How To Grow Old And Still Have Fun
#1-- Lead With The Good Knee
You have a choice--grow old or die.
Putting off that choice is highly desirable, under most circumstances. And postponing the effects of aging is certainly a good idea. The internet is rich with information about how to stay as young as possible for a long as you can. But eventually, creaking joints and fading eyesight will come to all of us.
You are sure to have heard the line, "Old Age Is Not for Sissies." But, do you have to stop enjoying life, just because it gets more difficult. Nope! The trick to still having fun is simple...be ready for it.
In this series we will explore the changes that are part of aging and how we can anticipate...and face those changes on our terms and set up our homes, our plans, and our pastimes so we can still have fun. The first topic on this list, concerns Travel.
LEAD WITH THE GOOD KNEE:
In other words. GO SOMEPLACE FLAT!
My husband and I owned a record store in Austin Texas in the 1990's; the whole world seemed to come to us in those exciting music years. He was never a travel buff. But after his death--my brother and I began as series of trips to places he knew from his years in the Air Force, and to the places where my music friends still lived. We took three of those journeys, over a period of eight years. Although each trip was wonderful, they became a bit more complicated.
We learned many things, including when hiking up a steep hill to see the ruins of an ancient castle becomes difficult--don't do it. Take the more expensive carriage ride up that hill. And when the task of climbing 1,000 steps to see the view from the top of the turret is daunting--stay on the first floor. Enjoy a cup of tea in the garden and peruse the gift shop.
ENGLAND seems to us to be the easiest country to visit for travelers with mobility issues. Every major tourist site is prepared for us with ground-floor restrooms (toilets or loos, as the Brits say.) Hotels throughout the country are staffed with English speaking workers who sort-of understand American or "Yank." Menus are easy to read and the food, especially in pubs, is excellent.
SCOTLAND, IRELAND, THE NETHERLANDS, AND GERMANY are beautiful, delicious, fascinating, and quite mobility friendly. Although traveling anywhere with someone who knows the country, or with a tour is recommended. And certainly requesting facilities and travel that can accommodate arthritic clients is wise.
FRANCE is the only other country to which we traveled and, although we found it to be beautiful, delicious, and spiritual, especially mass at NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL, we found Paris to be quite challenging. All restrooms are down a steep flight of stairs except for those in hotel rooms. Go to France right now, if you're knees are still in good shape. And consider a tour, regardless. The French people were not rude to us; quite the contrary. When we both fell on a train, due to our own bad choices, kind people went to extraordinary lengths to take care of us. Nevertheless, we both see Paris as a destination for the young, or for those with two good knees.
Robert Louis Stevenson said it best: "The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings."
So, as travel opens up again for us...do it. Nothing is more fulfilling. Go somewhere that already holds your interest, someplace where food you love is served, music you enjoy is performed, and art and architecture makes your heart soar. And if the years have crept up on you, sit down often.
Please feel free to share personal stories about "flat travel" as well as links to sites that offer information for other flat travelers.
Thanks for reading. :-)
The next installment will deal with remodeling and redecorating for accessibility and style.
About the Creator
Evelyn Donahoe
A writer, career marketing professional, widow and caregiver who no longer has red hair, but still sports the attitude.
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