Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing. – Mark Twain
Moving into an Active Adult community sometimes requires a bit of adjustment. I’m referring to the newly made friend who casually asks me what my numbers are. I don’t know that she is not asking me for my address and telephone phone number. She is asking what my cholesterol and blood pressure numbers are. Imagine my embarrassment as I began to rattle off 847. Her look of shock and horror is evident as she inquires how I am still walking the face of the earth. Who knew?
Joints are another bodily situation that takes some getting used to. Knees, hips, shoulders, and rotator cuffs appear to wear out as soon as the boxes are unpacked, the interior house has been painted, and the patio and driveway pavers installed. I guess just supervising these improvements takes its toll on the body. We’re not used to schlepping even when it’s actually someone else doing it.
Many of us have had some body part fail and in its place purchased a new, improved one.
The upside is The Edgewater program, Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Bless these wonderful neighbors who arrive at your doorstep as the rehab therapist is leaving, toting a hot meal and the Lodge’s monthly newsletter. This lovely person will listen politely to our lengthy recitation of our surgical ordeal and the inedible hospital food. I love the fact that people living in Edgewater, and probably similar communities, just support one another when the chips (or hips) are down.
I’m loath to say this, but colons are a hot topic in an active adult community. Really, anything having to do with the entire digestive track is – pardon the pun – food for conversation. I’m referring to, of course, the colonoscopy. At social affairs, we speak openly about the subject in much the same way we discuss Elgin Community College’s 2013 theatre season. In other words, it’s “another opening, another show.”
Weight gain is another widely (sorry) discussed issue, especially among women. We talk about it at Music on the Green as we stand in line to get our Dilly Bars. We hash it out (see how everything is food related) as we’re seated for lunch at Paul’s or Randall Pancake House. We order salads with dressing on the side, sugar-free iced tea, and still most of us, myself included, remain lifelong Weight Watchers.
We console ourselves with low-fat yogurt from Spirals and attribute the entire life debacle to menopause. We know it simply messes up our hormones and metabolism! We laugh and tell each other that we have beautiful hair, skin, and wonderful personalities, and that is the absolute truth. These female friends are beautiful in every way that matters. I know our Sun City neighbors will agree that friendships made by living in a Del Webb community are special. Having these wonderful women in my life trumps therapy any day.
And for the men who might read this column, and I’ve heard there are a few, just a quick note regarding ED. Women know you guys have challenges just as we do. We understand. Our recommendation is to get a few of the guys together and go to a Cubs game. Stop at Paul’s for dinner, and be sure to drop by Spirals for frozen fat-free yogurt. The conversation and camaraderie will cure anything. It’s so comforting to hear that other men of a certain age have similar experiences.
Ohhhh, you thought I was talking about that ED. No, no, no! I was referring to Consolidated Edison Inc. (ED) on the New York Stock Exchange. We know it’s been a tough year for those investments you’ve been counting on to see us comfortably through retirement.
And that can cause weight gain. We know.
