel fortunate … & thankful.

Life is Good!

I think:  “My handicap isn’t that bad!”

I’m occupied every day.

I’m still in business  —  61 years of doing what I enjoy doing.

I laugh my way through the day.

I have wonderful support from others.  Especially, my wife of 59 years, Sandy,  my children, Bob, Yelane & Nan, my long- time clients & business associates, and a staffer of about 37 years, Kathy Newmiller.

Reading newspapers, cover-to-cover , is one of  my prime pleasures.

Another is meeting our radio show interviewee guests . That  allows me to be in the company of intelligent, interesting men & women from diversified businesses, & interests, & accomplishments.

Helping others with lessons  I’ve leaned over a lifetime brings good feelings.

Another pleasure is being aware of Mother Nature.

I appreciate sunsets.   They are magnificent in their beauty of shape & colors.

I wonder at trees, thinking that there are billions & billions of them – – and no two alike.

Today’s technology.  How is it all possible?

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A Personal Scare

Recently, I did have a frightening experience in one of my doctor’s offices.

I was seated, waiting for my turn to be attended.

When called, I started to get up, I lost my balance, falling backwards.

Automatically, I  tried to stop the descent by reaching for my chair, and – – it gave way instead of  giving support.

My wife, Sandy, who was next to me, quickly, spontaneously, took my arm.

My backward motion was stopped.

No fall!

Later,  I thought to myself:

“If there’s going to be a fall, the best place for it to happen is – – in a doctor’s office.