The Unexpected

You’re going along just fine when you suddenly have to face a bump in the road. In my case it was an unexpected hospital visit that lasted longer than I would have liked, but that’s life. Fortunately, the problem is behind me and I’m looking forward to better days.

            One thing I learned is that we are not in charge. We cannot predict, foresee or know when the unexpected will come our way. All we can do is accept and make the best of it.

            Luckily my setback was solved before Christmas, so I am more fortunate than a lot of people, and very grateful.

            My break from my blog will continue until mid-January.

            In the meantime, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and lots of love and joy in the New Year.

 

New Talent

Recently, I heard a commentator discuss the results of a poll which to him—and to me—indicate a radical change in society. The poll showed that many young people today have no clue how to do some of the basic things older folks have always done, such as preparing a decent meal or sewing or knitting.

Traditional skills are being lost to the changing face of society. Why learn to cook when you can order out or quickly heat up frozen meals in the microwave.? Why learn to sew or knit when clothing made in developing nations is so cheap and easily available?

In just a couple of generations, priorities have shifted. My mother—just like yours, I’m sure—had skills that the world is quickly forgetting. We lived on a large farm, and she canned vegetables from the garden as well as fruit from our trees for our winter meals. She found time to mend clothing and sew some of our clothes during the long winter months.

Of course, my mother didn’t waste time updating her social network profile! Her entertainment was a little more basic—it was the radio. I remember that it seemed to be on all the time. She kept up with the news and comments of the day, and was entertained by the music, while her imagination made the most of listening to actors reading radio plays. When I talked about radio plays recently, my grandchildren were at a loss to understand what it was exactly. “You mean, no pictures?” No pictures, just your imagination! What a concept!

But the radio is far from dead as an entertainment medium, even in this age of computers and all sorts of hand-held devices keeping everyone connected all the time. More and more well-known people take to the airwaves with their own podcasts. We can only hope that radio drama will also resurge. In a world where video is taking so much space, it’d be nice to see imagination having room to prosper.

 

 

 

 

Thinking green: New vs Old!

As we face disastrous climate changes that are becoming the norm everywhere, it is easy to see that the earth is mad. In fact, it is not only mad it is furious! It is telling us to clean up our act – and quickly.

The other day I heard someone say that “in the past people didn’t care for our environment.” Really? “Yes,” the person said. “People didn’t bring reusable bags to the store for their groceries.” Perhaps not, but they mostly carried their purchases in paper bags that were reused in the home.

And back then, instead of plastic bags milk came in bottles that were washed, sterilized and refilled so they could be reused over and over. Back then people washed the baby's diapers instead of throwing them away. When my children were born I used a diaper washing service, a lot cheaper than buying the throw-away kind. Today, diaper service companies are starting to make a comeback – thank goodness, I say.

In the past, people dried clothes outside on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine. Wind and solar power really did dry clothes.

People like my mother and my grandmother respected nature and little was thrown away. For those who lived through the Great Depression reusing and recycling was second nature. Clothing was mended instead of going in the landfill, and when it became no longer wearable companies would use woolens to make blankets, the rest was used for rugs. Household appliances were repaired instead of people buying new ones. Today, it seems that appliances, big and small, are made to break down and be replaced by newer models. No wonder we’re in trouble!
             Back then, there was one TV or radio, in the house, not a TV in every room.  Back then, they didn't fire up an engine and burn gas just to cut the lawn. They used a push mower that ran on human power. They exercised by working so they didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.
              They drank from a fountain when they were thirsty instead of using plastic bottles. They refilled their pens with ink instead of buying new ones, and they replaced the blades in razors instead of throwing them away. And they didn't need a computer to receive a signal beamed from satellites out in space to find the nearest pizza joint!

            Our grandchildren may have to pay a high price if each of us, including our leaders, continues to ignore the message the earth is sending. It will continue to be mad and the future will indeed be bleak for the generations that will follow us.

 

 

 

 

        LEST WE FORGET!

Instant Communication

“What’s a telegram?” my grandson asked when I mentioned the word. While I explained that it used to be an efficient way of communicating important information, it dawned on me that while now defunct, its life was decades-long in contrast to the speed at which the newest and the latest in communication is forever evolving. But do the methods of communication that have appeared since the telegram of (what seems) only a few years ago always good for us?

I worry that in our rush to be in constant communication with the rest of the world we may be in danger of having too much information. Are we able to distinguish the truth among all the information instantly reaching us?

Those of us who still read newspapers know that they exist by their reputation and that news stories have been checked and rechecked for accuracy before being thrown at the world. And those of us who read newspapers online are assured that this high standard also applies there as well. But what about all the other information, comments, ideas on countless websites and blogs? Can we recognize the real grain among all the half-truth circulating in cyber space?

Another danger looms in instant communication. The never-ending bombardment of images may make us immune to feelings. Somewhat like the horrific images of the Vietnam War, the first “televised” war which made the news daily at the time, today’s images of bloody conflicts and disasters are instantly seen by millions all over the world. And we get used to them. After a while, all shock value is lost. Unless it’s personal, of course.

 In the olden days, if someone was injured or killed, the family received a telegram and were spared the visuals. Today, chances are family members will see a video of the actual event someone has posted on line before anyone has time to officially inform them of their loss. The telegram was kinder.

 

 

The Condo Option

When it comes to housing preferences the condo is certainly a good choice for those whose families have moved on and who would rather not be taking care of a house, the lawn, the snow shoveling, etc.

One of my sisters has been living in a larger 144-unit condo complex for more than two decades and has acquired a lot of condo-related experience. When I asked her what anyone looking into buying a condo should know, she had some interesting advice.

 Cost: Before putting in an offer on a condo unit, be sure you understand what your costs will be. A condo may be an apartment, but it becomes your personal property which the municipality will tax just like any other real estate.  And when you live in a condo someone has to be paid for the care and maintenance of common areas, and that’s where the monthly fee comes in.  It covers care and upkeep of hallways, stairs, lawns, etc. as well as keeping the contingency fund at an appropriate level to cover major expenses such as roof repairs.

History: Prospective condo buyers would be well advised to get a clear picture of the history of the building. If built some years ago, what have the major problems been? And how were they tackled?  If you are looking at a new building or are buying sight unseen from the builder’s plans, be sure you understand the builder’s guarantees should things not live up to your expectations.

Management: Part of the condo fees are used to pay for the management of the building. It can either be an owner-manager or an outside firm. The best way to find out if management has been satisfactory is to ask to read the minutes of the last two general meetings of the condo co-owners. This should be done before an offer is made so that you can assess what problems have come up or what problems are bound to come up.

Be neighbourly: Potential condo buyers should talk to a few people in the building to get a sense of the atmosphere. If you don’t like dogs, would you be happy if some co-owners have large dogs? Will one of your neighbours be a musician who practices at all hours? It’s a good idea to find out what the people in the building are like before buying.

For women: Many condo buyers are women who have become single as a result of a divorce or are widowed. Many have never purchased real estate by themselves and as novice buyers should be especially careful. Examine all aspects of the transaction with a trusted friend, family member or even a lawyer before purchasing.

Caveat emptor certainly applies here.

 

 

A Choice for Fun

It used to be people retired and did little—little planning, little exercising, little smiling. Things have improved, thank God. It used to be you were old at sixty while now seventy is the new fifty. Baby boomers are more active than ever and, because of advances in health care and wide information dissemination, can look forward to a long retirement. In fact, it is predicted that most of today’s boomers will live well into their nineties. That’s a lot of years to do little.

I firmly believe that, like any other stage of life, retirement has to be planned to some extent. We certainly cannot plan every minute of every day, but there should be a guiding desire toward a goal. We are all different so goals will be different for everyone. But I don’t know that I have goals, Bob told me recently. He is about to retire and has not planned anything beyond playing golf as much as he can. That’s certainly a nice enjoyable goal, but there has to be more to fill all that free time, especially in the winter months.

Just as we chose careers that appealed to us, that fit our personalities, our choice of activities in retirement should be based on what moves us, makes us feel good, not what friends or family feel we should be doing. I know a man who turned to photography in retirement and is having a grand old time. He was a chef all his life so his children thought he would spend his retirement preparing meals for them. But he wanted out of the kitchen to embrace a new passion.    He’s the perfect example of a fulfilled retiree. Good for him, I say.

A retiree’s mantra should be change for the new, the fun.

 

 

 

On Worrying

Most of us are fascinated by what the future might hold. We want to know what will happen to us, to our loved ones, to the world. It’s no wonder seers of all stripes are so popular. Their predictions rarely hold true, and those that do are usually generalities that anyone could have predicted.

            I think we waste a lot of time by worrying about the future – and the past – when we should concentrate on the present. Despite a few physical problems an older relative of mine believes that worrying about the future weakens the mind’s effort to make the most of today.

            Worry is indeed ageing. It robs us of vitality as our mind whirls around and around the same problem for days -- and nights. It serves no useful purpose because it doesn’t change things. For instance, we may worry that the decision an adult child has taken will lead to future problems, but worrying about it is useless. I believe that outside of making our opinions known and providing the rationale for our thinking, worry will not benefit the child. It will only affect our sense of well-being. Those who, like my aged relative, are believers find that at such time, letting go and letting God is the answer.

            Changing a mindset of a lifetime of worry habit is not always easy, but it can be done. When I am tempted to worry about whatever is happening – or I believe will happen – in my life, I sit quietly and meditate. At first, it was very difficult. My mind kept wandering to the problem I was attempting to ignore, but I stuck with it. On especially difficult days, I meditate several times in short sessions, and now reach a level when I can really let go.

            Some people are put off by the word meditation. They equate it to something Buddhists or Indian gurus do, not something simple that anyone can practice. There are many books on meditation, but it is really quite simple. It’s only a manner of concentrating on something neutral or positive to clear the mind of negative thoughts.  It is as simple as focusing on your breathing. When your mind wanders back to your worries, you guide it back to refocus on your breathing.  Or you can close your eyes and let your mind stroll through a beautiful garden or fly above a mountain blanketed in freshly fallen snow, whatever you find peaceful. Starting with just a few minutes a day and increasing the time little by little does negate worry.

            When you train yourself to let go of useless thoughts and worry, you see a difference in the way you approach life. As someone said we cannot direct the wind, but we can indeed adjust our sails. And Mark Twain observed: “I am an old man and I have known a good many troubles, but most of them have never happened.”

 

 

 

 

When Will it End

Like many people, I watch the evening news on television to keep abreast of what is going on in the world. However, last night I realized that I have been fed the same information for more than a year and a half, i.e.: the number of new covid cases; the number of hospitalizations; the number of people who are in ICU; and, tragically, how many people have died because of the virus.

            Months ago I was certain the end of the pandemic was near, but that was not the case. And as we now have to fight a fourth wave, there are still people who refuse to be vaccinated. Don’t they see that they can spread the virus to children too young to be innoculated? Don’t they feel an obligation to the rest of us? They march with placards that decry the government taking away their liberty, but what about my liberty to stay alive?

            And many of these anti-vaccine proponents are health-care workers. That is really beyond my understanding!

            It is clear that many anti-vacs got a lot of misinformation from the internet and social media where anyone can post anything. It’s incredible to me that some people think that taking medication designed for horses will prevent them from getting the virus! They accept nonsense yet say no to a vaccine that could save their lives. It proves my point that while the internet certainly makes our lives easier every day, it is also the purveyor of all types of stupid and dangerous misinformation.

            Luckily, there is one bit of positivity in all the chaos: vaccine passports. As people need proof of having had two doses of the vaccine to step inside restaurants, gyms, sports venues, aircrafts, and so on, those who cannot provide proof will be denied entry. Let’s hope that if they want to rejoin the world they will finally do the right thing so that we can finally see the end of daily depressing stats.        

 

On Grandparenting

Grandparents’ Day is marked on the second Sunday in September since 1995. Too late to celebrate this year, but I think we should start thinking about ways of making the day as important as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day in the years to come. And why not?

          Those of us who are fortunate enough to be grandparents know how important grandchildren are in our lives and how much they contribute to our overall wellbeing. But there is also the fact that grandparents are important to grandchildren and add much to their maturity in terms of positivity, of confidence, of joy. Grandparents are fortunate to see their grandchildren grow physically as they grow emotionally surrounded by a very special kind of love.

          That point was made clear to me recently when one of my granddaughters stayed with me overnight in my spare bedroom. It was a thrill for her and it made her feel special that “just the two of us” were spending time together. Youngsters look up to grandparents and feel cherished when they interact with them. It’s a special bond that lets you know all is well with the world.

          And both generations learn from each other. I know I’ve learned from my grandchildren about their views of the world which are certainly different from the way I saw things when I was a youngster. And they answer my technical questions when it comes to modern communication devices. Very handy!!

And kids learn from grandparents with all their questions on anything and everything. As one said: “Grandparents know a lot of stuff.” And well they should after spending decades living and learning. It’s only fair that that “stuff” be handed down and remain alive in young minds.

Let’s celebrate grandparenting. We’ve earned it!   

                  

The ol’ days

When my mother was raising her family, she did not enjoy the household luxuries we take for granted today. Homemakers made do with what they had, expanding a lot of energy while seeing to their daily tasks. Luckily, little by little, things improved.

Few people would want to go back to those labor-intensive ol’ days, yet most of us mourn some aspect of the past which we somehow feel would make our lives better today. Pangs of nostalgia seem to be most common when prices are being discussed. Someone will inevitably say they remember paying less than 50 cents for a gallon of gas.

But nostalgia has a way of being selective. We tend to forget what the minimum wage was in the ol’ days. We glorify only the memories which seem to prove the argument of the moment. For example, we may complain about today’s ethics comparing them to a time when concern for others was, we feel, the norm rather than the exception. What we are tempted to forget is that some of the attitudes of the past were grossly narrow-minded.

When I was in high school, one of my classmates left abruptly after Christmas one year to return only the following September. She had gone to Europe to live with an aunt for a while, our teacher said, but there were whispers in the hallways. When she returns, she’ll be changed, one of my classmates said all-knowingly. Something in the eyes is not the same after you have a baby, she added for everyone’s enlightenment.

When the poor girl did return, I kept looking into her eyes to see the change for myself. I remember seeing only a lot of sadness. How could it have been otherwise? Society through its better-than-thou authority figures had judged her so she had no choice but to give birth to a child she would never be able to hold and love. Of course, the pendulum has now swung to the other extreme, and often today having a child is a prerequisite to marriage! But I digress.

In the ol’ days, prices might have been cheaper, but when it came to certain attitudes, we could very well call them the dark days. Not a time everyone would wish to relive.

 

 

 

 

To Sleep or Not to Sleep

As the years pile up, sleep patterns can become disturbed. The reasons for this state of affairs are as varied as there are people. For some it’s recurring pain, for others it could be worry and stress, medication or depression. The list goes on and on.

            The point is that being unable to sleep at times just proves that we are human. The question then becomes: what are you supposed to do about it? Or rather, with it?

            My sister tells me that every so often she spends the whole night awake and is terribly tired the next day. While I believe she may be awake for part of the night, she probably dozes off for some time here and there without realizing it. She says she watches TV until it’s time to get up, but I am of the opinion that she sleeps without realizing it. In any event, having a television set in the bedroom is not a good idea because we may be tempted to watch movies late at night, movies that may keep us on the edge of our seat – rather our bed – making it hard to fall asleep afterwards.

Lack of sleep is no laughing matter, and a doctor should be consulted if it is the norm rather than the exception. You might simply need more exercise; an after-dinner walk can do wonders for the body. Or your spouse may be a loud snorer or a restless sleeper and thus affect your own sleep. Discuss the problem with him or her.

            Because we often become light sleepers as we age, outside sounds such as an airplane, a loud car or thunder can wake us up without our realizing exactly the cause of the problem. To counteract such things, some people use earplugs, but I doubt that everyone would be comfortable wearing them to bed. 

            Another problem is suffering from insomnia when traveling. Many people cannot sleep, or at least sleep soundly, when in a bed other than their own often because the mattress is much softer or harder than the one they are used to. It is certain that we all get used to our own space, no matter the age. I live in the city, but when I visit a son and his family who live in the country, the complete silence is something I’m not used to.

            Some of the reasons we do not sleep well can be remedied once we become aware of what they are, i.e. the mattress, the snorer beside us, etc. However, you may have a sleep disorder if most of the time you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep; or you wake up not feeling rested and feel the need to take a nap during the day. A sleep disorder should be discussed with a doctor. We all need our sleep and can only be our best when we are rested no matter our age.

 

 

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USER: cabbage

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USER: boiled cabbage

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USER: 1 boiled cabbage

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USER: 50bloodyboiledcabbages

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USER: 50BLOODYboiledcabbages

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USER: 50BloodyBoiledCabbagesShovedUpYourAssIfYouDon’tGiveMeAccessNow!

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USER: ReallyPissedOff50BloodyBoiledCabbagesShovedUpYourAssIfYouDontGiveMeAccessNow

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Brain Health

With age everyone hopes for a brain that remains healthy. And challenging it with new tasks as often as possible is certainly the way to go. Things such as learning a new language, doing crossword puzzles, reading, taking lessons to play a musical instrument, etc. will benefit the brain in myriad ways. However, the computerized world in which we now live may not be best for the brain.

            When I gather my income tax papers and add my receipts, I do it the long way by hand (perhaps the last one in the world who still does that!) because I believe it’s a good way of keeping my brain sharp. I worry that the younger generations who now rely solely on calculators may not be doing their brains any favor.

            The same certainly applies to phones today. No one seems to remember numbers anymore because they are entered in our hand-held devices where the name is the identification rather than the number.  When we need to call someone, we only need to tap on the name. A far cry from not so long ago when we did need to write numbers down on an actual piece of paper. I think it made the brain work as we tried to remember numbers. Another brain activity lost.

            I think brain activity is also diminished when our computer programs go into action as we write letters or messages. They either auto-correct or underline words they do not recognize. I am sure all of you remember when we actually had to check words in a dictionary when unsure of the spelling before having to carefully review texts to catch typos. Of course, that is easier and faster today.

            And then there is GPS, that marvel which helps people find their way. The global positioning system is a great help when we travel a tricky route or are guiding a ship through the Panama Canal, but it has drawbacks. A new study from the University of Kent in the U.K. concluded that when we follow the instructions from a GPS rather than planning our own route, the brain switches off. The end result is that humans will get worse and worse at using their brain for planning and decision making.

            And then, today, instead of having to consult an encyclopaedia, we only need to ask Siri or Alexa or any other robot living in devices for the information we need. Easy and quick.

            It is speculated that our brains are changing because of all these new realities. Of course we have yet to see to what extent we will be affected or if mankind will simply slowly adapt. Let’s hope for the latter, especially where the children are concerned.

 

 

 

 

 

 Fourth Wave

When I took a little break from my blog to see my family, I was certain that when I returned covid would be gone once and for all. That’s certainly far from the reality we face, is it not? Now a serious fourth wave is under way in many areas and is expected to get much worse as children return to class. 

            The corona virus has been around before, but covid has proven to be a very nasty form. Unfortunately, not everyone takes it seriously as some people still refuse to be inoculated. A friend of mine was telling me recently that if these people had been alive during the polio crisis of the 50s when so many children were crippled, they would run to get vaccinated. As soon as the anti-polio vaccine appeared, polio was defeated once and for all, never to return.

            Some experts are now talking about the possibility of vaccinated people needing a booster shot so covid does not have a chance to return. If that’s what it takes, let’s do it, I say. Anything so that life can at last return to normal, or at least as close to the normal we knew before the pandemic. We all need a break from the bad news.

Time for a Break

I’m taking a few weeks off from my blog to recharge and renew as I see my family in person for the first time in a year and a half. I’ll be back in August.

            In the meantime I leave you with some thoughts. Have a great summer and don't forget the newly released novel McPine for your summer reading.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modern World

No one can deny that we’ve become used to the many benefits of our electronic age.

            I check my email while having my porridge in the morning, then I answer some or write others. A few days ago I had to write to someone in Australia. I penned my message and clicked send. In a matter of moments it was read halfway around the world and amazingly I got a reply in less than an hour. I come from a world where when you wanted to communicate with someone you had to write an actual letter, put it in an envelope and go mail it. So much more efficient today.

When writing something by hand, did you ever come to a word you were not 100% sure how to spell, then somehow expected that, by some magic, any error would be corrected? We’ve become used to the “magic” of the electronic age. I first experienced that magic when I began using a word processor all those many years ago; I was amazed that I could amend or delete text without having to use an eraser! 

But our new communication ease does have its problems. Take phones, for example. I remember a time when most families had a black phone that served everyone’s communication need. Then someone thought that there should be colour, and there was. People harmonized their phone with their decor with phones that were red, blue, pink, etc. But the arrival of the cell phone changed everything. I remember being in Hong Kong in 1987 and seeing a man talking into a rather large hand-held phone. That was the beginning of the revolution. Today, of course, a cell phone that connects you to the rest of the world fits neatly into a small pocket.

I’m sure my grandparents had no idea what humans were capable of imagining.

Another problem with modern communication is that every phone is now a camera something some people forget when they go about doing things they should not be doing. And there’s also the cameras put up in and outside buildings as well as cameras cities put up to allow them to keep an eye on things and people. Unless you live in the country and don’t go into cities, you are bound to be seen on a camera somewhere and your actions analyzed. I find that a bit scary, but then it’s a great tool for law enforcement to find those who are up to no good.
            And so it goes. I think this is just the beginning of modern communication possibilities, but it reminds us to be vigilant to ensure that our rights are not violated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Goodbye

There’s an old Elvis song that talks of “my last goodbye.” That’s where we are now, closing in for our last goodbye to a virus that has and is still upsetting the world. But, with the vaccinations going on relentlessly, it can’t be too long before we can finally wave the enemy a last goodbye.

             Like most people, I can’t wait to be able to hug my children and grandchildren after more than a year of having had to be satisfied with video contacts. However, not everyone is seeing the future in the same way.

            Some people can’t wait to get out from under the restrictions of the virus to dance in the street, while others want to make certain everything is back to normal before they venture out. One thing is sure everyone will make their way into the future at their own pace. Some, still somewhat scared because the past year has been one of severe pain and struggle, will be reticent about joining the crowd for some time. Those in health care who have helped all the suffering souls affected by the virus can’t wait to finally be able to take a deep breath of relief and rest.

            I think everyone has been marked by the pandemic in one way or another. Some will rebound quickly, while others will have tears in their souls for some time to come. Those of us who are ready to dance in the street should remember to invite those who are still crying to join us when the last goodbye is finally a reality.

            We’ve all seen pictures of the roaring ‘20s when people let loose after the pandemic caused by the Spanish Flu. We will still be in the ‘20s when covid is gone. Let’s make them roaring again as we relegate a sad chapter of history to the past with a last goodbye.

           

 

 

Some Musings

As you age everything slows down,

except the time it takes for cake and 

ice cream to reach your hips!    

 

Work like you don't need the money
Love like you've never been hurt
Dance like nobody is watching
Sing like nobody is listening
Live like it's Heaven on Earth
Dream like you’re living your dream

And

Do you part to save the earth. It’s the only planet with chocolate!

 

            Life as I know it

More than a year ago now, I was going along just fine. I saw my family, I took part in local social activities, I shared meals with friends, and then a dangerous enemy made itself known and altered everything. The end result was that I became basically confined to my home. Suddenly I could not see anyone and became somewhat of a recluse.

            Before my beloved dog died, I used to talk to him when I needed to find solutions to one problem or another. He was a great listener, and talking it out somehow helped me find the steps I had to take.

            When covid became a reality I realized that because I had no one to talk to, I began talking to myself without really being aware of it. Leftover from when I used my dog as a sounding board, I suppose. I asked myself things aloud and I argued with myself yet seldom won!  But self-talk is not all bad.

            Psychologists say that talking to ourselves is healthy when our social lives are restricted for whatever reasons. It can even improve our performance of some of the tasks we do regularly. Professional athletes have been known to criticize themselves after missing a putt, a ball or failing to score. For my part, I became aware that I criticized myself aloud for being unable to complete a crossword without help from the internet.

            Was everyone in the same boat?

            When walking outside with my mask on, I began wondering if the masked people I encountered also talked to themselves behind their face coverings. You can’t tell much about people wearing masks. You certainly don’t know if they are smiling at you. When masks are gone from our lives, it’ll be great to see people’s faces again and be able to assess if they are open to conversing.

            But for a little while longer we have to continue as we’ve been doing for over a year which means I and many others will carry on talking to ourselves and be the better for it.

 

 

About Abuse

Since 2006 June 15^th each year is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It’s an official United Nations International Day which acknowledges that senior abuse is a public health and human rights issue. The day sheds light on senior abuse by promoting resources and services that can help increase the safety and well-being of older individuals.

            There are many forms of abuse: psychological, financial, physical, sexual and ageism. These can lead to an array of problems for victims from anxiety and depression to diminished financial resources and deterioration of health.

            Sometimes people know or suspect that a family member, friend, neighbour or acquaintance is being mistreated or abused, sometimes by that person’s child, but they are not sure what to do. They worry about getting involved, not saying the right thing or wrongly identifying the situation.

            If you suspect someone is being abused, make an effort to reach out to the person. You can ask things like: How are you doing? Can I help you in any way? Is there someone you would like to see or talk to?

            No matter your age, if you are being abused, know that you have the right to live without fear and that you do not deserve to be abused. You have the right to control your own life and make your own decisions.

There are steps you can take to get help.

-          Tell someone you trust what is happening to you.

-          If someone is hurting or threatening you, or if it is not safe for you where you are, call the police.

-          Talk with people to learn more about resources available in your community. Find out your option to take care of your personal needs and financial security.

-          Make a safety plan in case you have to leave quickly.

Take steps now because abuse often gets worse over time.

 

Passport or no Passport

The talk all around these days is: Did you get vaccinated? When are you scheduled for your second shot? etc. We are on our way, carefully, to a brighter future after having had to alter our lives for more than a year. But what happens when it’s over – covid that is. Will it ever be over? Not even virologists know for sure. After all it is a new problem no one expected, and all the ramifications are still in the process of being fully studied and remedied.

            However, when life starts again in a new reality, how will it work? It will be a while yet for everyone to be vaccinated and not everyone wants to be vaccinated. So, what to do?

            Employers, for example, will want to make sure all their employees are vaccinated before coming back to their work environment. After all they have an obligation to protect their personnel. And what about airlines? When people are crowded like sardines inside an aircraft it would be nice if everyone on the flight was vaccinated, especially now that more variants of the virus keep appearing. So how to be sure?

            Vaccination passports as proof of inoculation have been suggested, but there are objections claiming that it would violate individual rights. So how to protect people from disease while protecting people’s rights? Definitely a difficult question to answer.

            I am not Solomon, but I would think that in the situation in which the world finds itself at the moment the rights of the whole take precedence over any individual rights. The loudest argument in favor of that view is the danger to the community. And as we have seen over the last year or so, once disease invades a community it’s a long struggle to tame it.

            And if proof of vaccination becomes the norm in the near future, will anti-vaccine proponents quit their jobs rather than accept a shot in the arm? Let’s hope that they will find that price a bit too high!