This book is a whistle stop tour of the potentials of getting older. Without being too alarmist it provides information that may prove useful and promotes thought and maybe change. The main idea is to enable folk to take control of a process that if we're lucky, won't happen to us, but statistically is likely. It isn't age we have to fear but ill health and deteriorating faculties. It is those that cause the problems and a reluctance to face up to and deal with them in a timely manner that leads to trouble. And this book attempts to deal with some of the things that could arise so they can be forestalled or at least planned for.
It talks of literally getting your house in order so as to make it easier to stay where you are or to think about changing your abode now so that you can savour a new place to live. It mentions that the little things, making small changes can help and prevent mishaps.
It details the professionals available to help and their roles, how to access their expertise. There is a chapter around wills, advance directives, packages of care, next of kin and Power of Attorney. It is defiantly a case of getting it in place in case you need it but hoping you never will.
Coming into contact with hospitals is statistically more likely as we get older hence the chapter on hospitals and hospital visits. The nature of those places is changing and they are noisy (take ear plugs with you!!). There is a small subsection on useful gifts if you're visiting patients.
The failing senses and the adjuncts that can make life better are discussed. Early action pays off rather than leaving it to the last minute when sensory impulses have been lost. Equipment and the various sorts of aids you may need or be given to help with mobility are also mentioned.
There's a chpater about various activities of living including sex and diet, keeping one's physical body at it's best through activity and medication, dealing with pain and the difference between an intolerance and an allergy.
The last chapter deals with dying with the aim of lessening some of the fears that folk have around the matter. It's not obligatory reading that last chapter and some people won't like the idea of it at all, but it may provide a bit of reassurance to some.
Whilst this book deals with the ails of getting older, don't think that being an elder is all about ill health and misery. So many people of advanced years have fun and a fulfilled life, doing what they want to do in the manner they wish to do it. Many, many folk have adapted their lives in a way that lets them do the things they love in a safe manner and with less worry, so they can carry on living at home amongst the possessions they love in an area where they find community, health and happiness.
Let us take control of our lives and make the most of that which we are given.
