Generation Gap

Old age is fifteen years older than I am

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

I had a birthday recently. I try not to make a fuss about my birthday; in fact, I get kind of embarassed when people wished me a Happy Birthday. It's not that I don't like my birthday, it's just that I feel the generation gap widening ever so slightly on my birthday. And at my age, with the people I am surrounded with, it might as well be a chasm, for what it's worth.

The fault is mine, I must admit. I am lousy at socialising, mainly because half the time I have no idea what they were saying. Maybe I'm just dense. But it's just me. My colleagues and friends, even my kids, I know they're speaking the same language as I am, but I have absolutely no idea what they were talking about. They might as well be speaking Martians for all I know. Make no mistake, I love them all dearly, but sometimes this generation gap is really frustrating. Oh well, that's what I get for getting old(-er)....sighhh

The younger generation must think I'm a dinosaur. That's what I thought of the older generation when I was their age. How difficult it was to get the elders to understand me. I thought they just didn't get what I was about. I was afraid to rebel out in the open, so I did the next best thing. I rebel in silence. But I guess it's true what they say, with age comes wisdom. I'm far from wise, but I have since learnt a few things, mellow out, taking things in my stride, for which I am grateful. Generation gap aside, I am glad that everybody has been very patient with me.

Until next time...

Catching Up on News

It is not the brains that matter most, but that which guides them—the character, the heart, generous qualities, progressive ideas.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821 - 1881) Russian novelist

It's December already! New Year is looming, so's middle age! Eek!

I chose today's quote and picture without thinking, I don't know why. Normally I'd think before choosing, too carefully at times. This time, ah what the heck, let's just go with gut instinct.

I have plenty to say, yet I can say nothing. So many things happened this past month, so many events, occassions, I can hardly keep up. I have people around me, yet in a way, I'm more alone than ever. It's just me, I guess.

Okay, news. I started a new job, more pay, less work. Stress level is roughly about the same. I got a brand new nephew, cute as a button. Can't wait to see him again. My sister graduated with a Master's Degree and won second place at the Balmoral Competition for her dissertation. (Yaay! Congrats Sis!) My housemate moved back home and I gained a new housemate. Trashed my car (again!). The poor thing is suffering, somewhat badly this time around.

What else...hmm. Downloaded a LOT of games, played ALL of them! I can hardly believe it myself. (Am I an addict? I hope not) Saw my nephews and nieces during the holidays. Ate a LOT of food. Diet gone to hell. Took a looong break from work, went home, got back more depressed than ever. Watched old movies over and over and over. Drank gallons of coffee. Missed my family and my old friends.

I think old age is catching up.

Dementia

You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you're going to live. Now.

Joan Baez

Let's see. My last posting was in August. I thought I posted in September. Apparently not. Sign of old age? Probably.

I read in the news today that every few minutes a person is diagnosed with dementia. It's caused by changes in the brain function. One of the most common symptoms is memory loss (the inability to remember recently learned facts and acquiring new information). I sometimes have that problem, but I think it's mainly due to my lack of attention to details. I usually have a problem with names of people (although that is corrected by regular use of that particular person's name), but my biggest problem is with dates. I always have a problem remembering what today's date is. I don't have a problem with the day of the week, but it's the date of that gets me. My kids would remind me (with a patient smile) and think it's all so funny. I don't think so. It's kind of embarassing, really.

My grandma suffered from dementia, so's my eldest aunt. My mom showed signs of dementia whenever her glucose level dropped. Usually after a dialysis. Or when her urea level rose before dialysis. Does dementia runs in the family? I have absolutely no idea. I hope not.

In order to prevent dementia, we should live an active life, both physically and mentally. Studies suggested that a Mediterranean diet or a supplement of beta carotene could ward off dementia. The main thing is eat right, exercise and study new things. Keep body and mind active. The Moslems believed that reading the Quran can also prevent dementia. This means that sitting and watching the idiot box all day is not a good idea. Ah well, all good things must come to an end, eventually.

Until next time.