GROWING OLD!

[plaques]

Suffered a depressing discovery while looking at the population age distribution of the UK. UK Population. Suddenly I realized that there were only 5% of the population who were older than myself. Stanley is in a worse position with only 3%. In effect almost everyone I talk to is younger than me. The chances are that unless I get knocked over by an elderly driver of a mobility scooter I will be thought of as a silly bugger who knows nowt. Never mind not much longer to go.

[Stanley]

Gee thanks P. 3%?
Get used to being patronised, they forget I have a brain the size of a planet and have been everywhere and done everything.... You'll get the same treatment!

[Cathy]

On Wednesday I was walking up the sloped walk-way heading for the bus and 2 elderly women using walkers were heading towards me, so I stood to the left to give them more room and this #@*&? came from behind them and ran thru us all. Then I was 2 steps away from stepping up and into the bus another #@*&? sped in front of me and got on the bus. The look on the bus-drivers face !! I wish the driver had said something but he didn't.
Just another day I guess..

[Stanley]

I think what you describe is a common facet of the behaviour of many young people these days. (Not all....) Something I have noticed frequently is that I try to steer my course when walking so that I don't inconvenience other pedestrians. Some young people walk directly at you! In these cases I simply stand still and let them make a decision.

[chinatyke]

Where has Thomo gone? Hope he is OK. I noticed he started this topic.

[PanBiker]

He only comes on from time to time now China, same on the local Facebook sites.

[chinatyke]

Thanks Ian.

[PanBiker]

January 25th this year was the last time Peter was on.

[Stanley]

Hospital is on my mind and one thing that strikes me is that the doctors don't seem to be very comfortable with death. They treat me like someone 30 years younger and I have to keep reminding them that after 84 years only a fool thinks there will be nothing wrong with them. All their tests are geared to 30 year old averages and it would be surprising if high mileage people hit all their targets. I shall continue to try to educate them......
[Having said that, so far I have surprised them by being inside all their parameters!]

[Big Kev]

January 25th this year was the last time Peter was on.

He commented on a Facebook post yesterday...

[plaques]

They treat me like someone 30 years younger

What could be better for your ego and waking up surrounded by young lady nurses. You'll have us wrinklies queuing up to get in.

[PanBiker]

Indeed, I had no problem with my team of 20 and 30 somethings who looked after me. I helped to educate every student nurse I came across.

[Marilyn]

I had one male nurse and the rest were female. I didn't educate anyone! I tried to keep between the lines and under the radar in order to get out of there as quick as I could!

[Stanley]

The nurse who fitted my sexy support stockings said I had lovely legs...... She brought her mate in to see them when she found out how old I was.... Very gratifying, the cycling and walking must have worked!

[PanBiker]

Did they use the plastic bag trick to get the stockings over your heel. I got very good at doing my own once I had the all clear for the shower. I went through four pairs in the three weeks I was in. Mine were a very fetching green.

[Stanley]

Yes! First time I have seen that. Mine were green as well and I have the perfect way to get them off. Get a pair of scissors and cut the buggers off! I wonder how many people have injured themselves struggling to get them off.....? Dead easy with the scissors.

[PanBiker]

That's only relevant if you don't need to put them back on. I got pretty good at both putting them on and taking them off, the shower was a good incentive and to be relished every morning. We had a wet room on the Neuro Ward, it was bliss.

[Stanley]

I have no difficulty cutting my toenails but yesterday mentioned to Susan that my right big toe was a bit painful, not serious but grabbing my attention. If you remember, she's a trained nurse and she told me to let her have a look. She immediately identified the cause, my defective eyesight had let me down and a corner of the nail was a sharp point and was digging into the bed. She ended up giving me a complete foot service and it was bliss!
Daughters are such a good asset!
PS. She's a trained and qualified Counsellor as well but isn't allowed to counsel me which I think is a bit unfair! However I cheat and take notice of what she says during our wide ranging conversations......

[Tizer]

That reminds me of the Terry Pratchett book I'm reading were one character tells another `I'm not allowed to tell you that the little door in the wall behind the castle tower isn't locked at night' to which the other replies `Thanks for not telling me'.

[Stanley]

Exactly Tiz. Not long ago as I was being ferried to Airedale by Susan and Jess, Jess is a trained therapist as well, I mentioned that few people could have such well qualified voluntary carers in the family. They both told me to forget it as I can't afford the fees!
On the whole I don't worry about old age, I just make sure I recognise my limitations and don't stray beyond them. I remain convinced that a keystone of my regime is a good routine which starts each day with a half hour walk early in the morning with my personal trainer! As for other limitations. I have always remembered the sailor's dictum of 'One hand for the ship and one for yourself'. I always automatically use one hand as a support when bending or rising from a chair.