Age Related

Another birthday, another year, so goes the cycle, can't stop it, so why dwell on it? A recent media poll reports, the majority of Americans, forty and over, at not focusing or planning for long term health care.  Why?  Many report, they don't think about growing older, they feel great, are too busy and a large part of the process, much too expensive.  The last part of that statement IS reality!

Out of sight, out of mind, seems to sum up the theory of why we adults do not plan.  The report however, does not mention certain facts: Americans are putting off having children, which in turn means, the expense of raising a family comes later in life for those that choose this road.  We then justify our decisions with, "my kids keep me young."  A truthful statement,  or is there a more sinister, darker double meaning? Is the expense justifiable at this point? Will the funds be available when needed? Not wanting to play my "conspiracy theory" card, certain historical facts suggest the possibility, the funds will  be misappropriated. So, what's a body supposed to do? A question we find troublesome, the answer even more so.

The report polled a number of people, with the majority not having a plan, for whatever reason.  One honest answer came from someone who as suffered from a number of chronic illnesses much of her adult life.  In this case, her need was clearly understood by all parties involved, particularly the person with the illness.  But questions still loom for those aging but clearly unaffected by the aging process.  Unfortunately, the right answer might be to take an individualistic approach at best.

In the United States, "aging gracefully" implies that we maintain our physical beauty, remain self-sufficient and stay as active as ever.  For many the general consensus is:  we shouldn't age at all, we value independence and individualism.  With that thought firmly imbedded in our psyche,  dare we suggest this be a reason long term health care plans are not a priority for the millions approaching their "golden years?"

**Yet in other cultures - such as that of Japan - the same pressure to stay forever young doesn't exist, says renowned University of Wisconsin-Madison aging expert Carol Ryff. With a team of U.S. and Japanese researchers, Ryff is now examining the consequences of cultural differences like this for people's emotional and physical health as they get older.

Whatever thought process or statistical analogy we believe or base our needs upon, perhaps re-visitingthe idea of long term health care should be a priority.

** source: University of Wisconsin

Oh What to Watch?

Although recent television broadcast have been less than thought provoking and offer little or no stimulation  for the brain, I do enjoy creative writing and frantically surf through the multitude of channels searching for "the Holy Grail" of entertainment.  TV shows that fall into the category of reality shows, fill the void and round out the evening programs but offer little in the way of brain stimulation.    A number of seasons back, the birth of reality TV offered a different type of mind stimulation. Some adventurous, others a glimpse into the privacy of growing families, but mostly everyday life.

Through channel surfing and at times out of sheer boredom, we watch families grow to outrageous proportions, marriages crumble, nannies tame spoiled brats,  couples switch families, outrageously rich become famous for their outrageously rich lifestyles, offspring of the rich folk achieve stardom by  becoming tabloid fodder, then sought after by paparazzi  and mimicked by impressionable young minds, believing this to be normal, but why? Simply because they have the means (money) to make this all happen!

Of course, the Bachelor or Bachelorette are just everyday people trying to fall in love, isn't this the way everyone finds their true soul mate?  Right, and Survivor has survived way too long, the Donald needs a new hairstyle, Honey Boo Boo is in the same category as Toddlers and Tiaras (strange, rude and nasty families) and hopefully alien life in search of a planet to inhabit will realize, "whoa this ain't the place!"

Strangely enough and also thankfully, there are bright spots.  Half hour comedy spots for the most part a superbly written.  We can enjoy their antics, relax and realize, they are very much like our neighborhoods.  Same thoughts, quirky personalities, crazy emotions and list goes on.  Kudos to the creators and writers whose thought processes and creative instincts keep the shows rolling but do not drag.  A personal favorite, Big Bang Theory.  It's perception of nerdy characters is well written, diverse and hilariously funny. Ironically, I must admit, within my own circle of acquaintances, lives the cast of this show.

All This From the Super Bowl?

Super Bowl Sunday, in all its glory has once again been laid to rest.  Hype leading up to this year's  big game, pretty much status quo with one exception.  A recent news broadcast,  from one of the big three networks, asked a very simple question: DOES GOD DECIDE WHO THE SUPER BOWL WINNER IS?  If you want an answer filled with innocent thought, not yet tainted by worldly views, perhaps the mind of a child is best suited to answer.  This is exactly what ABC Nightly News did.  

Answers were poignant yet innocent and should one read anything into this, somewhat inquisitive ............." We'll, it's an important game isn't it?" Others preferred the direct approach, signaling either shyness or silliness on the part of the adult asking the question.........."Nope!" From the mind of a gently spirited young girl we learned, "God takes care of all the animals and fish." Perhaps the most vocal, a young boy, "yes he does, important things like that are always decided by God."

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Sunday morning conversation in the adult world, "go 49 ers!"  Not wanting to interrupt this group in deep conversation, almost to the point of coming to blows over "the Game," I waited.  As one drew a long breath, readying for the final argument as to why his team would be the victor, I interjected, "DOES GOD DECIDE WHO THE SUPER BOWL WINNER IS?"

Facial expressions, body language and to some point verbalization, suggested an
uneasiness had consumed the group.  What I found most interesting, no one stepped
forward to answer the question. Repeating the question gave new meaning to the
phrase, "dazed and confused."  Deciding to ease the confusion that seemed to consume the group, I explained the reason for this question, none had watched the news
broadcast. Throughout the day I watched and listened, a seed had been planted.  I simply wondered, would it grow or wither and die.

Certain topics of conversation are more approachable that others, many shy away from those they feel create controversy.  I wanted an answer but the topic of what was perceived to be religion created a mine field many were not willing to cross.  Interjecting an additional topic, directly related to both God and football, opened a clear path across the mine field.  "Would I be able to get an answer from Tim Tebow?" was the question now on the table.  With this additional seed sown, it was clear, withering and dying we're no longer an option.  

The power of prayer or meditation can be defined as a wish or request for something.  In my world it gives me strength, a time to reflect on inner feelings, sort out emotions, seek answers  and rationalize what I may have known all along.  As a friend once stated, my religious views are evolving.  As a child my parents planted the seed, many additional seeds followed.  None have withered and died, my life is filled with the love of my family, friends and yes, my Maker. My faith and prayer provide me with all things...........the desire for all things comes from with in.   There will always be unanswered questions, perhaps if we give great thought, ask them differently, the answers we so desperately seek, will appear.

Aging....Can't Stop It ..So Enjoy!

Somebody once mentioned that age, numerical that is, didn't bother them.  But as the sixtieth occurred they said, with a touch of dry cynicism and a bit of melancholy, "this one hurts!"  On the flip side, a young woman began sobbing, dabbing her mascara ladened eyes, "I am turning thirty today, my goodness, I feel old!" Was I suppose to feel badly for her, show sympathy or offer some encouraging words? At double the young one's age, I think not!  As the sniffles continued, she began waving her hands, as if overcome by heat and with a voice reminiscent of Scarlet O'Hara, she wailed, "my babies are growing up, my oldest is almost nine, what am I going to do?" Really? My "babies" are a tad bit older than her for God's sake! However, in answer to the forlorn question, " ain't nothing you can do sweet cheeks!"

At a recent hors d'oeuvre party, many of the Guests were "seasoned," (old).  Should one judge them by appearance, the consensus would be unanimous , "old poops," as their thoughts, words and actions affirmed the message my brain was sending.  The differences in each gender were quite mind boggling and I found myself constantly seeking reassurance from my brain that this was not a typical cross-section of an active over fifty-five golfing community.   Trying to pinpoint what caused such narrow minded thinking,  their original geographical place of birth, revealed much about their food choices, their hard nosed opinions and why the question of my political affiliation was asked.

Knowledge gained from this recent social event, worrisome.  The existence of old fart males believing their female counterparts have limited brain functions and should only voice opinions when asked by THEM, is alive and well!  As my better half mused, "well my love, thankfully we won't be attending functions with that crowd again? Your points were well made, just wasted. They don't and won't understand!"  But damn, I felt good sharing and to some extent, scaring those with archaic opinions and a "drop the bomb" mentality.

Foods we eat have a direct affect on our brains, elderly middle America has eaten way to much corn
and wheat, adding the cheese, we now have a back up in bodily functions, allowing waste products to spew forth from their mouths.  Making mention of the fresh fruit and vegetables available at the local Farmers' Market, one would of thought I had two heads. Perhaps that too has something to do with my place of birth or political affiliation!

Random Environmental Thoughts

With constant bombardment by the media, social networks, environmentalists and the many others jumping on the environmental bandwagon, a lackadaisical approach towards reducing our carbon footprint is considered unacceptable. My first thought is: and......it should be? As billions of humans smother this planet, living in harmony with all things is a necessity: as......it should be!

Reaping the rewards of what our world offers is painstakingly hard work.  Healing the wounds, protecting the remaining functionality and beauty of this planet IS the responsibility of everyone.  What we fail to realize is the need for harmony, which can clearly be defined as the interweaving of all living things with a common purpose, survival.

Although all living species have survival ingrained  in their DNA, the opposite end of the spectrum is destruction.  We as humans, seem to be hellbent on annihilation of other living species and at times, even ourselves.  

Changing our mindset, not an easy task. Can we continue to rape the lands, creating excessive waste, believing it will  not affect this planet and its inhabitants?  The answer so much simpler than the solution, NO we cannot!

Statistics tell us we are NOT a naturally harmonious species, conquering and dividing, a way of life.  Very much a people with reactive personalities, individual needs and wants quickly satisfied, the long range effects not always a part of the though process, leaving lasting and in many cases, irreparable wounds. Yet thankfully, signs of remorse are now emerging, we do realize we want to leave our children a world worth living in. Perhaps it is the few diligently educating those that will change the mindset of the masses.

A Testimonial in Belonging

January always signals the final arrival of the annual mass migration of snowbirds to their winter nests.  For the most part they are a welcome addition to this southern land, pumping millions of dollars into our economy.  For those that live and work in this peninsula state, forgive us if we sometimes grumble. As a permanent transplant from a much colder climate, I too once felt the sometime resentment of these mostly hospitable and gracious southern people.  As a former resident of one of the most populated corridors in the States, traffic congestion was a way of life. How silly are we to think, the northeast cornered the market!

As most northeastern snowbirds arrive, they flock to the coastal areas of this tropical land.  Our landlocked species from the Midwest and central Canada, fill in the midsection of central Florida.  It is this midsection, we now call home.  Not that a coastal home wasn't considered, but the practical side of being a permanent transplant, better known as the "clipped winged snowbird wannabe', was purely a matter of economics.

As the only gainfully employed member of this golfing twosome, the older half now retired,  economically speaking, central Florida has it all. Fantastic weather, ask the MOUSE, he too calls this region, home.  Economically speaking, the past few years have not been kind to many, but many still flock to this region, need we ask why?

We had long considered being snowbirds but decided, much like an icy plunge into the cold waters of the northern Atlantic Ocean during the winter months, it was feet first and all in!  Having just passed our fifth anniversary, we consider ourselves Floridians.  Once asked by a newly arrived clipped winged snowbird wannabe,"when will I get that sense of belonging?"  Without hesitation, I ask, "did you bring your medical records?"

Our neighborhood, highways and byways are alive, we renew old friendships, welcome those that sometimes experience that nervous unexplained feeling of homesickness, urging them to relax, open their eyes and understand, change does the body, mind and spirit good.  Allowing it to invade your being you experience a re-birth, a sense of belonging!

It's Just a Cold, for Goodness Sake!

Symptoms of the common cold may include cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. More than 200 different types of viruses are known to cause the common cold, with rhinovirus causing approximately one third of all adult colds. For this reason, colds are a frequent and recurring problem. Adults typically have two to four colds per year. The common cold occurs most frequently during the fall and winter months.

As luck would have it, I have three out of the five afore-mentioned symptoms, more than likely the fat rhinovirus, the culprit.  Runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion of extreme proportions have consumed my airway. Total blockage, deafness, heart stopping sneezes and a nose that Rudolph would die for.  Not to mention, I am cold, yet it's not cold out.  Perhaps an inner cold with one major exception, the God blessed nose, it's on fire.

Admitting I am a "woosie,"  I sense impatient defeat.  Nasal sprays, decongestants, eucalyptus lozenges, Vicks are just temporary relief.  I have taken Airborne, which for the record does dry up the runny nose, but everything else as well, so if sleep does come to the body,one awakens with lips stuck to to your teeth, tongue so dry, you feel like the neighborhood dog searching for the nearest waterhole on a steamy August afternoon!

Supposedly consuming large amounts of liquids is good.  So say those that do not have a cold!  Just when a comfy position is acquired and sleep is imminent, nature sounds it alarm, blow the ballasts!  This vicious cycle continues into the wee hours, decisions need be made; do I once again try to get comfortable, use more cold remedies, get up walk the halls of the house, plot bodily harm on those  within these walls that can breathe and sleep, therefore providing a partner to share my miserable feeling or do I suffer in silence? Perhaps sharing my misery with the world will suffice.