I’ve had three months of experience at being 84 years old. Since the purpose of my blog is to relate what it’s like for a man to live through his 70s and 80s--here goes.
First of all, I’m happy. I have a wife that I love and enjoy every minute I have with her. We live in a nice home that is small, comfortable, and safe. We have a daughter who lives nearby and three daughters far away that I keep up with but rarely see. We have seven grandchildren that we think of as special.
At any age, health is important but in the 80s, it’s critical. I’m lucky that I don’t have anything major wrong with me, but I have more aches and pains than I can list here. My hands are a mess--one knuckle surgically frozen, two trigger fingers that require steroid shots, and thumbs that hurt. I need both hands to pick up a glass of water. Both shoulders hurt at times as does one elbow. My feet are uncomfortable unless I’m wearing sneakers. I get tired much more quickly. I used to love the hot, mid-summer days, but now I wilt pretty quickly. I haven’t played golf, which I love, in two years. After a two-year break because of COVID, I’m back working out in the gym and am doing pretty well.
My main health issue is my hearing. Even with good hearing aids, my hearing is worst than all my friends.
Words escape me at times although I usually remember them later. I still do projects around the house, but slower, and sometimes with mistakes. I’m finishing writing the last book of a trilogy and it’s slow going. A friend taught me to play Wordle and I play every day, and while I’m usually successful, I’m very slow. I read about one novel a week.
So that’s my story. I’m going to take a nap now so that I won’t sleep well tonight.
Seasoned Man
stevelem117@gmail.com
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