On growing very old....

1. Time flies. And as we grow older, time contracts exponentially. If you're in your 60s or better, you know. By that age, Einstein‘s theory of time relativity ceases to be theory. Which means that any years over age 100 will flee so quickly they'll hardly be noticed. So why bother?

2. Noses and ears grow. And grow. As we age, while all our other body parts tend to shrink a bit, our noses and ears never stop growing. Never.

My question: Do you want the nose of a 120-year-old? Could you even see around it?

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

-Abraham Lincoln


"Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as a spectator."

-Confusious



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 12-13-2008).]

Time's fun when you're having flies.
- Kermit the Frog

None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.~Henry David Thoreau




[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 12-13-2008).]

I don't mind getting 'older' ... in fact I look forward to it ... I just don't want to get 'old'!!!
t.

The only problem with getting older is our body parts begin to fail, often just one at a time. In some instances, medical science manages to make minor repairs to the worn out parts, but eventually those parts fail to the point where they are no longer functional. And, this usually happens at an exponential rate. A good friend put all this in perspective when he said "Life is like a roll of toilet paper--the closer you get to the end of the roll, the faster it comes off."

As to the performer that plays NHs for free--YOU JUST PICKED MY POCKET! They all have activity budgets, and while some have been reduced to a minor degree during the past year, most are still intact. When you perform any function you quickly develop the reputation as "The guy who plays for free!" I would much rather be "The guy who puts on a great show!" be in high demand and command the highest fees.

Cheer up folks, you're all on the same, fast-moving train.

Gary

Don, I couldn't agree more.

Gary, your words are true, but depressing. Guess we're all aboard, tho.

Glenn

Wow 90 years old and doing that kind of work
Amazing...thanks for the video link.

Her advise "Don't get married"
ahhh...forget it I'm not going there....

------------------
Larry
The NEW SynthZone Map

[This message has been edited by lahawk (edited 12-14-2008).]

Finally someone gets it!!

Don, you hit the nail on the head. Nursing homes really bother me. I have been a primary caretaker for in-laws for over 15 years and what I see is sickening. I will not perform in a "for profit" facility under any circumstance.

I actively support an organization called Kentuckians for Nursing Home REform. This group lobbies for changes to laws governing staffing, training, etc. When you dig into the realities of the situation, care levels (or lack thereof) are appauling. Industry lobby groups are well financed and organized.
And most have no conscience at all.

For 15 years, I have made this the top priority on my list of social concerns. "Doc" and his wife, who passed away years ago have the assets to get superior care. It just doesn't happen unless you personally check feeding schedules, meds, potential abuse, every aspect of the care process, etc. I have seen it all happen to dear family members, at the most expensive facilities in the area. I hear folks talk about the great care they see at places they play. Look deeper. Examine state inspection records. You'll be shocked when you get beyond the exterior "fluff". And, nationally, this is the norm, rather than the exception.

It's a national tragedy, and one I'm going to fight to fix as long as I can.

Russ



[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 12-15-2008).]

Russ, the vast majority of nursing homes here are clean and well-staffed. Some are older, but many are sparkling new. I've been playing in them around the state for the past seven years, and have seen very little in the way of bad treatment or neglect. And I have yet to see a dirty floor in one.
Louisiana falls short in many categories, such as honest politicians, but they have a strong department when it comes to inspecting nursing homes.
I know it's not that way everywhere though.
What you are doing is a great and admirable thing. Keep up the good work!
DonM