Getting on in years with grace and aches

Yes&Know By Aline Yamashita

The red light was blinking. I stared at it. Then I stared at the 5-gallon water bottle. There was a time when I didn’t even have to think about it. I would easily pick the bottle up from the ground and replace the empty one in the dispenser.

Not anymore. Such a feat takes deliberate thought. It is difficult for me to lift the jug, so I figured out how to push it to the dispenser. It takes longer but it works.

Actually, most things take longer. Mainly because, after a couple of falls, “slow down” is the mantra. Every step needs to be measured. I must watch where I’m going. When I don’t, I get distracted and trip. Turning on the light is a must now.

I used to be able to keep up with Eric’s pace, but not anymore. He moves quickly with long strides. My strides are short. I no longer worry about getting into the truck after he does. My mantra is, "It will be fine."

And it is.

The dash between sunrise and sunset is a blink of the eye. As my class celebrated its 50th reunion, we wondered how we had reached 70. Our lives have zoomed by, incredibly and spectacularly.

Making it safely through the last quadrant takes thought.

I use my elbows and knees for balance when needed. My sister shared back- strengthening exercises when I could barely close the truck tailgate.

There was a time when I saw my doctor weekly. I’ve graduated to every six months. Stress is a silent killer. So is high blood pressure.

Eat well. Hydrate. Sleep. Laugh. Cheer.

With age comes a longer time to heal from scrapes. With age comes muscle pain, seemingly out of nowhere. I’ve discovered that Chinese oil is a friend to my aches.

With age, childproof bottles are also adult-proof. When you remember, you can ask your pharmacist to use adult bottles for prescriptions that are easier to open. Opening jars is challenging, too. The jar opener with a lid gripper can be helpful. Dish detergent in a pump bottle is easier to use than the squeeze container.

Arthritis is a real challenge. I look at my hand and wonder who it belongs to.

Buying habits have shifted. I used to carry 50 lbs of rice with little problem. Today, it’s 20 lbs pounds. I could get help putting the larger bag into the truck, but getting it into the house is another problem.

Bladder control is a real issue. So are aging teeth and hair loss.

When I see folks in heels, I smile and remember the fun era. Today, I’m resigned to wearing sneakers and flats with arch support.

Asking others to help me remember names becomes a frequent routine. I make lists of tasks to do and items to buy, but remembering to bring the list with me is another story.

Surround yourself with people whose company you enjoy. Be ready to repeat—and repeat some more. Sometimes you become the hearing aid for someone. Sometimes you become their eyes. Sometimes you become their hands.

So, at this phase, smiles and nods are greatly appreciated. I return to places where customer service is patient and welcoming. There are many happy spots around our island. 

And, yes, I pray all the time. The comfort of prayer gets me through each day.  The Blessed Virgin Mary is my constant navigator.

When the threat of a tsunami evaporated, I gave thanks. When storms skirted us, I gave thanks. Each day, when Eric is content and his brain is calm, I give thanks. I give thanks for Ryan, Christine, Chia and their busy, successful world.

As I age, I give more thanks for the beautiful skies, the vibrant rainbows, the clean rain. And, gosh, the beautiful hibiscus.

I give thanks for Guam. There is vast room for improvement, for sure, but the people, by and large, are prize winners. There's no place like home.

Aline Yamashita is a mom, a teacher and former senator. She served in the 31st and 32nd Guam Legislatures. Send feedback to 

aline4families@gmail.com.

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