Concessions in Aging

Somehow, I crossed an invisible line.

Not all at once. Oh no. Aging is sneaky. It comes in small, reasonable, perfectly logical concessions. One at a time. Each one totally justified.

And suddenly you look around and realize you’ve built an entire lifestyle out of them.  Let’s review ...

Reading Glasses

I used to think people who wore reading glasses on a chain were… well… committed to the “look”.

Now I own three pairs, although not on chains (yet)

One in the kitchen

One in my purse

One in the car

One on my head at all times

Comfy Clothes

Once upon a time, I had “outfits.”  Business suits, night on the town ensembles, meeting friends for Happy Hour.

Now I have:

Soft pants
Softer pants
And “fancy” soft pants

If an item of clothing has a zipper, it had better be attached to a coat.

Bathroom Accessories

At some point, the phrase “toilet arms” entered my vocabulary.  Grab bars are great but let me tell you, toilet safety supports are magnificent.  Like a personal trainer… for standing up.

A Podiatrist

There was a time when I could:

See my feet

Reach my feet

Deal with my feet

Now I have a professional on retainer.  And because I have Diabetes, it’s half the cost I used to pay for a pedicure.  He trims. He files. He burrs the callouses.  He chats.  Every six weeks it’s practically a spa day, minus the cucumber water.  He even does a lotion foot rub!

Prescriptions and OTC Royalty

I have prescriptions. Eight or nine actually.  (So my semi annual blood work results are always spot on).

But then there is my over-the-counter empire.

If there is a symptom, I have a remedy:

Dry eyes? Got drops.

Red eyes?  Got drops.

Allergies?  Zyrtec to the ready.

Dry mouth? Got Biotene lozenges and holistic drops to add to my water (from my fabulous dentist)

Mystery ache? I have aspirin, Aleve, Tylenol and Motrin.

Bandaids of all sizes, blister gel pads, medical wrap  … even an eye wash cup and a patch.

My medicine container is more like a small pharmacy.

Slip-On Shoes

I used to tie laces.  I used to wear heals.  I loved all kinds of shoes (not like Emelda)  Now I glide.

Enter my stylish slip-on Kiziks.
No bending. No tugging. No muttering.

Just step in and go. Like a grown-up version of toddler shoes, but cuter and more expensive.  And no velcro.

The Nighttime Uniform

Nightgown.
Slippers (since the Lego days). (I even have indoor only Kiziks these days)
Magic fingers in my bed.

I have an adjustable bed and three levels of vibration.  I often use this to get back to sleep after that 3am visit to the ladies room.

My New Philosophy

Here’s the thing about all these “concessions” ...  Every single one makes life easier.

• I can read menus.
• I can safely take a shower
• I can hear conversations.
• I don’t have to wrestle with shoes.
• I don’t dread standing up from the toilet.

These aren’t defeats.  They’re upgrades.

You reach a certain age and realize:  Comfort beats vanity.  Convenience beats stubbornness. And dignity sometimes comes in a discreet, well-designed package.

If that means I am the Queen of OTC remedies, wearing slip-on shoes, bladder protection, sipping water with dental drops in it…

So be it.

Long live the Queen.