Seniors

I heard the other day that in the early 1900’s the longevity of U.S.A. citizens was 45 years. Today it is approaching 85 for men and 90 for women. The Bible in the Book of Genesis 6:3 indicates that the allotted years for men and women is 120. I like that.

 Hardly a week goes by but what some study is printed defining the traits of seniors. Smelly, crippled, cantankerous, are just a sample. From my stance based on observation and personal experience I suggest the following criteria. However, only from the neck up. Eyes, ears, nose, mouth and brain.

 These five physical attributes are drastically affected by the aging process.

 For example, take senior EARS? As a person gets older they very naturally lose distinct hearing ability. Of course, this is often remedied by hearing aids. Unfortunately they often are costly and seldom work.

 The vast majority of seniors have a gradual loss of hearing. Conversations are lost; in a noisy environment, hearing words is difficult.

 Going to movies and listening to the TV is an ordeal. “What did she/he say?” The scene is changed before an answer is given.

 Fast food places are a real pain. Foreign languages (especially Spanish,) are often common. Seniors find them hard to hear and understand.

 Seniors often have a hearing problem with those who speak rapidly. English and Spanish both are spoken fast and softly.

 What about seniors and their EYES? Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are common ailments with the aging population. Of course glasses and laser surgery is helpful, but the process of eye degeneration is rapid. With a fixed income many seniors cannot afford correction.

 The landscape is one of recognition. The elderly often see people-even friends and things-through a fog. Please don’t assume they are ignoring you.

 The next appendage that diminishes with the passing years is the NOSE. It is often the object of ridicule. Too big, too crooked, too flat, too hooked, etc.

 German noses are usually big; Jewish noses are normally hooked; Indian noses look thin and sharp. Orientals have small noses. Blacks often have large nostrils.

 Aside from these characteristics, noses have two other basic ones. They are prone to bleeding because of the many capillaries. In fact, they bleed easily.

 Then, their primary purpose is for smelling. They detect odors. Good smells like pies and bad smells like skunks.

 But most seniors lose their sense of smell. Elderly women often wear an inordinate amount of perfume and men too much cologne. Fortunately seniors have taste; sometimes.

 Which brings me to the fourth example, TASTE. It is a wonderful asset. The tragedy is that like the previous examples, it begins to diminish as a person grows older.

 This became apparent to me a few years age when a friend of mine-a senior lady-was in convalescence. A genteel lady, she had always preferred to eat at elegant restaurants.

 However, in her state, she always wanted to eat at “fast food” places. She wanted ketchup, French fries with salt, mustard, onions, and pickles.

 It dawned on me that those condiments were pungent, strong and satisfied her need for taste.

 The fifth characteristic is the BRAIN; which is the location of memory. It also diminishes with age. I had some things to say about it but I can’t remember what I was going to write.

 If you’re young or middle age, you have the five signs of aging to look forward to. They really are not as bad as I’ve depicted.

Amen. Selah. So be it.

 

WORDS TO THINK ABOUT

G. W. Abersold Ph.D.