Dear Friends,
I’m wearing a watch; something I haven’t worn in 40 years! I stopped wearing a watch years ago when I learned that people who have had heart attacks were less likely to have another one if they stopped wearing a watch. The theory was that wearing a watch for certain types of people helps reduce stress by enabling them to focus on the task at hand without worrying about the next appointment or how much time is left to complete a task. While I have not had a heart attack, I figured the admonition about watches applied to me, given my personality. I have been quite happy these last 40 years without a watch!
So why wear one now? The immediate impetus had to do with a dear friend who lived alone and fell. She was not discovered for several days after her fall and subsequently died from injuries possibly sustained from the fall. My physician friends made me promise that I would wear one of those devices that would alert people if I fell. My son promptly ordered a watch for me that now lists several individuals who will be alerted if I fall.
There are several assistive devices that can help us as we age. The watch I now wear is one such device. I have learned to accept that growing older means potentially more physical deficits for me. Happily, there are things I can use to compensate for those deficits.
I take long walks every day in my neighborhood. I’m heartened to see people my age and older continuing to walk, some with walkers, others with walking poles. It tells me that I can continue with my daily routine as best as I can with help from these devices. And now that I prefer to NOT drive at night (trust me, it’s safer for others on the road!), I’m happy to use alternatives, including rideshare companies.
With my best wishes to you and yours,
Cora
