SHOULD YOU INSTALL A STAIRLIFT?

Soon after you retire, your children begin to give you advice. And if you live in a two story house, they’re apt to say you ought to move. At that point, unless you’ve worked past the age of 70, you’re feeling pretty spry. The very idea of trading in your double decker home for a one level seems ridiculous. But as the years go by, and your knees begin to give out, you see their point. And yet, the longer you’ve lived in the house you love, the more difficult it is to move. The very idea of all that upheaval stresses you out. Finally, you have to make a decision. Should you downsize, or install a stairlift?

My husband and I have always had arthritic knees—his much worse than mine. But somehow, we managed. After all, we knew there were benefits to a house with stairs. More exercise, stronger leg muscles, and maybe even a longer life.

And then, around five years ago, after a very bad rainy season, our defenses weakened and we called a stairlift salesman. We liked the company rep who called on us. He measured, evaluated our situation, and gave us an estimate. We were sold—even gave him a deposit which he said was refundable if we changed our minds right away.

Then, the weather got better. Our joints didn’t hurt so much. We worried that our house would look cluttered and depressing with all this handicapped paraphernalia. My husband got some shots in his knees, and decided he really could handle the stairs just fine. We got our deposit back.

Should you install a stairlift? Yes, if it helps you stay in your own home. — Should you install a stairlift? The cost is far less than the expense of moving.

Fast forward five years later to the present time. My husband suffered a major fall. Lucky his bones are strong. Nothing was broken, but he had a knot on his head and bruises all over his body. Time to face reality. Before even telling our kids about the fall, we’d already called the stairlift company. Believe it or not, they still had the original estimate on file. Even though prices had increased, they honored the quote they had given us. The cost of the product was far less than the expense of moving to another place.

The stairlift is in, and it looks fine. We didn’t have to take down any pictures or lock up a closet door. The house looks pretty much the same, and he feels better, gliding smoothly up and down the stairs with no pain in his knees.. Should you invest in a stairlift? If it helps you stay in your own home awhile longer, I would say yes.

January 20, 2021January 20, 2021

DREAMING OF FREEDOM

Yesterday, I read that 44% of Americans are afraid to get the Covid-19 vaccine. It’s not surprising, when the media publishes reports of all the seniors in Norway and USA who’ve died after getting their first shot. Nevertheless, when you consider all the side effects of prolonged lockdown, it seems that we really don’t have a choice. We got our first dose last week, and now we’re dreaming of freedom.

First of all, we’re finally free from fear of catching the virus. That’s a dark cloud that’s hung over our head after every trip to the grocery store, or visit from a loved one. It’s always lurking—every time you cough or sneeze, little prickles of anxiety arise. Am I coming down with covid-19? When you wake up the next day, feeling just fine, you begin to relax. That is–until the next time, when you have a headache, or maybe get a dizzy spell(caused by anxiety). You do a pretty good job of keeping your spirits up and staying busy—but the fear is always there, ready to resurface from the depths of your subconscious mind.

As one who’s often experienced side effects after flu shots, I can totally understand the fear of vaccines. My husband is one of the lucky ones who never has any reaction. But I usually had aches and pains, along with fatigue that lasted sometimes a week. Because of that, I skipped the flu shots for several years. But when I finally came down with a very bad case of the flu, I went back to getting the shots, bracing my self for the side effects. So yes, I was worried about what would happen after receiving the covid-19 vaccine.

I did have some mild side effects. I woke up the next day feeling very groggy. My back and arm ached. But it didn’t get any worse. In fact, within 24 hours, I felt better. I slept fairly well the next few nights but had some wild dreams, and still didn’t have much energy. Today, I’m feeling like my old self.

DREAMING OF FREEDOM. After getting the vaccine, you maybe able to get your old life back.

In another month or so, We’ll get pieces of our old life back. We can go to restaurants. I will start swimming again, which should greatly ease the arthritis pain in my knees and shoulders. Some things will not change. We won’t be able to visit with out-of-town relatives until they, too, have been vaccinated. But I’m dreaming of freedom in the days that lie ahead.

January 9, 2021January 9, 2021

LUCKY TO BE A HOOSIER OVER 80

It’s not often that an octogenarian feels especially lucky–except for the fact that we’re still around. But right now , if you’re a Hoosier over the age of 80, you’re fortunate. That’s because our Governor Holcomb has issued some common sense guidelines for dispensing the covid-19 vaccine. Since 50% of deaths from covid-19 are with people over 80, we are next in line—after healthcare providers and first responders. I don’t know what they’re doing in other states, but it’s very impressive how efficiently it’s being handled in Indiana. Right now, I’m feeling lucky to be a Hoosier over 80.

As State Health Commissioner Kristina Box said, “ By opening the vaccine to those who are 80 or older, then adding people in their 70s and 60s when vaccine supplies allow us to expand, we can best protect the populations that account for 93 percent of our COVID-19 deaths,

Lucky to be a Hoosier over 80: You don't have to wait in long lines to get vaccinated — In Indiana, you didn’t have to wait in long lines to get vaccinated. Lucky to be a Hoosier over 80.

Starting Friday, December 8, at 9 a.m. you could call or schedule online an appointment at a local hospital or clinic. But of course, they hit a few snags. When I called the 211 number, they said they couldn’t take my call. That wasn’t surprising. What was surprising: when I contacted the Department of Health via chat, they gave me a link that actually worked. It told me the wait time to get registered in minutes and seconds. I knew that if I stayed online for about 45 minutes, it would be my turn. And it was. I entered the required information as to age, name, etc. and voila: I had an appointment for next week. And they let me make one for my husband, too.

Are you afraid to get the vaccine? I know I was apprehensive when I started hearing of people who’d had bad reactions. But the minute I heard I could get a vaccine right away, I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Did I really want to go on this way for the indefinite future? Not going anywhere, doing much of anything, or seeing anyone I care about? It’s been an emotional roller coaster, and I am ready to get off. I’ll take my chances. And I feel lucky to be a Hoosier over 80.

As of noon, Friday, 33,000 octogenarians in Indiana had registered for the vaccine. And no one had to stand in long lines or wait in their car for hours like they did in other states. Cheers to Governor Holcomb for doing a great job.

December 30, 2020December 30, 2020

7 New Year Hopes & Dreams

For the past 10 months, we’ve been treading water. Just trying to keep going, staying alive and well. It’s been a time of emotional ups and downs, as we adjust to the social isolation and other restrictions of the covid-19 pandemic . Now. there’s light at the end of the tunnel. We can allow ourselves to think of seven New Year hopes and dreams for 2021.

Vaccine: Not sure when it’s going to be available. We’re hoping to get it in the next month or so. My husband has agreed to go first. If he can handle it all right, I’ll get it too. Not looking forward to the side effects, but there really isn’t any choice.
Dinner at a fine restaurant. We’ve done a lot more take out this year, but sitting down with cardboard containers at your table doesn’t quite do the job. I want to get dressed up, go out for dinner, and enjoy the ambiance: Romantic lighting. Soft music. An appealing menu of delicious food. . Attentive wait staff. Afterwards, nothing to clean up or throw away in the kitchen.
7 new year hopes and dreams include dining at a fine restaurant.
Getting a Haircut.. Salons have been open, but I’ve not been willing to take that risk. I’ve done a pretty decent job of cutting my own hair, but a professional will do much better.
Talking to people when out in public. When wearing a stocking cap and mask, most people don’t recognize me. And even if I see someone I know, , I’m afraid to stop and chat. Didn’t realize how much I miss interacting with casual friends and acquaintences.
Swimming. Yes the pool at the YMCA has been open. And they’re following all the guidelines for social distancing, but it’s a little too high risk at my age. I was okay with it in the summer because I could leave without going into the locker room. But walking out in the cold with damp clothes is not my idea of fun. I just want to dive in the water, swim, do some exercises, get out, take a shower, dry my hair, get dressed, and walk out into the sunshine.
Senior center activities. Our local senior center is a haven for the retirement crowd. Miss the camaraderie of participating in tai chi and playing mahjong. Eager to once again see friendly faces, and having a good time.
Family get togethers. You can Skype and Zoom all you want, but it’s not the same as hearing the laughter of your grandchildren, seeing the light in their eyes. and the feel of a warm hug.

Happy New Year!

December 16, 2020December 16, 2020

WARNING! THEFT AT THE CHECKOUT

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected some supermarket employees. A family member may have lost a job. It seems the situation has become so desperate that a few cashiers & baggers have started filching our stuff at the checkout. For me, it began two weeks ago. Among other things, I bought a bag of noodles for $4.95, with a plan to make chicken and noodles. But when I arrived home, I didn’t have the noodles. I chalked it up to a mistake. They were on my store receipt, so I must have dropped them in the parking lot. Today, I came home from another supermarket, lacking a bottle of white wine that was on my receipt. What happened to it? Warning! Theft at the checkout.

It wasn’t the money that bothered me. Yes, I had the chicken, but I didn’t have the noodles. The bottle of cheap white wine was for a recipe I’d clipped from the newspaper. No one wants to go to the store more often than usual during this pandemic. But these missing items meant I had to go back outside.

Warning! Theft at the Checkout. While your back is turned, someone can stash one of your items under the counter.

After researching it, this is what I’ve learned. Your back is turned while you’re checking the computer about your purchases, or watching the bagger. This is when he/she takes something from your jumbled up purchases, and stashes them in a bag or place underneath the counter. Theft is more apt to occur when the checkout involves two people. In places like Aldi’s or Walmart, it’s less likely because the cashier does the bagging while you watch the entire operation.

When you get home, you might attribute the missing item to senior confusion.. But you’re still functioning well. Paying bills. Driving. Shopping. Cooking. They think you’re senile, don’t know what you’re doing. But they know what they’re doing. They stole your merchandise, thinking you will never know the difference. But you do. Just another example of senior abuse. Warning! Theft at the checkout could happen to you.

December 12, 2020December 13, 2020

EASE THE PAIN WITH TURMERIC

As a dietitian working in an acute care hospital for over 25 years, I saw many elderly patients who were taking over 10 prescription drugs per day. That was before medical records were computerized, so there were many errors with drug interactions, overdoses, missed meds, and so on. But that didn’t stop the medical profession from prescribing more and more pills. It’s still going on today, with the average elderly person taking 14 different prescriptions. Hoping to avoid all this pharmacology, I started looking into alternative therapies for my arthritis. Since I can’t tolerate Tylenol, I took a lot of aspirin. But that can be dangerous, too. Finally, I’ve found a way to ease the pain naturally with turmeric, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

If you’ve eaten in Indian restaurants, you’ve probably had turmeric without knowing it. It’s an ingredient in many Asian dishes, and imparts a golden yellow color. It is a principal ingredient in curry powder. Not everyone likes curry. But even if you do, you probably can’t get enough in dishes containing the spice to help with pain.

According to the Mayo clinic,

“Turmeric’s main active component — curcumin — is what gives the spice its yellow color. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for a number of health conditions, including reduced pain and increased ease of movement in people with osteoarthritis. One study found that taking turmeric extract three times daily was comparable to taking a 1,200-milligram dose of ibuprofen daily. However, more research is necessary to confirm these effects.

Other research suggests that curcumin may reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition, it may lessen some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as joint swelling and morning stiffness. Other areas of investigation include curcumin’s effect on Crohn’s disease, certain cancers, depression, diabetes, joint pain and irritable bowel syndrome. ”

Tumeric eases the pain because its an anti-inflamatory — Ease the pain with turmeric. It’s an anti-inflammatory .

The Arthritis Foundation suggests taking turmeric capsules (400 to 600 mg) 3 times per day.

Studies show that it takes about 4 weeks of taking turmeric before enjoying any real benefits. But my knees started feeling better after a week. These knobby, arthritic knees are never going to run marathons, but they get me around, and the pain no longer keeps me awake at night.

If you have arthritis, try easing the pain with turmeric.

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020

IS STOCKPILING SELFISH OR SMART?

Hoarding is definitely a bad word nowadays. It conjures up images of deranged people living amongst piles of things they’ve accumulated for years, unable to part with a even single rubber band. But there’s another type of hoarder who is now in the spotlight. It’s the person who has a closet full of toilet paper, or a trunk full of bottled picante sauce. Yes, I’ve witnessed this type of hoarding during this pandemic. But there’s a euphemism for the term, “hoarding,” and its called stockpiling. You might even think of it as saving, or stocking up for the uncertainty ahead. Is stockpiling selfish or smart?

Stockpiling is generally frowned upon by the media. We’re told that it’s a selfish act, depriving others of access to much needed goods. But to my mind, it’s kind of a natural act of self preservation. Everyone has their own wants and needs. For my husband, it’s canned soup. Being a diabetic, he is careful to avoid high carbohydrate foods. Most soup is nutritious without being high in calories. Beside that, it warms the tummy on cold wintry days. It’s also one of the first things that started disappearing from the grocery store shelves in March..

And so, starting last spring, we would buy a few extra cans of his favorite soups whenever we shopped. No, we didn’t walk out with a cartful of soup, but we did buy more than we could use in a week. Consequently, we have two pantry shelves full of canned soup. It’s at least a month’s supply. I don’t see this as a stupid expense or a selfish act. The money isn’t wasted. Canned foods are good for years. And we really didn’t deprive anyone else of a can of soup in the long run. And at our age, there could be weeks when the weather is so bad we can’t leave the house. Or one of us could get sick.

Is stockpiling selfish or smart. Stockpiling canned goods is a good idea when facing uncertainty — Is stockpiling selfish or smart? Everyone stockpiled canned goods in the olden days.

When I was a child, everyone stockpiled food . Women canned. We had a basement full of canned peaches, pears, tomatoes and green beans. My husband lived on a farm, and they even canned the meat which they had raised. Was that selfish or stupid? No, it was called planning for the long winter months ahead.

This is a time of uncertainty. A change in government, a new president of the United States. A Covid-19 epidemic predicted to spiral out of control. Many economists are predicting a worldwide stagflation. So Is stockpiling stupid, selfish, or smart? I’ll vote for smart.