November 14, 2010
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Obstacles That Elderly People Face Daily
This is by no means a comprehensive list. But after watching my dad this past few years, I cringe every time I come across these.
1. Uneven sidewalks, roads, paths, stair cases, crowded elevators, escalators
2. Doors that take a lot of effort to open.
3. Fine print in packages – especially medicine (I had to use a magnifying glass for a cold medicine); or letters are in colors that don’t contrast well; small fonts in signs and call display on phones
4. Phony invoices w/ threatening letters, scam phone calls.
5. Boredom, loneliness & lack of companionship.
6. Dimly lit areas.
7. Clothes that take a long time to put on (small buttons, zippers, small openings for sleeves and head)
8. Housekeeping duties
9. Bathrooms that aren’t safe (e.g. lack of handles in bathtub, bath mats, chairs in tubs, rails for toilets)
10. So many impatient folks out there… try walking a mile in their shoes.
Comments (23)
so very true.
@macphoto - yeah, it’s kinda sad. Thanks for the rec.
I am one of the elderly people. If not now, I will be soon. I may find this list useful. Thanks!
hear hear! I got sensitive to same when I went places with my mom in HK last month. Sometimes she had to hand onto me tight getting on and off subway, walking up and down stairs, or getting on and off escalators. I dread the days when she has to walk with cane or on wheel chair.
I’m sitting in a wheelchair right now, and I walk with a cane. I’m 51.
Am I elderly?
Oh well Matt, I’ll be visiting with my parents this coming Christmas, and I’ll keep these pointers in mind! *especially #10*
Good list – after my back surgery I am find that some of those apply to me. Well I am also 70.
Another thing that people and home help people miss, are the small area rugs around the bed or near the couches. They are an accident waiting to happen if the person is weak in his gait. So many people fall in the bedrooms and break their hip bones.
This was a very good and insightful post Matt. It should be on the front page.
I am glad you brought attention to some of these things. These thing are obstacles for the elderly and the disabled. Good post.
it’s true…. you’re a good man.
I can totally empathize with all of these ever since my uncle died and my aunt has been alone. I have no desire to get that old!
@ClimbUpTreesToLookForFish - well, I hope some of the things in this list will no longer be obstacles.
@stevew918 - it’s tough for elderly or for anyone with any physical handicap to get around. I’m glad you had a chance to visit her Steve. I hope you’ll find more time in your new job to visit her again soon.
@Bricker59 - you raise a good point. I was looking at this purely from my dad’s view. A lot of these obstacles will affect anyone with a physical handicap too.
@CurryPuffy - Oh I’m glad you’re gonna get a chance to visit them Gary. I know you think about them often.
@Fatcat723 - oh Rob, I do remember you writing about that. I think you’re a wily and spry 70.
@ZSA_MD - oh yes, that’s true Zakiah. I got rid of the one by my dad’s bed. It was always scrunching up and ready to trip him.
@New_Egyptian - thank you, I have to agree – it’s not just the elderly who are affected by these.
@Made2Order - I’m just an ordinary guy… but thank you Jack.
@CareyGLY - gosh, I hope this blog wasn’t the reason for your latest entry (about that gravestone). Well, kiddo – I hope you stay forever young!
As my parents and their friends… who have cared for me as a child age… I’m starting to notice these things too, and am quite disheartened. I’m sure your dad appreciates you looking out for him, after all… these are the situations where you can really see how much someone cares.
and speed walking is just out of the question. i wonder when we’ll all turn that way …
I’ve noticed these things ever since I was little since I was brought up by my grandma. I wondered why fine print would be used on medicine though. Like WTF?
Especially number 10! People nowadays are so impatient that they don’t give a second glance at someone who might need some extra help.
#1 – They’re a problem for everyone, right? I’ve stumbled on so many uneven sidewalks before that it makes me a certified clutz.
Getting old sucks…
:’( -> me one of the impatient folk. Sorry …
I agree…#5 is especially heartbreaking…and something I am determined that my parents will never go through.
so bless you for taking care of your dad. btw, please be reminded that the elderly’s patience is short as well.
@Renatojr3 - yes, dad is pretty impatient in these past few years.
@aPieceOfTheSky - I’m glad that you’ll somehow find a way to prevent that.
@vsan79 - ugh… seriously? I’m sure that’ll change over time.
@Tallman - it does indeed.
@Devilzgaysianboi - I can’t imagine you being a klutz (especially since you dance)
@xchinkylaydee - you have a better perspective on these issues than a lot of people. I agree with the medicine – it’s just so stupid and dangerous.
@JonasApproved - speed walking, gosh – my dad used to be like that. Now I have to stand beside him and assist him when he walks.
@AzureRecollections - my dad does appreciate this but feels guilty that he takes up so much of my time. I just tell him that it’s not a problem. Keep an eye on your parents. I have no idea how old they are but be wary of changes in their health & behaviour.
I think on a daily bases I take some of those things for granted
but I do happen to notice it for others. Elderly as well as
handicapped people. We as a society are suppose to watch out
and care for one another…and this does mean walking in someone
elses shoes,, you’re exactly right.
*~matthew~*
@bleuzeus - I never used to notice these things before. It’s sort of a gradual wakening of my senses I suppose.