HONORED CITIZENS

The Old Rusty Nail

AN E-JOURNAL FOR OLD PEOPLE

Russell Burton, an Old Person

In my first article I struggled using the adjective ‘old’ in describing us aged persons beginning at 80 years of age.  I went through a series of words which are used to identify us as related to our age finally deciding that old was the best word to use without hurting the feelings of any one who is at least 80 years old.

I have a friend who lives in Portland Oregon who has informed me that their trolley and bus systems which by the way are very good allow people beginning at 65 years of age to ride at the reduced rate of only $1.  These people are named ‘honored citizens’.  How wonderful to provide cheap transportation to us old people most of whom are on what is called a fixed income. 

I will take issue with the age a person becomes honored.  Certainly, 65 years of age is not old.  I was still working at my profession when I was that age. So I am a bit confused by what ‘honored’ really means. So, I looked up this word in my Webster’s New World Thesaurus and found that the word honored can have several meanings.  And, these are the wonderful words which I found: respected, revered, decorated, privileged, celebrated, well-known, esteemed, eminent, distinguished, identified, noble, recognized, highly-regarded, and venerated. 

Oops I don’t see ‘cheap rides’ and ‘being old’ as criteria for the privilege of being honored.  I probably didn’t see it because I have a cheap edition of a thesaurus.  Still I am honored that Portland has tagged us old people with so many wonderful descriptive words.

Obviously then, being honored as defined by age is really far more than being old and being old includes far more than just having a lot of years on our bodies.  Could I be respected, esteemed and distinguished just because I am old?  I always wanted to be those things and now I am?  Until now, I was totally unaware that just staying alive for a long time ushered me into such a high quality of class.

Of course most cities don’t recognize us old people as having such esteemed qualities.  And, that is too bad because we have contributed to society for all of those years.  And, in retirement we still attempt to do some good things for our community.  So, most of us in some degree have earned the honored badge.

On the other hand, just maybe there is one of those above listed analogs which does apply to old age.  So, let’s take a look:

• Respected – might work for suddenly a couple of years ago I was referred to by perfect strangers as ‘sir’. And, I get to go into a building ahead of younger people.  Well sometimes…
• Revered – to be honored yes but just because I am old?
• Decorated – for just being old?  Where is my medal?
• Privileged – well with discounts for being old I guess I am privileged.
• Celebrated – I did not celebrate when I got old but maybe I should have for like I have written before, growing old is a privilege which more than half of my friends will not enjoy.
• Well-known – I don’t think being old makes me well-known.  In fact as my friends, who knew me best die I am really becoming less well known.
• Esteemed - I don’t think I am admired more than when I was younger.
• Eminent – well-known, renowned, important, distinguished, famous, reputed, prominent?  Just for being old? Not really, but many years ago living my career I did enjoy some of those very nice words.
• Distinguished – I don’t think old age made me distinguished.
• Identified – this one does fit for now I am identified as an old person.
• Noble – being old my moral character has not improved, I am not an aristocrat nor magnificent for being old?
• Recognized – no more than when I was younger. Perhaps even less so…
• Highly-regarded – being old has not increased this so-called attribute.
• Venerated – wow, to regard someone with profound respect or to honor somebody as sacred or special.  I guess being old is somehow special, but sacred?

So, thank you Portland for being so generous with your ‘honored’ badge even if it is deserved only sporadically in the above list.

I have visited Portland a couple of times and found it to be a marvelous city with its center full of wonderful restaurants, many useful stores, theaters and museums all

accessible by several inexpensive modes of communal transportation.  In fact, Portland is indeed the only good-sized city of which I am aware where all of a person’s living and entertainment needs are well within walking distance.  And, it is a friendly city full of parks nestled beside a rather large river.

Indeed Portland is a great city where it is a privilege (by definition) to be an honored citizen. On the other hand I would rather be honored with the numerous definitions which

I have listed than earning it the hard way by simply growing old.  In fact, it would be honored when I was much younger so I could enjoy it for many more years.  Being old by definition describes a limited duration when it can be enjoyed.

But in this column I will continue to use the word ‘old’ to describe my ‘honored’ condition making it very clear that even though I would love to be included in all of those definitions of honored I simply must acknowledge that it was earned simply by living a very long time.

Once again I sign off asking my readers that my exciting mystery e-novel Mary is available on Amazon so get your Kindle out and order it today for the ridiculously low price of $5.95.

Yes, I realize that this article is a short one but I had to get the word ‘honored’ out in public where everyone of my many readers can bask in its glories. Love you all and for my old readers keep the faith!

10/14

90 + YEARS OF AGE

The Old Rusty Nail

AN E-JOURNAL FOR OLD PEOPLE

Russell Burton, an Old Person

Last night I watched the CBS ‘60 Minutes’ show and enjoyed the segment on 90+ Aging.  A scientist found an old study conducted in 1980 concerning several thousand 60-year-old subjects.  She got a grant from NIH to study the survivors now when they are in their 90's. 

Her findings were very interesting and controversial for sure as many of the things she found were opposite of what we have been taught.  Not surprising the killer was smoking for none of those interviewed were now smoking.  I assume that many of the survivors sometimes in their lives had smoked.  This was not mentioned but apparently, all of those who were smokers in 1980 were now dead.

I was a heavy smoker beginning in my late teens when I joined a fraternity house in 1951.  Back then distributors of brands of cigarettes would come by the house and give each of us a free pack.  I think ‘Lucky Strikes’ and ‘Camels’ were the most common brands.  That was before filtered cigarettes made the scene.

Of course the idea was to get you into the habit, one which is easy to start and very difficult to break.  I got hooked but then the health risks were not known and cigarettes cost about 18 cents a pack.  Even that cheap I would bum smokes from friends for on many occasions I could not afford a pack. I guess today a pack costs over $5 and people still smoke cigarettes and the health risks are well known. For fun I calculated that it would be costing me today smoking three packs a day for a year - about $5500!  Of course the real answer would be zero for I would be dead.

I continued to smoke cigarettes, cigars, and even a pipe until I was in my mid thirties when I quit cold turkey.  Then I was smoking three packs a day with a cigar tossed in and perhaps a pipe bowl of tobacco.  After dinner in the evening I would smoke a pack of cigarettes before I went to bed.  When I quite I was a graduate student and animal pathologist at the University of California at Davis.  I remain friendly with a fellow graduate student who frequently remarks that back then I was smoking all three forms of tobacco at the same time!  Oh my…

When I quit for good it was a horrible struggle.  I had quit several times before once for as long as six months, but I went back to them.  When I had quite before it was not that difficult but when I quit the last time it was extremely painful.  I write painful because mentally it was with great anguish.  I told my boss that I was doing nothing except sitting at my desk staring at the wall.  He was a terrific guy and had been a smoker himself so he understood the nightmare I was going through.  After three long months I had finally beat the habit!

Today there are aids available to help a smoker kick the habit.  You know, like nicotine patches and other things.  I guess they help but all that does is make quitting less painful so the penalties of starting to smoke again are less.

Now the thought of having just one cigarette is not without a mixture of fear, disgust, and relief that I have beat the habit. I have friends who have quit and still can have an occasional cigarette but not me for sure. Of course I am so pleased that I did quit for I have friends who continued to smoke who have died or are suffering the ill health consequences of the habit.  They will never live to be 90.

During the show I compared my habits and health markers with those discussed on the show.  And, I was very pleased that I am right on target to make the nineties and I think with reasonably good health.  So, I went to bed with a smile on my face assuring myself that I have a decade more to enjoy life.  Well, that is silly but I think the odds are in my favor.

What was interesting to me were some of the facts of having long life ran counter to what I and I am sure many of you readers were led to believe.  In fact being over weight, drinking a reasonable amount of alcohol on a daily basis, and above average blood pressures all were beneficial!  Not only were they helpful in living a long healthy life but the opposite was true for those who were thin, did not drink alcohol and had low blood pressure.  Amazing…

Well the above information fit my lifestyle perfectly except for the overweight.  I am not underweight but I guess that small difference will not kill me.  Now what is a reasonable amount of alcohol can be debated.  A couple of drinks of wine were mentioned and it did not have to be red wine.  In fact, the beneficial ingredient here was simply alcohol.  And, I think I detected from her that more than two drinks each day might even work better.

My geriatric physician considers a systolic blood pressure of 160 and a diastolic of 90 as acceptable.  I just took mine and it is 159 over 77.  A lower diastolic is better than a lower systolic for it allows the heart to rest some between heart beats.  My former family physician had my systolic below 120!

Another finding which was also some what surprising was the numerous different kinds of vitamin and mineral supplements were not beneficial.  From that information I will assume that taking these supplements were not of any benefit at all.

Of course, the real benefit regarding life style was exercise.  Even a simple walk for a few minutes each day was helpful.  I was not surprised about the benefits of exercise.  Still, I wish she had been more exact about the benefits regarding the types and amounts of exercise, but I assume that that information could not be obtained in the study.   It was mentioned that only 15 minutes each day of some form of mild exercise extended one’s life.

Being active socially was a big plus not to be a surprise and romance was still something to pursue. That reminded me of when I was a young man in my twenties I had a party at my house.  One guest was a woman in her late 80s.  Her grandson asked her when she stopped thinking about sex.  She said with a smile on her face, “You have to ask someone older than me.”

Dementia was discussed at length which was not surprising for mental health is a major concern for us old people.  People are not good at much of anything except for their fantastic brain and the tremendous thought processes which it generates. Certainly old age dementia is a complex issue but with some light at the end of the tunnel regarding a better understanding and future treatments.  Still, it is a terrible malady.

I wish they had gone into more detail on what they found regarding helpful habits to prevent its occurrence.  You know, keeping the mind active with such activities as reading, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles.  I guess my mind is still working okay as I remembered all of this stuff from the show last night.

I know I was blown away with the results of this study as are some of my chums with whom I have discussed it.  But, as I think about these ‘strange findings’ I am convinced that old age is a different stage of life.  So, why shouldn’t the health indicators also be different?  As, I have written many times before I knew when I entered my last stage of life, you know when I recognized I was old obviously something inside of me had changed.  

So now I’m better off with higher blood pressure, being a little fat, and having a few drinks in the evening.  You know I might get to like this being old stuff.

5/14

 HOW OLD IS OLD?

The Old Rusty Nail

AN E-JOURNAL FOR OLD PEOPLE

Russell Burton, an Old Person

I ran across an e-article when I was looking for how much exercise someone my age should do each week.  I read numerous articles without finding a specific answer to my question.  As I should have expected, there aren’t really valid suggestions relating certain exercises or their amounts to any age group.  I was hoping at my age of 84 years I would find out that exercises are of no benefit to someone my age because I do not enjoy going to the gym several times each week. But, while I am there I see lots of people who appear to be having fun although I admit most of them are much younger. 

Well, I didn’t find what I had hoped to find because it was plain that some forms of physical exercises are useful throughout a person’s life regardless of age.  Obviously, I did not like that finding but I all really knew that physical exercises are of benefit regardless of age.

Still my search was not in vain for what I did discover was that old age has classifications for different age groups which are: early-old age (65-75 years of age); middle-old age (75-85) and very old is 85 years of age and older. Oh my, I have less than a year before I am ‘very old’.  So, I have concerns regarding this classification system.  Now, I am a scientist who has classified or grouped things regarding quantity many times in my research career, so it seems to me that going from ‘middle-old age’ suddenly to ‘very old’ in just one year is not right. You know, simply ‘old age’ was somehow left out.

In addition there were no explanations regarding the boundaries of these groups.  That is, other than age what makes these groups exist? Why does early-old age begin at 65? I was still working as a US Air Force laboratory Chief Scientist when I was 65 so I certainly did not feel like I was beginning my old-age experience.

So not knowing why these groups exist, I asked myself, what will happen when I reach this magical very-old age of 85?  You know, how will I feel?  Well this does concern me because like I have written before, when I reached 80 I suddenly felt old and that was a shock because in my 70's I felt kind of middle age whatever that feels like. Now, by looking at this age classification system, I should have felt something about this aging feeling when I reached 75 and became ‘middle-age old’, but that didn’t happen! So, I guess I was doing really well regarding this aging feeling thing. Still once again, it was never explained what it would feel like when someone enters each bracket. You know, how I am doing with this aging process.  Am I ahead of the game or falling behind?

I suppose it really does not matter which it is because age is age and time does not slow down. Einstein showed us that with his Space Time Theory. I know I sometimes kid myself into believing that by exercising at the gym I will slow down this aging process.  I have found that that is not happening because even though I go to the gym for exercises several times a week, I am still getting older and older.

Now, this classification thing has me wondering, maybe I should have felt old when I turned 75 but that did not happen until I reached 80.  That is, the feelings I got of feeling old at 80 was kind of a feeling that is supposed to occur with this ‘middle-old-age’ classification? If that is the case, I am growing older slower than I am supposed to.  So, I will not feel very old until I am 90! On the other hand, I am supposed to feel ‘middle-old age’ until I am 85 but I feel old at 80.

Well, this is both good news and bad news.  I was unaware that these age brackets existed.  I thought that being old was enough but I should have known better for I have written about my yearly physical changes which have occurred since I reached the age of 80.  There are several of them and none are what I consider as good.  And, yes they are making me feel like I am getting just ‘old’ but not really ‘very old’.

So, if I look at my present feelings about being old at 80 and not 75 does that mean I will not be ‘very old’ until I am 90?  And, when or where did ‘old’ happen? Thus, I suggest a change in this classification by having ‘middle-age-old’ from 75-80.  Then ‘old’ from 80 to 85 when people become really ‘very old’ and remain that way until they die.  On the other hand maybe we could add another group like ‘very-very old’ at 90 or perhaps ‘ancient’ might be appropriate.

So, with my always inquisitive mind I went to my Thesaurus and looked up ‘ancient’ which sent me to ‘old’ where I found numerous words like: infirm, inactive, enfeebled, decrepit, exhausted, impaired, broken-down, wasted, doddering, senile, having one foot in the grave, gone to seed, ragged, broken down, out of use, dilapidated, useless, tattered and there are many more.  Oh there were other words which were not this disheartening but still…

Now, I think these new classes I propose make lots of sense but it really has not changed anything regarding my aging process.  I just know that my physical condition and capabilities began to change significantly and noticeably when I turned 80 thus beginning this old-age process. And, it is coming on much more rapidly than I expected still I am not doddering, broken-down, or impaired.

My uncle will turn 94 in a couple of months which means he has been ‘very old’ for nearly 10 years.  I phone him about once a month or he phones me to see how we are doing.  He lives with his daughter in his lovely home which be bought in the 1930’s.  Next time we talk I must ask him what ‘very-old age’ feels like. On the other hand, maybe I don’t want to know.  Then maybe he has yet to become ‘very old’ whatever that means.

Well I am about to go to the gym for my weightlifting exercises for the week. I know it doesn’t stop this aging thing but maybe when I fall next time (and I will) I won’t break any bones.

4/16

AN UPDATE ON ME BEING OLD 

The Old Rusty Nail

AN E-JOURNAL FOR OLD PEOPLE

Russell Burton, an Old Person

I just had my 84^th birthday. I guess it is something to celebrate for not many people get a chance to do so and at my age there are fewer survivors each day as I grow older.  And, being old is a serious challenge which I have addressed before on this Blog.  In fact, each year the challenge grows more serious as I find myself not being physically capable of doing things I could do with ease just a year ago.  Yes, changes are coming more rapidly than I expected and this concerns me for I do not have many changes left in me.  I fear not as many changes as I can tolerate for I probably have several years left to live. Well, that is my thought now.

I will attempt to document some of those changes I have experienced since I turned 80 years of age when I decided I had become old and started to write this Blog.  Of course this metamorphosis being old was indeed a gate through which I recognized as significant and one in which there was no turning back, for this was a journey of time and a person cannot turn back the clock. Simply these were changes which I have found occur more rapidly each year.

I think the most aggressive change I have found is in my ambulation, you know walking either for simple exercise or to get someplace.  This was once a form of exercise which everyone calls probably the best form of physical activity available especially for old people.  Some four years ago I had a regular walk which I took about three times a week each of which covered about 3 miles that took me about an hour.  Frequently, I had a friend walk with me.  Over these four years, my walk went down to 2 miles then just a walk through the park which was about one mile until now I will no longer even attempt that.  And, my friend who is a few years younger than I am has recently become quite ill with pneumonia and COPD so that she can no longer do this walk.  I suppose she could come back from her medical problems and do that walk again. But not me, because my problem is not medical it is simply age!

Now, I am admitting to a profound change in one of my physical activities which I thought I could continue to perform until I died. Yes, some of my physical problems involves back pain but the work of walking that distance three times a week is just too great for me to perform anymore.  Of course, this is distressing but even more so because it has happened so rapidly. Yes, a year ago I was walking in the park and enjoying it.

Not only my capability in this walk is gone, I have no desire to even attempt to do it.  And, this lack of enthusiasm for my walk I see in just doing odd jobs about the house.  One such activity is keeping my patio deck cleared of leave.  Instead of doing it daily when there are few leaves I put it off for several days when it becomes a major chore. By that I mean instead of just a few minutes to do that job like it did a year or so ago it will take me nearly an hour.  And, it hurts…Why do I do this?  Because I have lost the motivation necessary for me to get out there and do it when I should!!!!!

When I went to a store I would park further from it than I had to so I would get some walking exercise.  Now I try to get as close to that store door as I can.  And, I am thinking about getting a handicap sign to hang from my car rear-view mirror to get parking closest to the store!

I continue to go to the gym for strength training and my aerobics on the stationary bike which I use to do each twice a week.  I have found excuses to reduce this activity to once a week. So, my gym routine is Monday I lift weights, Wednesday I do my aerobics and Friday I walk for about twenty minutes on a short circular track at the gym on a carpet.

And, walking on a carpet instead of outdoors on asphalt makes lots of sense for when I fall and I will, it hurts less.  Interestingly, I did fall the other day doing my walk at the gym.  Two young guys came over to help me get up but I declined their help and was able to do it by myself which was important. But, it was embarrassing for me for it showed my vulnerability from being old which I am not pleased about.

Now, I am doing an hour of physical therapy with a therapist twice each week to strengthen my lower back and reduce the pain.  You know with a back without pain, I might get back to doing my walk in the park, but I think it is more than just pain so I know that will never happen for several reasons other than back pain.

The lower back pain and reduced mobility is a common malady of us old people. In a recent issue of the Discover magazine it has a page where it lists. ‘20 Things You Didn’t Know About’ something.  The March 2016 issue has the something ‘Your Back’.  And by far the majority of those 20 things were about our spine pathologies.  It notes that lower back pain is the most common backache to which I am sure we old people will agree.

Of course I find it most difficult to get down on my knees or bending over to pick up something.  Some of this of course has to do with my back problems but also simple physical mobility is significantly reduced.  I find myself at times walking like an old person taking unsure shorter steps. For years I thought of painting the inside of my garage.  Of course that would require some repair work on the cabinets and walls.  I could have done it last year, I think, but I would not even attempt it now.

Other changes I have found over these last four years includes my reduced thirst desires and less interest in foods for I am sure my tasting and olfactory senses are less keen. Re my water intake I have a large glass of water on the kitchen counter which I keep full just to remind me that when I see it I take a good drink.

Besides the maladies I have just listed, my balance has gone south.  Walking up and down stairs without holding onto the banister is difficult.  I always try to do it without holding onto it but my hand is just an inch above it just in case. I think challenging myself physically like that is important and slows this aging process down, but I am not sure. I know, I will not walk down stairs without a banister.

I am working on my poor balancing by standing on one leg.   Years ago it used to be easy but now I have a chair in front of me using my index finger resting on its back for much needed support for my balance.  I do that exercise once each day standing on each leg five times for 10 seconds each. It seems to be helping my balance for now I can do some of it without using my index finger.  I guess this is progress well at least my balance is not getting worse.

Even though my physical prowess has diminished at least my mind remains sharp and that is much more important than being able to walk long distances. And, I am still very capable at driving my car.  In fact, I am sure I am a better driver than when I was a young man.  At least, I do know I am much more careful. And, I continue to have excellent vision with minor correction with bifocal glasses.  I just had my eyes checked and some minor changes in my prescription. Leg reflexes are important here and mine are still quite good.

Of course it takes more time to clean my patio and make my bed but I still do it.  Yes, I make my bed every day.  I never fail to do so even years ago I didn’t really care and frequently I just didn’t take the time.  Now, it is very important that I make it each and every day for if I didn’t I would get a feeling that I am less capable because of old age.  And, I don’t want that feeling. Yes, I can and do make my bed every day!

Other daily chores includes cooking my meals which I still enjoy. My cooking includes making my own pie crust (some people have never learned how to do that) and cooking some fairly complex dishes. Since I live alone I probably throw out much of it because it is difficult to cook for just one person.

I just hosted our biweekly bridge game.  It was my turn and it went well, which included serving an upside down cake for dessert which I made. Of course moving furniture and putting up the card table, chairs, and small food tables required some physical effort which was accomplished without much effort.  Maybe that is the secret it didn’t take much physical effort. Hey, and I won the game…

Oh I suppose someday I will not make my bed or clean off my patio.  I will stop going to the gym; you know, give up. And, my ability to walk from my car to a store will be compromised. That day is coming for sure but at least I still have the desire and physical ability to put it off for I hope several years.  But an old person never knows what is just around that time corner.

On the Web News I recently read that Cindy Crawford (you know that famous model) just turned 50.  And, she noted that ‘age is just a number’.  Let’s see what she says when she reaches 80.  Let me see, that would make me 114 years old.  I can hardly wait.

Strangely I am complaining about living.  I guess this is a sign of being old.

P.S. I just got word from Amazon that I just sold another book, my e-novel Mary.  Wow… What I am suggesting here is that my readers should buy my book for it is a really really wonderful story.  Get on the Web and type in Mary by Russell Burton and there it is for sale at a very reasonable price.  And, I thank you.

2/16

THE CHALLENGES OF BEING OLD

The old rusty Nail

AN E-JOURNAL FOR OLD PEOPLE

Russell Burton, an Old Person

I fell again the other day.  During my walk through a city park with asphalt covered walk paths.  Of course in order to break the fall and protect my face I threw my hands forward which suffered the most damage.  My left hand was most hurt with numerous small cuts from the surface rocks of the asphalt.  I also have a deep gash in the tip of my fourth finger which is particularly bothersome as the tips of fingers are particularly sensitive to touch and therefore pain.  My right shoulder aches some.

Of course we old people are prone to falling as we trip more easily as we walk and our balance is not what it use to be.  My tripping problem is because my right leg suffers from a mild ‘drop foot’.  I should have had surgery to correct it immediately but I did not know what my problem was so I delayed any medical help until it was too late.

I did find some exercises on the web which are supposed to help ‘drop foot’.  I looked these up the other day in hopes of improving some of the mobility of this foot and leg.  They are simple to perform so I started the most promising one yesterday.

Now, I started with this little story because it is only one of the many challenges we face when we get old.  I emphasize the word ‘CHALLENGES’ for I think it describes well the problems we face and must overcome each and every day as we grow older. 

As we slip into the ‘old age’ stage of life, it sneaks up on us for it is something different from anything we have experienced before.  Certainly the physical aspects of being old are particularly difficult and for me surprising.  I write surprising because for 80 years I had been physically active without any serious chronic problems.  Oh sure I would hurt myself on occasion but within a few days I would be back to my normal self. 

Well in my old age getting back to my normal self is not what it use to be but of course it is better than the situation I am now in after my fall.

I wish I had been better prepared for these challenges of old age because even though I witnessed my folks growing old, the thought that I would do and be the same just didn’t enter my mind for some unknown reasons.  I think another reason we are unprepared is because of our misunderstanding of old age.  You know such wonderful things as we are retired so we don’t have to work anymore, the kids are gone so we don’t have to put up with their problems, we get up in the morning when we feel like it, and we do what we want to do all day and night.

You know what is called ‘The Golden Years’.  So, we get caught up in this wonderful motto and sometimes we can’t wait to get to those good old Golden Years.  I have never heard anyone talk about the challenges of the Golden Years and that is why we get blind sided.  Yes, no one talks about the challenges of being old.  Yet, suddenly we are there without any preparation for entering into this new and final stage of life.

Somehow this does not seem right for all of our other stages of life we learn about them before we get involved.  When we are young we go to school for our education to prepare us to become adults.  Once we reach adulthood we learn a trade or go to college to prepare for our life work.  As adolescence we learn about sex, love, and social rules to prepare us for living a ‘normal’ adult life.

So where are the classes to prepare us for the challenges of being old?  Where are the rules we should follow in order to live a full life when we are old?  I guess what I am seeking is what things should I be doing or should have done to prepare for my final stage of life. 

The one thing that is emphasized is do you have enough money for retirement?  Of course we are bombarded with this ‘help’ because those interested are trying to get your money to ‘help’ you.  Yes, enough money is important for in some respects it will guide your future activities and even thoughts in old age. 

But, there is much more to living as an old person than having money.  Yes there is information out there in magazines such as AARP Magazine, on the web, on TV and even some classes for retired people offered by local education systems. But, all of this information is piece meal without any instructions of how or where to get it.

How about a one or two semester 3-unit college classes with the primary goal of teaching people in their seventies how to prepare and live in their soon approaching 80s and 90s.  Perhaps even into their 100s.  I read the other day that those born now, half will live to be 100 years or age.  Shouldn’t we have some understanding and education about the challenges we will face during our last one or two decades of life which can be argued are our most challenging?

Another reason for this type of education before we get there is because some of the preparation will require time to perform.  And, we should be warned about the consequences of life without proper preparations.

A good example is getting physically fit for old age and then remaining so as we get even older.  I think a good example of the rewards for staying physically fit is the minor injuries I suffered when I took that unprotected fall on my face on asphalt.  Certainly I could have easily broken an arm or leg if I had not been in good physical shape from my gym workouts every week.  I could even have had some brain injury if I had not been strong enough to break the fall and protect my head from sustaining a devastating blow.

I was fortunate that I began physical training shortly after I retired and I have kept it up.  No where were there courses which taught about being old where I would have learned about the benefits of physical conditioning.  Does anyone reading this article know that after age 30 we lose 1% of our muscle mass each year without proper physical exercises?

Of course there are many other challenges of being old which can be addressed by knowing about them and their proper remedies; i.e., balance, mental recall, nutrition, hydration, even types of physical entertainment, and driving a car just to name a few.  Certainly, knowledge of common old age pathologies their prevention and remedies would be most useful.  This would have been of great value to me because when I got ‘drop foot’ I would have known what to do.

Now we have loads of ads informing us of having a thing around our neck to call for help after we have fallen.  I am not discounting their value but shouldn’t we be in good enough physical condition with old age to be able to get up after we fall? 

So I conclude with the idea that at age 70 we all should be required, yes required to take a free two semester 3 unit college course on the challenges of being old.  

P.S.

The night after the day I fell, I did not sleep well as a rib hurt when I laid down in bed.  There was a position which I was able to move to which lessened the pain but it still did hurt and I did not sleep well that night.  The rib pain was not changed with breathing so I assume it was only the rib that was bruised.

The second day after the fall I awoke with both shoulders aching I am sure they absorbed much of the impact as I attempted to brace my body from the fall. But of course it could have been much worse.

5/15

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ENCLOSED

The old rusty Nail

AN E-JOURNAL FOR OLD PEOPLE

Russell Burton, an Old Person

I received a small brown envelop from an insurance company in the regular mail, what is now called snail mail.  Just above the address to me in huge bold letters was the title of this essay. Also printed on it just below my name and address was the less large still in bold capital print message, ‘PLEASE OPEN IMMEDIATELY’. Well, with all of this hype, I could not resist but to sit down immediately and find out what important information I was about to receive that I needed to know immediately.

Not surprising, it was an application for me to enroll in their life insurance plan.  Included was a table of monthly premium amounts as related to the amount of the insurance policy and age of the person to be insured.  Interestingly, the table started at age bracket 45-49 issue age.  Of course the age bracket that interested me the most was the last one 80-85.  Yes, if you are 86 years old this life insurance policy is out of reach obviously because of your age.  Now is that blatant age discrimination or what?!!!!

How lucky can I be for I am still able to buy this life insurance policy.  I have always argued that the name they give to these insurance policies is not accurate.  Simply they do not insure your life, they insure your death.

Included on the page which provided the chart with premiums and age was an outline of coverage and benefits which included 11 items all in bold capital lettering and each was enticing.  Who wouldn’t take advantage of this opportunity when it was clear that enrolling included: CASH BENEFITS; AFFORABLE RATES; NO MEDICAL EXAM; YOU CANNOT BE TURNED DOWN; COVERAGE FOR YOUR SPOUSE; COVERAGE FOR A FRIEND OR RELATIVE; COVERAGE TO AGE 100; YOUR CHOICE OF FOUR (4) BENEFIT AMOUNTS; RATES NEVER INCREASE AND BENEFITS NEVER DECREASE; AND CHOOSE YOUR OWN BENEFITS; 60-DAY FREE LOOK.  Wow, what a deal and I am still eligible!

Of course what caught my eye was I could be covered until I reached the age of 100 which of course is my goal.  But, I must act soon because in a couple of years I lose this opportunity. The explanation of this benefit starts ‘simply pay your premiums on time and your policy remains in full force and effect until age 100’.  And, when you reach the century mark they will give you a cash payment equal to the amount of your policy.  Hey you don’t even have to die!  How cool is that?

The bracket which caught my eye was the biggest at $10,000.  And, why not take advantage of this really good deal with the maximum payback to me.  Well for that insurance level the monthly premiums was a mere $166 per month and I get a 60-day free look and the rates never increase nor do the benefits never decrease.  And, I cannot be turned down. 

Under outline item 2 where affordable rates are covered I am informed that these rates are as little as the cost of a cup of coffee each day.  At my age that cost of a cup of coffee will be $5.53; what a deal.

Well, understanding that I can have this coverage until I am 100 years of age and then get my $10,000 back without even dying is a real steal and this insurance company hires math wizards to come up with these affordable rates which will obviously bankrupt the company. On the other hand, how can this be such a good deal when insurance companies must be making money to stay in business and this insurance company is a big one?

So I got out my little calculator and decided to do some figuring.  Now a premium at $166 per month adds up to $1992 each year.  In five years, I pay just under $10,000.  If I live to be 100 I get back my $10,000 but I have paid $31,872!!!! Now, I haven’t calculated the interest that this money has accrued over those 16 years.  Let’s say I invested this money at 5% I would have received an additional $12,800.  Add these numbers and what appears is the hefty sum of $44,672.  The insurance company has made a hefty $34,672 using my money.

I don’t know what it is like to live to be 100.  I suppose it is quite exciting particularly if a person is in good health.  And, to receive a check from your insurance company for $10,000 a person’s excitement at that age could be over the top.  Of course, as shown above by saving and with a simple investment of that money the check would be for $44,672!  Now that sum of money is really over the top.

Now I feel pretty healthy and my geriatric physician considers me so healthy that I need to see her but once a year instead of the usual twice a year schedule of appointments. I decided to look up on the web Actuarial Life Table published by the Social Security Department.  At my age of 83, their calculations determine that I will live another 6.65 years.  But, I may well live longer for at the age of 84, I have a life expectancy of 6.21 years.  That is at my age next year my life expectancy is reduced by only 0.44 years and that reduction is less each year I live.  Even at age 100 the table shows life expectancy to still be 2.1 years. Hey, I may never die.

I suppose someone will think about the possibility of dying a couple of months after taking out this policy with a payout of $10,000.  You may not be feeling all that chipper right then.  Well looking at the small print you will not get the $10,000 until the policy has been enforce for two years except for accidents.  During those first two years if I die all I get back are the premiums I paid plus 10%.  Not bad interest rates except I have to die to collect it.

Now looking further at this two-year exemption before I can collect the $10,000, if I die during the third year of this policy I will be paid the $10,000 but over $4000 of that $10,000 is my money which I have paid as premiums so really this is a $6000 policy not the $10,000 the insurance company claims it to be - some smoke and mirrors here?

Oh sure, I read in the obituaries everyday people dying in their early 80s but considering the population in my city of 1.4 million many of which are 80 and over most of us are staying alive.

Okay I am having fun with this insurance company about their life insurance deals.  And, this insurance company is like all the others, they provide a product but at a price.  But, should they be allowed to sell this death roll of the dice at such a high cost.  And, using their terms such as cash benefits, affordable rates, and rates never increase, benefits never decrease to entice an unknowing old person.  For many people this sounds too good to be true especially if you get excited about that whopping $10,000.  But now under closer scrutiny it really isn’t that good for in fact it is not good at all.

Of course, if someone is lucky enough to collect on their life insurance policy when they have paid less than what they get, congratulations.  Oh my, the payee is not receiving this money but the beneficiary is the person who is really the lucky guy.

Well with that happy note, I close but I must remind you about the excitement in store for anyone who buys my e-book novel on Amazon. It costs only $5.99 and is full of excitement, terror, romance, and it is a mystery.   Now this is a better deal than the insurance policies I have been writing about.  And, you don’t have to die to enjoy it. Just click on the web ‘The Old Rusty Nail’ by Russ Burton.  

3/15

THE POPE’S VISIT

The Old Rusty Nail

AN E-JOURNAL FOR OLD PEOPLE

Russell Burton, an Old Person

As I write this it is October 2015 and Pope Francis has just finished visiting the U.S. Before his arrival and especially during his visit there was great concern about his safety for more people are killed with guns in this country each year than probably all the other advanced countries in the world. And, for good reason we own more guns than all the people in the world.  I have heard that there will be more protection efforts for him than any other dignitary who has visited in the past. How interesting that a man of peace needs to be so protected.

Of course he is aware of these concerns and when asked about that possibility he remarked “…at my age I don’t have much to lose...”.  A rather profound statement and only one which can be appreciated by us old people for we all understand that dying for us is part of living and is not nearly as tragic as some young person dying.  You know all of those young soldiers killed in useless wars.

I do not have any religious convictions though there are numerous religions to choose from. Still it was fun for me to watch and listen to this person for he is wise and of course a special kind of dignitary. A special dignitary indeed for he was welcomed getting off his plane by President Obama and his family. And, as the religious leader of some 350 billion people throughout the world he has considerable political power.

Some of the fun is to watch people watching the Pope as he drove through DC in his little Fiat.  He rides in this little car instead of a huge limousine because he likes to be thought of as a spokesman for the poor. And, he is and I like that…  Of course the Fiat is made in Italy next door to his country the Vatican and with its size it can be carried in his plane. I assume his little car has not been made bullet proof such as the President’s huge limousines which each weigh several tons. Of course this speaks once again to our gun insanity.

 Of course the TV is constantly covering his visit which to me became tiresome and a bit boring after a while. He addressed our Congress which had the news media and I am sure members of Congress in suspense for he said what he wanted to say and since he is a spokesman for the poor some of his speech was politically incorrect.  He noted the importance of climate change to humankind, our immigration issue, and the huge gap here between the rich and the poor who use to be called ‘middle class’.  The Republicans did not like those concerns so they were generally quite but did cheer when he talked about the Catholic stand against abortion.  Of course no Republican yelled out that he ‘lies’ like one of them did to our President.   

There is something about abortion which I too dislike for it is killing a live fetus which could have lived and become a human; perhaps President of the United States.  Who knows…  Still, I justify this act because the mother and too the father at times do not wish it to live so what kind of life would it have?  Interestingly, Republicans want the fetus to live but have no interest in its future immediately after it is born and may well need financial help.

This Pope is trying to bring the Catholic Church into the 21^st century. He has addressed to some degree several ‘sins’ which the church had embraced for centuries. These are abortion, gay marriage, and divorce.  Even though they are still considered against church rules, those who have committed these serious sins are able to seek absolution. Even though 79% of Catholic members accept these changes some ultra conservatives do not agree.

Absolution is not a new activity in the Catholic Church for a person could pay the Church a hefty sum to obtain it but it was doable. The doctrine has not changed just the money handlers in the Church.

Its fight with science over evolution was resolved in the 1990's much to my surprise when Pope Paul accepted the science of evolution by finding that it did not conflict with the teachings of the Bible. Of course resolving those conflicts with the Bible is not difficult for the word of the Bible can be meant to say most anything.

He skipped the special luncheon they had for him after his speech but chose to eat downstairs with the staff people.  Good for him…  Interestingly and quite profound visits by dignitaries usually have little to no impact after they leave.  But, the next day the Speaker of the House, John Boehner, resigned from the House.  Wow… He is a very religious Catholic and the Pope’s address got him thinking about the turmoil he has had as Speaker.  And, I saw a Republican Senator on TV denounce climate change as a hoax but then say that we need to invest more in non-carbon energy technologies.  Okay…

The Pope’s last stop was Philadelphia where he visited a prison and talked with some of the prisoners who of course were stunned.  Whether this activity will change their minds and behaviors is something to be seen in the future.

He also denounced the Bishops who hid the pedophile crimes of the clergy saying that they will be held accountable.  Once again we will see.

A couple of days after he left the United States it was revealed that he had had a conversation with Kim Davis who was the Kentucky clerk who had denied to give marriage licenses to Gay couples.  She told the press that she had a 15-minute conversation with the Pope who congratulated her on her stand supporting the Bible’s stand on Gay marriage.  The Vatican did not deny this conversation but noted that it was not a personal conversation but part of a group activity. 

Then word came out that he had a personal conversation with a long-time friend who is gay.  So, now that this has come out with photographs and lots of grinning I am relieved that he is in support of gays.  Interesting there were no photographs of the Pope with Kim Davis so her story has much less credibility

Still, I am embarrassed though that out country is so well known about our gun violence. Certainly this country has a fixation on guns. I guess about 30% of Americans own guns of some type.  Most I suppose are for hunting but there are millions of these guns called assault weapons which are made for killing people.  Why people buy these things, and they are not cheap, is fascinating and a bit scary for they shoot rounds at an amazing rate with clips which hold 30 or more bullets.  And, I am sure these shells cost a considerable sum of money.

Recently we have had many killings by people who are considered insane as if simply killing a person is not an insane act.  Those people against any kind of gun control and they are in a minority agree that crazies should not have guns but without any sensible gun controls.  Go figure…

I wish he would talk about gun control here but probably not even though it would be most appropriate considering all of the efforts and expense spent in keeping him safe.

Of course, the Pope after numerous appearances and addresses all with great fanfare gets on his plane and flies home much of what he said is clearly forgotten except of course the resignation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives which put the GOP into some turmoil.   

9/15

TEN REASONS TO KEEP FIT AS YOU AGE

The Old Rusty Nail

AN E-JOURNAL FOR OLD PEOPLE

Russell Burton, an Old Person

I ran across this article which I had forgotten I had saved a couple of months ago while I was still in Western New York State where I live during the summer.  Many times in this Blog, I have written about my summer stay there in my condo in Westfield NY on Lake Erie and attending the Chautauqua summer 9-week program.

This article which appeared in the August 21 2015 issue of the Chautauqua Star, a local newspaper, in the Health section naturally caught my eye for I have written several articles on the importance of regular physical exercises in us old people.  I liked the words in the title ‘… as you age’ used instead of the word ‘old’. Yet, it is indeed for us old people staying fit although words which indicated that this was the intended audience were few and far between.  ‘…deteriorate with age’ was used once; ‘older adults’ was used twice; and finally a reference to the ‘NIH National Institute for Aging’ suggested that the article was aimed at us old people.  Oh yes, a picture showed four relatively aged people all smiling holding up weights.

By the way, I have found the National Institute for Aging a wonderful source of information in support of us old people.  All you have to do to enjoy those benefits is bring it up on the Web and join.  It is free and immediately various topics on aging are provided to you on the Web on nearly a daily basis.

Back to the article, I found few new thoughts on this very important topic regarding the importance of physical fitness in us old people. Still its importance cannot be overstated so I will review it for my readers even though much of it I have previously written.

Like I said reference to us-aged people was rarely mentioned in this article so as is the case a good physical fitness regimen is important to adhere to during our entire lifetime.  So, like mentioned in all of these types of articles, it is never too old to start.  Of course, obtaining your physician’s permission might be in order. 

I began my physical activities at the local gym when I retired at the age of 68.  Of course, as I progressed I did indeed become stronger which became somewhat of an obsession to continue to increase my strength using heavier weights.  This desire became ridiculous when I decided I was an old person at the ripe old age of 80.  I have written previously about this metamorphosis in my aging process which did cause me to change my approach to living including working out at the gym. 

Now what is important here to note is that I only changed my approach to these exercises. Simply instead of trying to increase my strength I decided to reduce the weights I used to levels which were about half of what I had previously used and dramatically slowed the duration of each exercises rep to where I take twice as long to perform one rep.  Of course the physical work remains the same for it is a function of the duration of the exercise.  And, I think using less weight when a person gets old is an important safety factor.

This approach has been successful in maintaining my muscle mass and strength.  Of course, like this article and every other article on physical conditioning, bone density is increased or at least maintained.  Maintaining bone density is very important for us old people because among many other benefits, when we fall (and we will) we won’t break bones. It was reason number one in this article as it should be.

Reason 2 was that it keeps a person fit thus reducing the possibility of becoming disabled. Now, that makes sense.

Reason 3 noted that exercising increases metabolism thus keeping us from getting fat.  I see few old people who I would call fat.  Interestingly, in a previous article I noted in my Blog that in one study being a bit overweight was helpful in reaching the age of 90.

Reason 4 stated that exercises helped to reduce falls by improving balance and muscle strength.  The former is very important for like I have noted before, balance in us old people needs lots of help for it declines significantly as we experience advancing years.  Now, of course these exercises aimed at our balance are quite different than what I would include in working out at the gym.

 

I have an article from NIH National Institute on Aging which suggests some ten-specific exercises helpful in improving balance which can be done at home.  The two I use twice daily is standing on one leg for ten seconds ten times with as little assistance as possible such as touching the back of a chair with only one finger.  Eventually no support is necessary and then it is attempted with eyes closed.  I have not gotten that far yet. My other balance exercise is walking a straight line putting one foot in front of the other foot.  Not easy…

Reason 5 is the maintenance of flexibility.  At the gym, I work out on a machine for that purpose going through ten types of stretches. Of course just putting your shoes on and tying the laces is a form of flexibility.

Reason 6 is the social aspect of it.  You know meeting friends or going to the gym with an acquaintance.  Here I disagree for I see friends at the gym chatting for over an hour instead of lifting weights.  I do have friends there but I smile and say hi and get on with my exercises.

Reason 7 suggests that exercise is good for a person’s mood.  By that, it means that it is good for the mind, reduces depression, and improves your sense of what you can do.  I have read previously that keeping one’s mind sharp must include some form of physical exercise.  That is, just challenging the mind with mental exercises is not enough.

Reason 8, 9, and 10 were lumped together as a kind of summary which emphasized that with age comes physical deterioration of all body functions that can be greatly slowed with exercise.  The four major exercises stressed included: Endurance, Strength Training, Balance and Stretching. 

The conclusion included the following tips for success:

• ·        Schedule your exercise times as you do your daily activities.
• 
  
• ·        Start slow, increasing your physical activities when it feels right.
• 
  
• ·        Persuade a friend to workout with you for it supports motivation.  I have found this not necessary and I think in my case would not be helpful.
• 
  
• ·        Use different weights at times to prevent boredom.  I have done the same exercise regimen for nearly 16 years and I am never bored.
• 
  
• ·        Use various other physical approaches in one’s daily activities such as parking further than necessary to go to your destination. In a sense, I do that for I do not look for the nearest parking place. Take the stairs not the elevator was another suggestion.  I usually do that and I think this also helps with balance. I attempt to walk both up and down the stairs without holding on to the banister.  Of course my hand is right there just above the banister in case I begin to fall.
• 
  

Of course, the number one factor in all of this is motivation. The best example of regular physical workouts can be found in football players.  Most everyday they spend many hours in the gym working out to get stronger.  Of course that is their job which if professionals involves loads of money. 

Certainly we can find motivation enough to work out a few hours each week in order to maintain a reasonable form of quality of life! And, motivation is inspired by just doing it on a regular basis like an hour a day for four days a week.  Personally, I find that if I develop a schedule, then I can stay with it.  But, of course it takes a couple of weeks to make those exercise activities routine as it becomes part of a person’s life. 

T   There is no doubt that these exercises take physical effort and sitting in an easy chair in the living either reading a good book or watching TV is a lot easier.  But, when you do that you are acting like a sissy and being old is not for sissies.  

I     If you insist on reading a good book, I suggest my e-book “Mary’ a thrilling horror adventure.  But to find it on Amazon you must include my name Russell Burton. It costs $5.99, a reasonable price for such a great story.

10/15