I have learned perhaps more than I really should know at my age, from working with adults over 55...typically considered “old”. I have worked in long term care (nursing homes), medicare units (otherwise known as rehab units for geriatrics), retirement communities, and everywhere in between. Some of the things I really already knew, or suspected, but now it's out in the open. Here were some of my the eye opening facts that I have learned.
Wrinkles R' Us
I mean everything!! It isn't just crow's feet and fine lines we need to worry about gals, so keep up those toning exercises, and leave the tanning beds alone! Men, don't think you can escape this….everything will sag on you too. Use your imagination! Old People Aren't Old, Just Older
We have people living in our retirement community that work from their apartment, or from their room on the medicare unit…cell phone at their side and laptop computer on the bedside stand. We have massage therapists, hairstylists, and tutors, businessmen and women. They don't retire! They Have Sex Lives, Really
I know this is a shocker but they really do, so stop trying to visualize! Refer to reference number one. Perhaps this is why they don't wear their glasses? They Vote, They Have Opinions, And They're Educated
They are not all senile as you imagine them to be, although it would be easier to place a vote if one was senile, given the candidates at any given time. They Are Former
... teachers, lawyers, veterinarians, authors, doctors, nurses, and politicians. Some are former alcoholics, pedophiles, adulterers, drug addicts, bikers, and hookers. There are people living in these communities from all walks of life. Nobody is immune from old age. We Come Into the World Peeing Our Pants
... and we usually go out peeing too. Dementia Is Funny
Two people with dementia can carry on a conversation for hours about two different things that do not directly correlate with one another. It is very difficult to listen to this conversation, however it can be amusing at times. Friendship Makes The Will to Live Stronger
This is no different than when we are younger. Why is it that people don't think that the elderly should have friends, or can make new ones? Not Everyone That Has Dementia Has Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia can be caused by many different disease processes. They Aren't Really Old
... nor are they geriatric, elderly, or “over the hill”. They are just older. Older than what??? Than they were a year ago. That is the only difference.
They have something to offer just as anyone else does.
I hope this has left you as enlightened, I enjoy writing about my work, the facts and the humor of the human condition!
