Donstar

My brother is planning to retire this year. He will be in his mid-seventies. Money has not dictated when he can retire so I suspect health is his incentive to retire at this time. Like our Dad, he is difficult to talk with on matters related to health. Stoic is what some would say. I say suffering in silence is a waste. We don't want to be that person who is always complaining but it is mutually beneficial to talk with your peers about your health concerns. I'm always suspicious of anyone in their 70's saying they're in good health! Yes, you may be in good health with consideration to age related health issues, but you still have health concerns. It is surprising how therapeutic it is to share your worries with someone. It is not typically something men do but that doesn't mean it's wrong.

There is a seniors shopping list that rivals preparing for a new born! My pre-op shopping list is largely comprised of essentials I've tossed or donated following the passing of senior family members! Shower chair, toilet seat riser, two wheeled walker, walking poles, etc. etc. I had a good chuckle last night as I was looking through marketplace for local deals on some of this equipment. My search history has certainly "evolved"! I turned off my computer for the night when I found myself comparing reviews on $15 vs $18 walker skis. The icing on the cake was when I found myself checking with my wife if she has seen any old tennis balls in our treasures! If you don't know why I was looking at walker skis or looking for tennis balls, they are high performance options that will eventually find their way onto your shopping list!

I've watched several YouTubes on shoulder surgery. Recovery can be nasty and hopefully the good will soon triumph for you, Diyer2! I was interested in hearing about your surgery last September. I have learned to avoid using my bad shoulder while waiting for surgery but this inactivity can do more harm than good in the recovery process! I hope to receive the call very soon!

Yesterday, I had two hours of pre-op for upcoming knee surgery. I know surgery won't end my pain as significant osteoarthritis is home in many joints. (I still have to wait until I have my shoulder replacement before this knee.) The pre-op is for preparing you to make the most from surgery. I have no delusion that my pain will disappear. My pre and post surgery behavior will impact the outcome and I plan to make the best of my aftermarket parts. I also know my pain will get a lot worse for awhile but with a lot of hard work, my timeline of decreasing mobility will be extended. One major benefit of joint replacement is reducing strain and wear on compensating joints. For example, I can manage with a bad left knee but the added strain on my less arthritic right knee will find me prematurely immobile. The strain a dysfunctional knee places on other joints, even shoulders, is significant. I agree that surgery is a last resort and shouldn't be used if the problem can be fixed by lifestyle changes. I have two major joints that will be replaced to afford my stock parts a more gradual retirement. I also have some sad surgical outcomes I could share and I hate that this happens. My wife cried after participating in my pre-op because even the most common surgeries have risks. She also has experienced life altering surgeries but appreciates the sometimes less desirable trade-off of allowing nature to take its course.

My primary lenses get most of the options: transition, progressive, thin/light and protective coating. I'm old enough to remember what it was like to wear heavy, ugly, coke bottle glasses. I can also remember "Wayne" in my grade one class who was the only other kid with "four eyes". Funny how I was made to feel like an oddball wearing glasses but now realize how lucky I was to have such progressive parents. So many of the kids who would taunt me were probably struggling in school because of undiagnosed poor vision. In high school I knew kids who wouldn't wear glasses even if they were needed. I see this type of reluctance with some of my peers with respect to mobility aids. They won't use a walker or a cane for fear of looking weak. You will garner much more respect when you are doing something to compensate for a weakness. I took my cane with me when we went for a walk last night. My wife was much more relaxed and a neighbor complimented me on my mobility. I know my wife will be much happier when I use my $400 walker outside but I still have a little high-school attitude!

Will the surgery help function? I know surgeries are often an effort to prevent or slow down worsening symptoms but I sincerely hope this one gives you some gains!

It also pays to shop around for eyewear. Prices vary and I haven't noticed a commensurate variation in quality. Yes, I appreciate knowing the source of my new glasses and prefer to support local business. My optometrist of 27 years works in an office with other optometrists. They have a section of their office with a limited supply of glasses for sale. They cater to clients who prefer the convenience and will pay extra for one stop shopping. I have purchased from there two times in the past and ended up both times with poor fitting glasses. I get much better service from a store in the mall that specializes in selling glasses and only offers limited access to an optometrist. Their staff are trained in selling glasses and strive for repeat customers. I go to one place that specializes in developing the best prescription for my eyes and go to another store that specializes in filling my prescription!

Choose the frames with adjustable nose pads. The pads can be adapted to the shape of your nose and pads can be replaced with anti-slip silicon for no charge. A proper fitting pair of glasses will feel comfortable and not slip or fall off. A properly trained technician will leave you with proper fitting glasses.

My prescription has remained the same for a few years but I also like to have the health of my eyes checked. A lot can change over a year. I went to a 2 for 1 place to purchase my new glasses and chose to upgrade my prescription sunglasses for the second pair. I decided to go with non-polarized. I have chosen polarized sunglasses for decades because I thought this was an upgrade. There are some downsides to polarization and these outweigh the advantages for me at this time in my life. I am curious to hear from others what they chose and why. My big issue was not being able to read the digital displays in my truck and on my trike when wearing polarized lenses.

I had my annual vision screening last week and ordered two new pairs of glasses. The second pair are prescription sunglasses. I will use them primarily for riding my Harley Freewheeler on sunny days. The technician asked me if I wanted the sunglass lenses polarized. I have always said yes to this question thinking that for a little more money you get better sunglasses! I asked her why I wouldn't want to have this option and discovered there are pros and cons to polarized and that i may have a better experience without! Who knew!

You should do your due diligence when taking care of health needs. Procedures like a colonoscopy may result in a negative reaction and you should be informed of the potential risks. I've had a couple of scares over the past year resulting in extensive colon and prostate screening. The latter did have one of the known negative side effects but currently all is well. The chances of long term survival from colon and prostate cancers are greatly increased with early detection by these intrusive methods. I have witnessed first hand the results of colon and prostate cancers that weren't detected early. If your research leads you to declining such procedures, research the consequences of not having these tests. The potential benefit far, far exceed the risks of negative consequences in frequency and severity.

Typically/stereotypically the "fellowship and brotherhood of old dudes" is an underutilized resource. Old dudes face challenges we suffer with in silence. My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer years before his three sons found out. My brothers autopsy revealed information that shouldn't have been a surprise. He was also living with prostate cancer but it wasn't the cause of his death. Women typically are the opposite. "Girl talk" will cover topics that most men would never share with anyone but a medical or legal professional. Sometimes, we have even been known to withhold information from our Doctor! Networking with friends on health matters can be a great way to reduce anxiety for you and your male friend. Trying to find comfort on Google with a medical concern usually ends up leaving you more anxious! Anything associated to parts hidden by underwear tend to be the most concerning but the hardest to discuss. However, once you start the conversation, you will be surprised by how relatable your issues are to others!

I hope all is well. I assume a biopsy will accompany the scope. We are fortunate that technology will provide early detection and circumvent more serious problems. The procedure is minimal discomfort. Prostate checks are the butt of jokes however your fellow sufferer appreciates the trepidation you are experiencing as you are at this stage of diagnostics.

Parents adopt a parenting style that they think best and is within their abilities. We all can pat ourselves on the back when we see our kids grow into successful adults. My wife and I provided similar types of support to all three of our children and they are now three uniquely successful middle aged adults. Transitioning to adulthood is hard no matter your parents ability or willingness to pay the post secondary bill. I see the same apply in retirement. The financial part is huge but more money doesn't necessarily translate to success or failure in our golden years.

First grandchild is off to University in the fall. Times have changed but this step is still a huge milestone in a person's life. The dynamics surrounding his attendance are much different than mine but overall no more or less stressful than in our day. I once thought the the pressure on my grandson will be less because his parents helped him choose the institution and will be paying the bills. I had to earn, borrow and pay for my tuition and accommodation. My choice of post secondary institutions were influenced by cost. The pressure to succeed for me was personal and kept me on task but my grandson will be under the added pressure of parental monitoring. Students of my generation relied on paper and print. Essays were were researched by spending hours in the book stacks and were typed out letter by letter on a typewriter. Now, Google and Word may save time with such tasks but this adds commensurate expectations in quality and content. Referring to the past as simpler times does not mean they were easier or harder. The path to becoming an independent adult is exciting, scary and hard work! .... Always has - always will!

A TV show we were watching ended with a young 30 ish woman waking from a 22 year coma. The idea of this ever occurring in real life is mind boggling. One of the thoughts that came to my mind is an 80 year old friend of ours who lives her senior years in her teens and twenties. Her points of reference regarding social interactions, accomplishments, loss, love etc. will be drawn from her adolescent or young adult life. It's a struggle to try to share highlights with her about middle and senior years. It's like she wasn't present before or after her teens and twenties! I have fond memories of my youth but I live in the present. I am knowledgeable about the best walker or lift chair to buy and will openly tell you when I will be napping!

After the death of our last dog we vowed never to get another dog because we didn't want to experience such loss ever again. Well the decision to never own a dog again lasted less than two years. Twelve years ago we found a 2 year old dog in a rescue facility who asked us nicely to take her home. It's a cute story as this dog actually did appear to ask me to take her home. We've owned a few dogs but none were as communicative as this one. The number of words, phrases and signals she understands is remarkable. When she wants to tell us something she uses her body and snorts or sneezes to make us understand. If we don't understand her, she'll modify her gestures until we do understand! We compile a list of words we use and things she may "say" when we hire a dog sitter. People think we exaggerate our Star's communication skills but quickly change when they find themselves deep in conversation with a dog!

A friend had to say goodbye to her suffering dog last week and my son has just informed me that he has an appointment to say goodbye to his cat of 15+ years next week. My friend had a week's notice ahead of the final event and chose to devote all of her attention to her pet during their remaining time together. She took her beloved dog to all his favouite spots and treated him to all he wanted to eat. She lavished him with all of the love and attention she could muster. When my son called to tell me his sad story about his cat, he was a mess. I told him what my friend did and advised him to do the same. My advice was immediately adopted and is proving very helpful for him dealing with the sadness such a loss brings. When you get to be our age you have experienced death of pets and humans. Parting on a happy note makes this painful event more tolerable. Our dog is old age and has health issues. I find myself paying a little more attention to her these days. Saying goodbye to Star will be extraordinarily tough and when the end comes I wish to spend my time focusing on good memories, not regrets.

An apparently sweet, senior lady lives across the street with her middle aged son and daughter-in-law. We've met this lady a few times while out walking. She is quiet but always greets us with a smile and a hello. The son informed us yesterday that they are looking for a facility for his mother as dementia is creating an unsafe environment in their home. We were shocked when we heard what has been going on in their home over the past couple of years. You never know what goes on behind closed doors! This man found a sympathetic ear from us because we took in my mother when she really needed institutional level care many years ago. It took us a year to find my mum a proper facility after we realized we were in over our heads. That year was brutal. She returned to being my sweet old mum for six final years in a facility equipped to help her make the best out of her life. I fully appreciate the desire to give back to our aging parents and that a multi-generational home can be a beautiful environment. I urge anyone considering bringing in an aging parent to seek advice from experienced caregivers. If, after your research, you think its still a good idea, look again! Your sweet, petit, loving and wise mum/dad can unwittingly create major havoc in your otherwise peaceful home.

I remember my childhood fascination with the likes of Astronaut John Glenn going to outer space and orbiting the earth. For the past couple of days I've been fascinated by recent YouTubes of the activities surrounding the ISS. I marvel at the individuals who actively seek and qualify to be an astronaut. Their mental and physical strengths far exceed us mere mortals! I particularly enjoy the the videos of everyday life on the space station. Howard Wolowitz's version of life on the ISS was entertaining but far from reality. The coursework on using the toilet in zero gravity would be enough to scuttle any of my space travel aspirations!

I appreciate the suggestion. I found that the medical stores offer a far better selection of recliner lift chairs than furniture stores. However, the medical designation does appear to add to the price. The lift feature meets an anticipated need but I want a comfortable chair suitable for extended periods of use. I also want it to appeal to others. I remember how company would avoid my "mother's chair" even if she wasn't home. I want to have to kick people out of my chair when I enter the room!

I definitely have considered buying a used lift chair. I remember trying to sell my mom's chairs and discovered a used lift chair sells for a small fraction of its original cost. We have found a new product that will compliment our existing furniture which helps justify the price difference. Warranty and hygienic concerns also aid in our decision. Unfortunately, we've put any major purchase on hold until the external dust settles. I go in for surgery in April and might rent or buy a used clean and inexpensive chair just for the time it takes me to recover.

I have decided on a lift chair model that is found in a couple of our local medical supply stores. One store offers great customer support along with higher prices and the other store is the opposite. I will see if the former will price match. My choice is in the mid-range of the manufacturer's lineup. Several years ago I owned two of my mother's lift chairs but decided I'd likely buy my own if there was a future need. Her chairs screamed medical device and would not be used by others if she wasn't around. I unloaded hers and I have picked a chair that I'll likely have to fight for when my kids and grandkids visit!

I have days when my body protests to a point that standing from a sitting position requires assistance. "We" have decided that a medical lift chair would be a suitable replacement for my current favourite chair. I started the search process a few days ago and quickly discovered that this can be a serious investment. The basic models lure you into the store and for a few dollars more.... I'm sure a reader or two have been through the process and I would welcome your recommendations for must have features.

Aging- The Better of Two Options 1. Don't be worried about your smartphone or TV spying on you. Your vacuum cleaner has been collecting dirt on you for years. 2. If you can't think of a word, just say, “I forgot the English word for it”. That way people will think you are bilingual instead of an idiot. 3. I'm at a place in my life where errands are starting to count as going out. 4. My goal for this year was to lose 10 pounds. Only have 14 to go. 5. I just did a week's worth of cardio after walking into a spider web. 6. Senility has been a smooth transition for me. 7. I may not be that funny, athletic, good-looking, smart, or talented but … I forgot where I was going with this. 8. I love being old, I learn something new every day and forget 5 other things. 9. A thief broke into my house last night. He started searching for money, so I got up and searched with him. 10. I think I'll just put an "Out of Order" sticker on my forehead and call it a day. 11. Just remember, once you're over the hill, you begin to pick up speed. 12. Having plans sounds like a good idea until you have to put on clothes and leave the house. 13. It's weird being the same age as old people. 14. When I was a kid, I wanted to be older . . . this is not what I expected. 15. Life is like a helicopter. I don't know how to operate a helicopter either. 16. It's probably my age that tricks people into thinking I'm an adult. 17. Marriage Counselor: Your wife says you never buy her flowers. Is that true? Me: To be honest, I never knew she sold flowers. 18. Never sing in the shower! Singing leads to dancing, dancing leads to slipping and slipping leads to paramedics seeing you naked. So remember . . . Don't sing! 19. I see people about my age mountain climbing; I feel good getting my leg through my underwear without losing my balance. 20. So if a cow doesn't produce milk, is it a milk dud or an udder failure? 21. I'm at that age where my mind still thinks I'm 29, my humor suggests I'm 12, while my body mostly keeps asking if I'm sure I'm not dead yet. 22. You don't realize how old you are until you sit on the floor and then try to stand back up. 23. We all get heavier as we get older because there's a lot more information in our heads. Anyway, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.