Written by Gadhar, 77 years old [Bangladeshi].
We cannot escape the passage of time; it is an inevitable reality. When I was young, I eagerly awaited adulthood. Now, in the twilight years of life, I find myself yearning to be few years younger. Time has flown by faster than I ever imagined. As one grows older and life takes its toll, there are days when you begin to look forward to retirement, a period when you might have plenty of time to do things you like to do and were not able to do in your young age. I thought I will retire and have plenty of time to read my book collections, relax and reminisce about “the good old days”.
I have experienced reasonably good health throughout the course of my life. In my teenage years, I had a urinary infection, which was successfully treated with penicillin. It is remarkable how medical interventions made a difference. Since 1963, I have been wearing eyeglasses for distant vision, and for the past 15 years reading glasses as well. Our eyesight often evolves over time and corrective lenses help maintain visual clarity. Between 1993-1995, I received treatment from a gastroenterologist for bacteria growth in my stomach. It was essential to address gastrointestinal health as it impacted my overall well-being. Being diabetic (Type 2) for over 20 years required managing my blood sugar levels. My reliance on diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure tablets highlights the importance of consistent care. Regular medication adherence plays a crucial role in maintaining good health.
In 2019, I experienced a serious fall down the stairs but thankfully avoided bone fracture. Our body’s resilience is remarkable. The lingering pain reminds me daily of the importance of ensuring my safety and complete recovery. Coping with a sleep disorder throughout my life was also very challenging for me as quality sleep is vital to my physical and mental wellbeing. I sought outpatient help from time to time, but the Covid-19 pandemic posed obstacles, and, like many others, I struggled to access vital health care. Now I visit the doctors between four to six times a year for routine check-up and so on.
I think healthcare professionals listen to their patients’ problems and try their best to help. I always try to be courteous to the healthcare professionals and I found them reciprocating the courtesy. During my visits to the doctors, I have had some positive experiences with the healthcare professionals. Overall, I find them empathetic, compassionate and good communicators when I interact with them. Moreover, they treat me with respect and dignity. On the other hand, there are long wait times for appointments, and the booking systems are inaccessible to people with little to no computer skills, especially the elderly who find the e-appointment system difficult to navigate.
As a retired professional, I would like to encourage all healthcare professionals to show empathy to all old people. I strongly believe that generation gap should not stand in the way of providing appropriate services.
In conclusion, it is important that we age well. Successful aging is not just about growing older; it is about living well and finding fulfilment. The thing I fear most in older age is not being able to look after myself and to depend on others for my care. Thankfully I am still actively engaged in academia, reading and voluntary work. I am still able to drive and walk unaided, albeit at a slower pace. When I am out and about, I see people walk past me at high speed and I smile to myself thinking of the days when I speed-walked effortlessly, jumping from one place to the other, basically just taking things for granted. As a naturally contented person, I am happy with my life, grateful for the achievements and the lives I have been privileged to touch. Life goes on…