(Snippets from the frontline)
Getting old sucks
Gray hair and wrinkles are just part of it. Slower mobility, loss of balance, and skin “barnacles” diminish confidence and creates inhibition, isolation, and erodes quality of life.
Bodily functions are less reliable. When you’re young, inadvertently passing gas is embarrassing. When you’re old, it is common and still embarrassing. You have to hope your hearing has declined to spare humiliation. One of my patients took up whistling in an attempt to cover-up his lack of sphincter control.
Aging seniors furtively attempt to keep in check urinary and bowel function. “Gotta go” is a mantra, and most of them scout bathroom locations in their itinerary. Some even have an app and GPS to find them.
Wear a diaper? Are you kidding?! The plastic sound rubbing on clothes is a dead giveaway! Many seniors carry refreshing garments in their purse or bag in case of accidents.
You have to put up with certain aspects of aging, but one should not have to be mortified when one’s failing body delivers an embarrassing moment.
For me, I’m learning to whistle.
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
That was hilarious totally worth the read. It was over an hour ago and I am still laughing!!! I am definitely going to run when I hear you whistle!! lol