Getting to a certain age, which is different for each person, is not a piece of cake, by any means. The actual age in years is different for everyone; I envy those individuals who make it to their 80’s and 90’s before the “bad stuff” starts. But when the pain begins and the “conditions” develop that make it necessary to take numerous meds every day just so you can cope, life is not so great.
To make things even more difficult, when those “conditions” that require all those meds develop, chances are your income has dwindled, and you are locked into a “fixed income.” (Don’t you just love that term?”) Life becomes really complicated when you are not at your “fighting best.”
I have reached that place. Luckily, because I am so poor, I qualify for a certain insurance to go with Medicare and I have to pay very little for my meds. So I guess my old age (that I am not really enjoying) is a good financial thing. However, food, clothing, special shoes, entertainment, a new cane, gas for my car, utilities, rent, and so much more are not adjusted to accommodate my age, physical conditions, or financial standing. I exist, but existing is not really living.
I know some individuals, where I live, have found the perfect balance, and everything is provided because they are poorer than I am. Some have no income to speak of and our government takes very good care of them. Others were in the military or were married to a deceased military spouse, and they are taken care of pretty well, also. And there are those with savings for old age that they can use (mine disappeared years ago when I was very ill). But those of us who worked in lower paying careers (in the South especially) for 40-50 years have made too much to really benefit from the “free” existence. And if we no longer have savings, we are literally “up a creek" without that paddle.
Now this is my dilemma. I have always been a positive thinking individual; I believe with lots of thought I can figure out a way to overcome my problems. So far, I am not even at the bat much less at batting average. EVERY idea I have come up with to supplement my income has fizzled. I wonder if it is where I live or if this is the way it is everywhere.
Some attempts are: I have tried to provide rides for older individuals who cannot drive and I did for a while. Then they found a “free” way to get where they wanted. I tried pet sitting. That has not worked out. I even tried to get part time work in an office. I was called overqualified (a euphemism for old) every time by a young person who was scared of my experience. I even applied to the US Government office designated for senior employment, and they never called. I think I would have a better chance if I had never worked.
So this is going to be my life from now until…? I am trying to decide if it is worth doing any longer. So far, I have not given up, but I feel that might be on the horizon if something does not give. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I need it.
To make things even more difficult, when those “conditions” that require all those meds develop, chances are your income has dwindled, and you are locked into a “fixed income.” (Don’t you just love that term?”) Life becomes really complicated when you are not at your “fighting best.”
I have reached that place. Luckily, because I am so poor, I qualify for a certain insurance to go with Medicare and I have to pay very little for my meds. So I guess my old age (that I am not really enjoying) is a good financial thing. However, food, clothing, special shoes, entertainment, a new cane, gas for my car, utilities, rent, and so much more are not adjusted to accommodate my age, physical conditions, or financial standing. I exist, but existing is not really living.
I know some individuals, where I live, have found the perfect balance, and everything is provided because they are poorer than I am. Some have no income to speak of and our government takes very good care of them. Others were in the military or were married to a deceased military spouse, and they are taken care of pretty well, also. And there are those with savings for old age that they can use (mine disappeared years ago when I was very ill). But those of us who worked in lower paying careers (in the South especially) for 40-50 years have made too much to really benefit from the “free” existence. And if we no longer have savings, we are literally “up a creek" without that paddle.
Now this is my dilemma. I have always been a positive thinking individual; I believe with lots of thought I can figure out a way to overcome my problems. So far, I am not even at the bat much less at batting average. EVERY idea I have come up with to supplement my income has fizzled. I wonder if it is where I live or if this is the way it is everywhere.
Some attempts are: I have tried to provide rides for older individuals who cannot drive and I did for a while. Then they found a “free” way to get where they wanted. I tried pet sitting. That has not worked out. I even tried to get part time work in an office. I was called overqualified (a euphemism for old) every time by a young person who was scared of my experience. I even applied to the US Government office designated for senior employment, and they never called. I think I would have a better chance if I had never worked.
So this is going to be my life from now until…? I am trying to decide if it is worth doing any longer. So far, I have not given up, but I feel that might be on the horizon if something does not give. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I need it.
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