Adventures in Eldercare September 2024

Pearls of Wisdom from a Soon-to-be Senior

I never thought that I would quote the adage, ‘Age is just a number’ so often. I seem to need to remind myself frequently that the date on the calendar is just that, only a number.  I am in good health and feel young, but that does not change the fact that next month I will be 65.  I have already received information from the government relating to the Old Age Security (OAS) benefit, the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program and just to round it out nicely a pamphlet called Physical Activity Tips for Adults over 65 arrived in the mail.

This is a big birthday; a lot of things change on this day.  It has certainly caused me to reflect on my life, since I can’t ignore the fact any longer that I am well into the back nine and heading for that big clubhouse in the sky.  All joking aside, I have taken a bit of time and compiled a list of the wisdom I have acquired over these 65 years on earth.  I have been writing down points for over a month and the list is surprisingly short.  But none the less, I proceed.

What I have learned this far.

-If I am going to remember to do something I need to write it down. Lists have kept me organized my entire life. I still prefer notebooks, Post-it notes and paper calendars.

-Always keep your wheels straight while in an intersection waiting to make a left-hand turn. If your wheels are turned and you are bumped from behind by another car, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.

-Drinking water almost always helps a headache

-Unsweetened Iced Tea is a great switch up from just plain water and it has zero calories

-It is best practice to wear protective gloves when chopping hot peppers

-Never overstay your welcome, short visits have value

-Question everything, read the fine print

-Don’t stand in line when they announce your plane is about to load. You have an assigned seat, just relax

-Make your bed every day, as soon as you wake up. This small act of discipline starts your entire day on the right track.

-This last one is just my pet peeve. Would people stop putting out their old appliances and furniture out on the curb, thinking that it will miraculously disappear? In reality, the junk sits there for weeks and rots.

Well, there it is. A bit of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way. I’ll update this list when I’m 70, see if I learn anything new over the next five years.  I’m sure I will, I’ll keep you posted.

Adventures in Eldercare has been an ongoing dialogue on ageing successfully.  Written by Dr. Bruce Veltri, co-owner and media publicist for Victoria Eldercare, a non-medical home care agency providing care for Norfolk Seniors since 2010. Dr. Veltri can be reached through our web-site victoriaeldercare.com or by e-mail at drbruce@victoriaeldercare.com