A few words about old age;
Old age is a wonderful time in our life if we are able to
make the best of it by trying out new ideas and new things.
It is the time to thank Hashem for giving us the ability to
face life with joy and understanding. To live each day and
pray to Hashem for the next day of our life. As someone once
said, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life!"
I tell my grandchildren and great-grandchildren that I am not
their old (alte) Bubbie but their elderly
(elter) Bubbie. In Yiddish it sounds different. I try
to keep young in spirit.
Lately, I've been concerned about the wrinkles on my face. My
friend, Dina, sells a line of cosmetics. She told me,
"Wrinkles on the face of an older person show an expressive
character."
She's sold me two products to soften them and I think they're
working.
Seven months ago, my husband passed away. For the last eight
years of my life, all my time was devoted only to him. I
became not only his wife but a caretaker. As a caregiver, I
read many books on the subject of dementia (Alzheimer's). One
book was called A Thirty-Six Hour Day.
After three years of home care, I became very ill and
hospitalized and my husband had to be taken to a nursing
home. In fact, it was three nursing homes before I felt he
was getting the proper care.
After he died, I found myself without the routine to which I
had become accustomed. One day a few weeks ago, I said to
myself, "I must have some schedule to work and learn." And it
was then that I found out that old age is a wonderful time in
my life to do things and try out new ideas.
I stuck to my plan and finally worked out a weekly schedule
that suits me fine.
SUNDAY -- I have a Spoken-Hebrew class for one hour in my
home.
MONDAY -- A person comes to my home to teach me, my sister,
who is a few years older and my daughter's mother-in-law who
is also in her eighties, a Chinese exercise called Tai Chi.
This exercise helps people maintain balance in walking. I'm
using a cane now to keep me from falling. I feel better
already.
TUESDAY -- I have started teaching handi craft and knitting
for fun and relaxation. Anyone is welcome to join us: Call me
at: 02-5372-513.
WEDNESDAY -- My daughter-in-law has enrolled me in a Creative
Writers' Workshop which is specially designed to teach people
to write their life's story. It takes place in Har Nof.
THURSDAY -- It's Hebrew class, again. I see that I really did
not forget all I learned in my early life in America.
I recently read an article telling how an older person can
have a creative and meaningful life that is good for the mind
and body.
The rest of the time, I'm busy keeping up my house, my
plants, and being connected with my wonderful family, much of
which, Boruch Hashem, lives in Yerusholayim.
Tzippora Hoffman (pseudonym)
May Hashem continue to grant my wonderful neighbor years to
keep on smiling, being busy and happy, and radiating her good
spirits all around!
