Feeling Sentimental For The Elderly

Before I get started with my thoughts for this post, I want to plug another blog I started back in May. It is mainly for stories, but if I have some thoughts about writing I will probably put them over there also. The latest story is called Captain Brocc, just click on Captain Brocc to check it out


I know we haven't had a Thursdays Child for a few weeks, but I've had some other thoughts brewing in my head. I would like to share some thoughts I've had recently regarding the elderly. For the past couple of months we've been planning a trip to Florida. I haven't been to Florida since 2002, and that was a quick trip for my sisters funeral. So, in reality I haven't down there for a vacation since 2000. My dad is going to be 80 in August, so we're going to go have a birthday party. What I've been thinking about is, all of a sudden my parents have become "elderly." Since I've had this reality check, I've been more aware of the elderly. Mainly their physical characteristics. If they are bent over, if they walk slower, and just a variety of things. What really makes me wonder though, is how they must feel not being able to do the things they used to do. I currently work in the medical field. One day I was thinking about other jobs in the medical field, and how interesting, and exciting being a lifeflight paramedic would be. Then it hit me that, that is usually a job for those in the mid 20 to mid 30 year old range, and well, I have past that age range. I can't say I was devastated, or even disappointed, but that was just one event that started this train of thought. How do we go from an active, independent lifestyle, to being dependent on others. My parents are healthy and are still able to live independently but I do however see many senior citizens who aren't so fortunate. Is the growing old process like the growing up process. It's interesting when kids start having to do chores around the house. First they are excited to be able to help, then the older they get the more responsibility they get. That's when the fun wears off, but they eventually quit rolling their eyes, and they just accept it. Then all of a sudden one day they realize they've grown up, and it's time to get a job. Is that what happens when we get older? Does it happen so gradually we don't realize it? All of a sudden it just sneaks up on us and, BAM we're old? I know a lot of our problems we bring on ourselves. I also clean windows sometimes. Well, one day I was cleaning windows for a 75 yr. old lady who sat in her recliner smoking cigarettes. She coughed so much I thought she was going to hack up a lung. While I was there her 80 year old friend stopped by on her way to the YMCA to go swimming. So, I know there are some things we can do (or not do) to enjoy life as long as possible. I've just been feeling bad lately as I watch elderly people having to call a bus for a ride, or get meals brought in. I don't know why this has been on my mind so much lately, I've never really been one to freak out about my age, maybe this is my version of a midlife crisis, or maybe it's just another part of the accepting process. Whatever the reason, thanks for pondering this with me, Paul