Whether this happens by being restricted by societies rules, or by ones own level of fitness, it happens! Can you imagine what it must be like, not to be able to get up easily from a chair. Or, to attemp a walk, only to discover you have neither the breath, nor enough strength in your legs anymore. Possibly unable to do more than walk a few steps, before needing to sit. Don't stop reading, don't switch off. These things are not only happening to nameless, faceless old people. These creaky, wrinkled old people were once as fit, and as smooth, as you are now. They have not always been old.
These simple physical things, we take for granted, could be happening to your, or your friends sooner than you think. Many, perhaps most of us, in some part of our brain, believe that it will never happen to us. Us, old? That's if we consider it at all. Probably dismissing such considerations, until we run full tilt into some of the problems of ageing, ourselves.
Let's face it, how much time do we give to thinking about getting old. None, and why should we. I have seen many sixteen, seventeen, or eighteen year olds, over the years, vocalising about how they will never reach twenty one. At that young age, some can't imagine being so ancient as to be in their twenties. Once there, few can believe they will make old bones. What, me, be like that poor old man up the street? I shall never let myself get like that! They vow, I shall keep fit! Some few of us, actually do become gymn bunnies, runners, even athletes. Most though, either, only do it when we are young, and brimming with energy. Or, quite a bit older in life, when we realize we need to lose a few pounds, or get a little fitter. Most, never quite get into it enough to make a real difference .
The politicians, of almost every country, know this section of society is not something they can ignore. Both because of what they fear it will cost the public purse as they age. Such as, by drawing pension monies, or needing paid help to manage cope at home, maybe need lots of medical assistance. They are, of course, much more realistic about how the population ages, and it's needs. Having to produce figures. Whether they actually include themselves in those figures, I think, is debatable. They are probably just like the rest of us, and think it will never catch up with them. The other side of the coin is, they are aware of the political power the over sixty fives will wield, as their numbers increase. As far are some people of my aquaintances are concerned, this is the one bright spot on the horizon.
Political POWER. What with asscociations like Grey Power, and other similar groups around the world. These groups determined to fight for improving rights of the older person. My opinion is, as yet, they are not quite in the big league to matter. However, this will change, and before long. Through sheer weight of numbers, they will have the political nous sooner, rather than later.
These burgeoning oldies do have a point, changes are necessary to safeguard the rights of everyone. Ageism, is rife, complacency king. Too often, we hear horror stories of the older patient not given chances of surgery. Not receiving the best treatment, that should be a right for all. Instead, the older patients, are often put to the back of the Que. after all, does it not stand to reason, the young have more to offer in the long term? If you are too old, you may not be put on the list at all. Worse, if seriously ill, it appears there are various euphamisically named 'pathways' one can be co opted to. Once on this list, help, and assistance of all kinds are likely to be denied you. In effect, you are given an unofficial sentence, allowing the hospital to legally euthanatise you. This, in countries where it is still illegal to opt for death, over life. It appears, this often happens without the patient, or family being aware of it. It's not a nice way to go, and one I don't want to experience, do you?
Big brother, in the guise of hospital costs, or government figures, are able to give you, the 'thumbs down'. To decide you are no longer worthy of living. That's not so good is it? The main criteria for this, is primarilly the age of the patient, rather than the chance of recovery. In effect, patients are being literally staved to death, or are dying through dehydration. How would you feel were it you, or a member of your family? Well, it is you, tomorrow, or the next day. You will the old, useless person in the hospital bed, starving, and thirsty, begging for water, denied you.
That, though, is your fate if you are at least partially disabled, or ill. If you are unlucky enough to have to go into hospital. The thing to avoid, if you can perhaps.
The thing is, today's pensioner have little in common with those of yester year. No more are they only frail, white haired, and waiting quietly to die after a couple of years of retirement. A great many have expectations of living a energetic, interesting, and extremely long life. Many, expect, and attempt continuing some kind of work many years past retirement. It seems, this is as much, or more, to do with having a larger disposable income, as it is to alievieate boredom. Not everyone wants to retire, or be house bound in any way. Retirement, to many is a dirty word, it means you are on the scrap heap. If forced to stop work, they would soon be be climbing the wall in no time. Or leaving through heavens door, out of ennui, and boredom.
The media informs us, that not only are many wanting to continue work, but even more want to start a whole new era. With the number of late life divorces climbing exponentially. No longer is everyone prepared to stick with a marriage, or relationship, long gone stale. Or, too long maintained through habit, rather than happiness. Particularly, I notice, woman are choosing differently. No longer is it only the male domain to look for a younger mate, or romance. Hand in hand with this, is that we are living longer, and keeping fitter overall. We have different expectations. Not prepared to settle down with slippers, and cardigan, into any sort of gentle decline. With modern medicine, and more understanding of how the body works, people keep fitter, look younger. With fifty, being the new thirty, seventy, the new fifty. Why not ninety, the new seventy, or a hundred years old, and still fit, and active?
I, being the voracious reader I am, have thought about it. Also, me being hit with a debilitating illness quite a few years ago, shows far too plainly, how drastically things can change for the worse. The one thing I know is, the older, or more unfit you become, the more work is required. The more time, and effort must be given to getting fit, or keeping fit.
To that end, whilst it is still relatively easy, start exercising now. Do it several times at week. Watch your diet, to avoid putting on too much weight. Eat right to sidestep diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, or joint problems. If you already have them, then do something about it. Do regular exercise to get the heart pumping. Work hard to keep fit, and to get fitter. Keep your mind sharp, by keeping interest going, or trying something new. Don't become a couch potato, and eventually lose your muscle tone, and balance. I have seen it happen. Use it, or lose it, is very true.
These debilitating effects are due more to ignoring your body, than it is to added years. We are designed to run, move, lift, and keep moving. Not to sit in a car, or lie in front of a TV. Consider, your fitness level, do as much cardio vascular excercise as you can. As the original slouch, I guarantee you will get to enjoy it. Start small, and it will grow, you may surprise yourself.
Remember, that old, and bent person over there, could be you before you know it. So, decide now, that when it is you, that you will be straighter, fitter, and happier. Making an effort to keep upbeat. To that end, keep moving, and don't let society throw away, or be careless of the older people we already have. Their rights, or lack of them, are soon to yours.......
Treasure your life, and vow to make the most of it
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