Like It Or Not - You're Doing It!

And you may not even recognise that you are doing it -- you're aging.  Consider the following...

Centenarians are people 100 years old.  There are 70,490 of them in the U.S.  California has a huge population and we have 5,341 of them.  Interestingly, 67 per cent of them live below the poverty level, but 94 per cent said they have enough money to meet their needs.  And 76 pr cent of them proudly said, "We have enough to buy 'extras.'"

Most live independently until 92.  By age 100, most of them live in facilities, but a robust 15 per cent still live on their own.  If you're still looking for a wife (ahem, R and "D") 85% of those in facilities are women.  Supercentarians beat all the odds and made it to 110 OR OLDER. 

Don't Fall!  It's the leading cause of injury or death for people 65 and older.  More than 85 per cent of paramedic runs in Redondo are to assist a senior.  In San Diego, one out of 27 people age 85+ called 911.  One in three old people fall at home; when they are in a hospital or nursing facility the figure goes up to  1.5 falls per patient.    So, steady as you go.  Use the handrails on stairs, that's what they're there for.  Equip your shower or bath so that you can't fall down.  If you spill something on the kitchen floor - wipe it up then and there. Don't say, "I'll do it in a minute."   

Dental Woes - Nearly 25 per cent of 60 year olds nationwide have lost their natural teeth.  In California, only 13 pr cent of us have signigicant dental problems.  Residents here will clearly do anything to keep a youthful appearance and apparently that includes brushing and flossing. 

I had a recent dental appointment and when we got to rinse-and-spit which embarrasses me, I asked her what grosses her out the most?  (Would you like to make a living rummaging around in other people's mouths? Now that I think about it, maybe that's the reason dental  techs are so very well paid.) and she said, "Seniors who have lost strength in their arms or are unsteady on their feet and can no longer brush effectively.  Like I'll say, 'Oh, I see you had a steak last night' and they'll say, 'Oh, no - that was last week.'"

Spend the money - get an electric toothbrush.  You can always rest it on a tall dog while you brush.