Thursday, March 10, 2011

Feeling Young Vs. Feeling Old

Why is it that being chronically ill seems to give us a likeness to the very young and the very old?
  • We often can't drive.
  • We often spend all of our time in very limited spaces with limited people.
  • We do not like loud sounds, bright lights, etc..
  • We do not like being overwhelmed.
  • We sometimes can't keep a job.
  • Many of us craft.
  • We often spend a great deal of time in bed.
  • We sometimes have a hard time taking care of ourselves.
  • We often have difficulty walking.

(Images from WeHeartIt)

What are some other similarities? 

xoxo,
Annie

9 comments:

Jenny P said...

We often need special caps on medicine bottles,
we often have a favorite "comfort item" (heating pad, blanket, gloves) and get upset if we leave home without it,
travelling with us means carrying at least an extra bag of stuff,
we talk about problems with making/keeping friends a lot (maybe it's me, but most "regular adults" I know don't do this but kids and the elderly do),
we respond best to a routine,
we often go up/down steps w/both feet instead of alternating,...I could go on;)
Just have to add - it makes me CRAZY when older people say things like "well since you're young" or "wait 'till you're my age" or "I've had arthritis for 10 years, at least you're young yet". I think my 20+ years of symptoms just might top yours, buddy, and imagine knowing I AM young and have all that time ahead of me to worry about! Sorry, needed that vent:)

Emily said...

I feel like my body if falling APART!

Annie said...

Jenny, I LOVE your additions! Absolutely fantastic! (Plus, I completely agree with everything you say <3)

Emily, I hope you feel a little better soon!

Georgina said...

Well, I'm certainly forgetful and I often don't know what day it is! On a happier note, I hope that I have retained a child-like curiousity, however much being ill can beat me down.

I've just returned home from visiting my Grandmother. I don't get to see her very often as I'm usually not well enough but today was her 102nd birthday! She's pretty incredible. I wonder if treats mean more to the elderly/young/unwell? She loved her cards and cakes and chocolates :-)

upnorth said...

This is so so true. And also, I find when I am able to do stuff I'm surrounded by seniors (e.g. grocery shoping in the mornings, moving slow in public places)

Lynne Gordon said...

It always saddens me when I see young people who are chronically ill. Because I am an old woman now, I sometimes wish I could take some of the pain on myself.

Young people shouldn't have to live in pain. This is a time when life should be fun and carefree. You deserve that.

But then I have to consider that all of us have our crosses to bear in this life. And perhaps, in some way, what you have to experience will help someone else.

I don't know exactly how that works but I am so proud to meet such a young person with so much inner strength.

I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless You!

Lynelle said...

People often don't respect what you say, think or do.

Sam said...

Fantastic post, Annie! Sadly, I can only agree with your observations and those of the other commenters.

What Jenny says about travelling really struck a chord with me following a recent experience at a UK airport. I'd add to that, that when we travel we are often undervalued, intimidated, bullied, etc. without having the physical or mental wherewithall to stand up for ourselves.

OzarksUSA said...

Great blog post! I wait to change out scooters at Wal-Mart with elderly people and they are always so nice to me.