I acknowledge that at some point in the future, I may have to curtail or modify present passions due to physical or mental illness. Until that happens, I want to do what pleases my heart and soul!
Hmmmm......I hear what you're saying and yes, the term "Elder Orphan" is certainly derogatory and defeatist. BUT! It is exactly what I am! I'm an orphan to all intents and purposes. I have no living blood relatives in this country (2 I've never met in the UK and one in NZ I have only just found but who is older than me!)
Here, at home I have only my late husband's family consisting of 86 year old Mother-in-law who has just had a stroke, her husband of similar age and my brother-in-law with a sick wife and no kids of his own. I have been assisting my in-laws to navigate this massive lifestyle change. Medical appointments, pension entitlements, respite options, rehabilitation equipment purchases, occupational & physiotherapists and wonder who will do this for me?
I am, if nothing else, a realist and a planner. I volunteer in a nursing home and lonely "elders" who's family are all gone through death or choice is part of my weekly life. It is reality for many. So, of course, this weighs heavily on my mind.
For 8 years I have waited for the "Knight in Shining Armour" to come to my rescue (had a potential one but as a consequence of his ill-health and financial situation, I have become HIS carer!)
Or perhaps an "adopted" grandchild to become part of my life (had one but no longer have contact due to a disagreement with her parents).
So, one day, despite robust good health at 66 and the ability to live independently, one day I will not be able to pick up and cuddle my 6kg cats or tend my garden, do my own shopping or perhaps even attend to my daily ablutions.
I have friends who have gone through the convoluted and complex maze that is Aged Care in Australia with their loved ones and watched them get prematurely "buried" in the bureaucracy of pensions, nursing homes, Advanced Care Directives & Powers of Attorney. It is not a rosy outlook!
However, I do have, and cherish, many friends, an active social life, interests and hobbies, none of which will or can, change the truth of the matter nor the projected future.
I acknowledge that at some point in the future, I may have to curtail or modify present passions due to physical or mental illness. Until that happens, I want to do what pleases my heart and soul!
“…once fear shapes your imagination possibility starts closing…”. Went down in my journal, and up on an eye-level noteboard. 🙌
I had aging conversations already today with 2 people! Love this insight!
I couldn’t have said or thought it any better! Caught me just in time! ♥️
Hmmmm......I hear what you're saying and yes, the term "Elder Orphan" is certainly derogatory and defeatist. BUT! It is exactly what I am! I'm an orphan to all intents and purposes. I have no living blood relatives in this country (2 I've never met in the UK and one in NZ I have only just found but who is older than me!)
Here, at home I have only my late husband's family consisting of 86 year old Mother-in-law who has just had a stroke, her husband of similar age and my brother-in-law with a sick wife and no kids of his own. I have been assisting my in-laws to navigate this massive lifestyle change. Medical appointments, pension entitlements, respite options, rehabilitation equipment purchases, occupational & physiotherapists and wonder who will do this for me?
I am, if nothing else, a realist and a planner. I volunteer in a nursing home and lonely "elders" who's family are all gone through death or choice is part of my weekly life. It is reality for many. So, of course, this weighs heavily on my mind.
For 8 years I have waited for the "Knight in Shining Armour" to come to my rescue (had a potential one but as a consequence of his ill-health and financial situation, I have become HIS carer!)
Or perhaps an "adopted" grandchild to become part of my life (had one but no longer have contact due to a disagreement with her parents).
So, one day, despite robust good health at 66 and the ability to live independently, one day I will not be able to pick up and cuddle my 6kg cats or tend my garden, do my own shopping or perhaps even attend to my daily ablutions.
I have friends who have gone through the convoluted and complex maze that is Aged Care in Australia with their loved ones and watched them get prematurely "buried" in the bureaucracy of pensions, nursing homes, Advanced Care Directives & Powers of Attorney. It is not a rosy outlook!
However, I do have, and cherish, many friends, an active social life, interests and hobbies, none of which will or can, change the truth of the matter nor the projected future.