Aging Inconveniences

By Cherrie Thornton

I call it my “List of Aging Inconveniences,” all these things and accommodations that, at 80+, I have to deal with. No option, they’re there. Various meds and surgeries (I am so grateful about knee replacements) have kept me going in reasonably good shape. I think about how it must have been for my parents and grandparents and on back in the past. They may not have lived as long, but they likely experienced arthritis pain, cataracts, and other ailments that made their lives difficult. Be grateful, I tell myself.

So, when I have to remember eye drops, hearing aids, the vaporizer, and on and on, I add them to my list and say to myself be glad, you’re still here to make that list.

It’s time to turn this to the positive and remind myself of all the good things I have. First, family and friends, so important on how they enrich my life. A few weeks ago I travelled to Florida and had the opportunity to visit with my youngest (by 15 years) brother. We were never really close; I was almost out of the house when he was born. The past several years, we kept in touch by occasional brief visits and texting, but there is nothing like being next to someone for a conversation of any length. I came away from that visit feeling so happy. We are the last two of my generation, and I don’t want to lose track of him again.

I also find a lot of value in giving by volunteering. I get a sense of purpose and connection to my community. I love living in Fort Collins, in a neighborhood where people offer to help me out, especially when we get more than three inches of snow. The other day, I realized I have now lived in this city over half my life. Wow! I had to stop and think about that.

Now how do I want to experience this last part of my life? I think I’ll start a “List of Positive Things to Do”. Stay active, move about, walk, exercise, get out the that chair and off the couch. Turn off the TV and read a book (I prefer a real book but, ok, Kindle is fine also). Try a change of pace. I am now learning Tai Chi. I have been curious what it was all about and find myself challenged to coordinate arms and legs into some kind of “flow”. It feels good for both body and brain.

A reminder from The Beatles: "I get by with a little help from my friends."

Read more from our Graceful Aging Blog HERE!

PAFC @ CSU!

Members of PAFC joined together to give a presentation to CSU's Gerontology Club on March 22, 2023. The theme of the evening presentation was Intergenerational Connections, and it marked the first time PAFC has had an elementary school volunteer assist with a community presentation! We shared how PAFC is working to include individuals across generations in our volunteer efforts, and how our many different community initiatives impact more than one generation. Several CSU students have reached out in response to our presentation, expressing interest in learning more about getting involved with our organization's efforts!

A special thank you to Cherrie Thornton and Levi Hatfield for sharing information about PAFC at this fun campus gathering. We'd also like to thank CSU's Gerontology Club President, Rachel Washburn, for inviting us to address the club, and Dr. Allyson Brothers for serving as the club's sponsor.