The pros and cons of aging

8 February 2022

The pros and cons of aging

As I look back over this past year, we have covered a lot of topics.

As we look forward to this new year, the one thing we all have in common is that we are a year older. This is one area we have no control over. We will all continue to age.

What I hear most often is “I hate to get old.”

This led me to do some research on what other people say about the pros and cons of aging. I found an article from ‘Connect Us’ from Nov. 24, 2018 written by Natalie Regoli. Here are some of her thoughts on the topic.

The advantages

There have been studies and surveys that have shown that seniors are one of the happiest groups in the world. As we age, there is more time to become comfortable with who we are.

As we age, we find ourselves working less and having more time to spend with friends and family. There is also more time to pursue our dreams of travel, further education, hobbies, volunteering, moving to our dream home, just to name a few.

Older people have lived life, learned from life experiences and have learned to look at the entire experience instead of zeroing in on a specific event which can cause feelings of regret. Aging often helps with problem solving and appreciating our relationships much deeper.

Seniors have “safety net” programs in place that are helpful financially, such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. There are also senior discounts at several places, which are also handy.

So, as you can see, these are just a few of the many positives in aging.

The Family Circle

BY LAUREL HED

LSW GCM, works for Security First, SBC Adult Care Management Services

The disadvantages

Now let’s look at some of the cons

As we age, we find that the cost of healthcare goes up, between increased health issues and the potential need of assisted living and/or long-term care.

There is an increase of safety concerns as we age, falls can become more frequent for several reasons and failing eyesight.

For many of us our goal is to stay in our home, if possible, but we find that we are not as able to maintain everything and soon must hire someone to help with windows, yard work, etc.

Loneliness can increase with aging. It becomes more difficult to leave your home and as we age our friends and family begin to pass away.

So, there are many pros and cons to aging and I think that the more we can preplan the better off we will be.

Do your research as to what is in your area for homecare, hospice, handymen, housekeepers, transportation, etc. The more prepared a person can be, the better aging can be.

Laurel Hed, LSW GCM, works for Security First, SBC Adult Care Management Services.

CONNECTIONS

From Page 1

Future plans are to visit Howard Maninga’s memorial and museum in Ponsford. Howard served in 1967-68 in Vietnam, where he lost fellow Marines in combat. Constructing the memorial and honoring veterans has helped with his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He and his wife hold an annual tribute and flag-raising ceremony each fall.

Preserving history

The All Veterans Museum houses personal artifacts and military memorabilia – ranging from the Civil War through present-day conflicts. The items either have been donated or are on loan from local veterans or their families.

“We’re so lucky to have such a great community that honors those who served or didn’t serve with this information,” Bjerke said.

Bjerke served 30 years in the U.S. Navy, while Simon served in the Army from July 2004 until November 2005, including a couple of tours in Iraq.

They led students through the evolution of military uniforms and gear. For example, steel helmets used during World War I are later made out of Kevlar.

“You can see the progression from wool to now we have nylon and a little bit of cotton. This would be after Vietnam,” Simon explained.

He also points out that the museum is uniquely fortunate to have a female uniform dating from World War I.

A World War II female uniform was donated by Edna Bolton, who joined the Navy in September 1943 and was discharged in April 1946.

Bjerke shared how military gear has multiple purposes “because everything you had, that’s what you’re carrying with you. So when you have your pith helmet, you are cooking with it, you’re shaving with it and you’re trying to protect yourself,” he said. “The reason they used wool is because it maintained the body heat. If a sailor fell over the side of a ship, the warmth of the wool would keep you from going into hypothermia and hopefully extend your life long enough so someone could find you.”

Bjerke and Simon shared historical tidbits infused by their insightful military experience.

They discussed the mental health costs of service as well.

Simon said each servicemember handles the situation differently. “Some deal with it at a very early age. For some, it’s an onset later on. Some will start to see residuals as they age because they’re starting to reflect back on their lives. It’s a very broad spectrum.”

Bjerke agreed. “In our profession, we encourage veterans to get assistance, get help. What does that mean? It’s really up to the individual.”

Bjerke said there was a statewide effort to preserve veterans’ stories “because we’re losing people. I believe we can’t afford to forget what these individuals have done. I’m not a huge history buff, but if we don’t understand our history, we’re destined to repeat it.”

Having served in the military, Bjerke said he relates well to other vets whether he knows them well or not. “He’s got a vet cap, I know he’s got my back.”

“There’s a brotherhood there that can never be mimicked,” Simon agreed.

And they are in the position to help veterans, when needed.

SHANNON GEISEN / ENTERPRISE

Left: Robert White, who is president of the All Veterans Memorial, was a highly decorated U.S. Army combat infantry soldier and sergeant during Viet Nam. He completed two tours. He earned a Bronze Star Medal for his heroism. Center: Roy Johnston's family donated his Purple Heart to the museum. "Most soldiers don't want Purple Hearts because that means you were injured in combat," assistant VSO Darius Simon said. "You not only carry the physical wound of that, but also the mental wound as well." Right: This Civil War uniform is the oldest item in the All Veterans Memorial Museum in Park Rapids.

Shannon Geisen can be reached at sgeisen@ parkrapidsenterprise.com.