Grow old

Parents-in-law moved into a retirement village close by three weeks ago. They have been contemplating such a move for some time as they found it harder and harder to keep their old house clean and tidy. No doubt they are also thinking ahead into the future. The move was smooth and we ended up with some of their furniture!

They are the 'young' ones in this retiremet village - average age of residents is 86. As family of the residents, we get to use some of the facilities. Lara swam a couple of times with Grand-dad in the indoor heated swimming pool. We had a meal in the dining hall and Simon played snooker.

It was a little depressing to see very old people with sticks walking around or on wheelchairs. It was also strange finding a nurse distributing drugs to the residents at dinnig tables. When I made this comment to Simon, he shrugged and said how lucky these people are to live to this old age. Indeed! Especially after the bad news we heard about next-door's son. Next door's 23-year-old son was diagnosed of stomach cancer 18 months ago. After unsuccessful chemo, his stomach was taken out a few months ago. His mum told us it's like looking after a new-born again as he needs intravenous feeding and help with everything but 'every day he remains with us is a blessing' she added.

It is not sad to get lots of wrinkles and walk with sticks if you put things into perspective. Some people never get the chance. It is indeed lucky to be able to grow old!