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November
Out of this World
Behind the closed blind slats of the windows,
lights off – TV off and in the dark, under the
bed blankets, eye-mask on and ear-plugs in, and
head buried under the pillow, the mind goes blank.
Now the vision of a white screen, then gray,
finally back and a dream appears in the brain and
the colors become bright and unworldly.
As the senior tramps smoothly across the dead
leaves and down a gravelly path, the way grows
narrower and the forest trees blind the sun and all
light disappears, all sound is muffled by the low
clouds and peace lingers in the air. The cave
entrance ahead bores into a mountain; darker and
darker step by step, and the further in the fewer
the aches and pains; no troubles and trials and the
mind becomes clear and lucent. The real world is
left behind, and all is good.
Pain and disability problems and management is a
major problem for seniors and many soon-to-be
seniors. Most pain issues are experienced in
multiple areas, such as the back, hips and knees.
Taking one’s mind off the pain by doing such
distractions such as watching TV, going to a movie,
getting together with a friend, listening to music,
or meditating -- can help manage pain, but only
goes so far. Even things like relaxation techniques
– reducing stress and helping muscles relax
– can reduce pain; hypnosis, physical therapy,
electrical nerve stimulation, heat and cold and
even exercise only go so far and just are temporary
in the first place. A brief escape is sometimes the
answer.
Of course, medications are an option but also
only go so far and in the ends are also temporary
and can result in other physical problems. Many
feel that taking medication for pain is a sign of
weakness and worry that they will become addicted
and might be perceived as a drug addict … one
problem for another. Many remember the dope craze
of the 60s and don’t want to go back there.
“Dope never helped anybody sing better or play
music better or do anything better. All dope can do
for you is kill you - and kill you the long, slow,
hard way,” said Billie Holiday from a life of
experience in the field. The same can be said for
many seniors, many who may have a history of
addiction in the past, but what other choice do
they have but living in constant pain.
But then again, for mobilization convenience,
there are canes, crutches, and multip
le choices of a walker with or without wheels, and
the ultimate comfort transportation called a
wheelchair, with or without a motor … without
a motor you will need strong arms or a faithful
friend or relative pusher. “Pity? You don't
want to be pitied because you’re a cripple in
a wheelchair? Stay in your house!” Said Jerry
Lewis, but of course he must have been joking
because no one wants to spend all day in the house.
And no one wants to spend all day dreaming because
those dreams may soon become nightmares.
These troubles and trials of aches and pain are
all focused on the individual and the solutions to
them are as well individual. A sore foot can’t
have the same solution as a bad back or a constant
pain in the neck, not your nosey relatives of
course, that is another subject. The real solution
is for each person to concentrate on a solution for
their individual dilemma and when found, do it.
“Once you replace negative thoughts with
positive ones, you’ll start having positive
results,” said or sang Willie Nelson, who
probably reflected from personal experiences. So
the idea is to get out of that dark tunnel and walk
around in the light, the world, with less pain.
©2013, Patrick
Kennedy
* * *
Man arrives as a novice at each age of his life.
- Nicolas Chamfort
Patrick
M. Kennedy (P Manvel Kennedy) has been a
professional writer, editor, and graphic artist for
over 30 years. He is the author of three books:
More
Fun with Retirement: A coffee break for
seniors,
How
to Have Fun with
Retirement, and
Being
a Senior Citizen: You rnew phase of life with
many questions looking for
answers. and his
latest book: More Fun with Retirement: A
coffee break for seniors. He currently works from
Boise, Idaho. In the past he has worked from
Seattle, Indianapolis, and Las Vegas. He keeps busy
because he knows it is important when writing or
editing any material with a particular objective in
mind, for either personal use or business goals, to
present ideas with quality, clarity and accuracy.
He can do that, and he does most of it himself, but
he occasionally must call upon qualified associates
for assistance.
"My Resume shows me as an
experienced professional writer and editor who
specializes in the English language. With years of
professional experience in the
writing/editing/graphics field, I offer quality
services to both individual and business clients,
with prompt and accurate solutions designed to meet
their needs, and online editing services and
writing services for easy and quick results.
www.abetterword.com
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