March

Yesterday, the last day of February was all snow, ice and bleakness—all day. Seasonally appropriate, I know. At least the weather nastiness was outside and changed over to rain by day’s end.

No, I didn’t go out for a walk in that shit. Even those of us who aren’t already old and balance banjaxed were slipping and sliding, falling and damaging vital bits. 

On that “old” business—I read a news report yesterday where a crime victim was referred to as “elderly.” I have issues with this.

My idea of “elderly” is mid 70s and up. What was the age of this elderly crimee? 60. This is bullshit! 60 isn’t elderly—it’s old but only just. Hells bells, Hillel recently did the Israel Ride—a 258 mile/5 day bike marathon through the Israeli deserts—and he’s 60. Hillel's not elderly—he barely qualifies as late middle aged. 

The National Health Service in England tells me that:

Generally, someone over the age of 65 might be considered an older person. (gee, duh, RILLY!?) However, it is not easy to apply a strict definition because people can biologically age at different rates so, for example, someone aged 75 may be healthier than someone aged 60.

I remember going with Daddy to his 50th high school class reunion. Everyone there was 67 or 68. Most seemed to be in decent if not great shape but there was one dude in a wheelchair, his spine curled like a Cheeto, face thin and drawn. Honestly, he looked to be in his late 80s and unhealthy at that. I asked Pop who he was—one of the teachers maybe? Nope, a classmate. Daddy allowed that we all age differently. Yup, no shit Donna. I've thought of myself as being decently empathetic (and, generally speaking, I am) but sometimes I am just one clueless spazoid.

So, possibly yurs truly here could be described as elderly but Ten, who is three years ahead of me, would not. My friend Jenny who's just a few months older than me, bikes, hikes and is all around fit as hell. NOT elderly.

In any case, it’s sunny right now, already 31º and getting warmer. By noon all the thin patches of ice will have melted and it’ll be safe for me to take my elderly ass out for a walk. YEA!