Illness

As you get older things seem to fall apart. One minute you are fine, the next you have issues such as tinnitus, arthritis, varicose veins, sight deterioration. I think Betty Davis summed it up when she said ‘old age ain’t for cissies’. It does take a kind of bravery to face up to these things happening to you and then to carry on regardless. I do think you have to listen to what your body is telling you and slow down as needed if you can.

I always vowed that I wouldn’t talk about my health all of the time when I got old. When you do reach an older age, however, I can see how it can obsess you as it starts to curtail your life. You compare notes with others about how they are feeling and it is a good way to empathise and show concern. It can also be very reassuring when you tell someone about something that has happened and they can help you feel less frightened about it and tell you it is normal ‘for your age group!’

It is best, however, not to make these problems the whole focus of your thoughts and try to maintain a healthy interest in other areas of life. If I catch myself in thinking too much about something that ails me, I give my thoughts a better direction and I also do try not to bring up any health issues, particularly with the young because although they may be fond of you, who wants to hear a rundown of health problems?

We should use opportunities when we feel a bit depressed about our health to think about others and pray for them. There will always be people who are in a worse situation as well as those in a better one.

God bless you and if today you feel a little low, pray for those who may be feeling the same,

Happy St George’s Day!