I don’t want to run as fast as I once did or even look as ruggedly handsome — when all the girls were too intimidated by my good looks to go out with me. (Wasn’t it Mark Twain who said, “When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not”?)
No, I just wish I had a little more of the youthful self-confidence: the “I know everything and can do anything” attitude. Because if there was a problem or mistake, I knew it was them. They didn’t understand or hear the question. It wasn’t me!
But not anymore. Now often I wonder, “Is it me?”
But why? Maybe because I fear I won’t remember an important date, miss an important comment, or that I no longer can connect the dots? I can still put two and two together to make four, but did I hear two and two — or was it two and three, and then if I answered five, I would get that “I think he is beginning to lose it” look.
But it isn’t me. Well, not most of the time. Nowadays I find it easy to magnify the hurried oversights, the inadvertent mistakes, personal slights, those “why can’t I think of the word” moments. Then I start questioning my own abilities — and start playing it safe.
And often for good reason. I try to avoid busy freeways, steps without handrails, and uneven surfaces. (I now use a walking stick, although I learned last week that it doesn’t always help in every situation.)
But sometimes, when your confidence is low, it’s best to put yourself out there by trying something new or an old hobby that you once did: learn to play a musical instrument, join that Tai Chi class you always thought about, or meet that cute boy or girl at your favorite gathering spot. (Sorry. I forgot we’re not in high school!)
And the key? Take small steps — and be persistent. You aren’t going to learn to line dance in one session (trust me!), or get back up walking in one week.
Then celebrate your successes — no matter how small. There will be setbacks — a poor choice of words, a forgotten appointment, an avoidable fall — but focus on what you can do: your gifts and talents.
Whether you’re 65, 75, 85 or older, you can still have dreams, discover new interests, and believe that there is still much to look forward to: a beautiful sunset, a conversation with a friend, your grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Although life will have disappointments, keep rolling along because you’ll find there are many good times ahead.
Medicare Open Enrollment begins on Oct. 15, and I have been told that this year there will be an unusually high number of changes. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you should receive your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) by Sept. 30, showing changes for 2027, including premiums, copays, provider networks, and benefits. Make sure you read it carefully! In the next several weeks, I will discuss more about Medicare and where you can receive help.
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Brain Tease: This time, let’s try some Anagram Puzzles where you rearrange letters to make a new word or phrase, such as LISTEN becoming SILENT.
See if you can unscramble each set of letters to make a common word. Each one gets progressively harder.
1. TCA
2. RABE
3. TRIAN
4. DRAEGN
5. CINEMA
6. RETLAV
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The Queen of Disco who brought disco music into the mainstream was Donna Summer, who “works hard for the money.” I received correct answers from Donna Mollet, Judy Kiser, Shelley Hinatsu, Lana Tepfer, Rhonda Spies, David Liberty, Dave Lutgens, Eva Summers, Doug Nelson, Pat Evenson-Brady, Rebecca Abrams, and Stephen Woolpert, who is this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
And last week, while twisting the night away, I missed Ken Jernstedt.
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A popular comic I used to read in the newspaper was Blondie: a long-running American comic strip created by Chic Young in 1930. It centers on the humorous, everyday domestic and work life of the Bumstead family, including the husband’s run-ins with his loud and impatient boss, Mr. Dithers.
For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the husband’s name? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-980-4645, or send it with an overstuffed, multi-layered sandwich piled high with assorted meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
•••
Well, it’s been another week, working my way towards imperfection.
Until we meet again, everyone looks better wearing a smile.
•••
“So be wise, because the world needs more wisdom, and if you cannot be wise, pretend to be someone who is wise, and then just behave as they would.”
— Neil Gaiman
Answers:
1. Cat
2. Bear
3. Train
4. Garden
5. Iceman
6. Travel
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