In July 2003, Robert was shocked when we landed in my homeland of Auckland, New Zealand. He’d been there before, but was not a fan of winter visits. The 50 degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature from Florida’s 90 to Auckland’s 40 revealed Robert’s dependency on indoor temperature control. Telling him that the drop was only 27.5 degrees Celsius was no consolation.
Robert compensated by using dad’s two-month supply of kerosene for the heater in only three days! Despite being irritated by this drastic depletion in his fuel supply, my father threw open all the windows to let some fresh air into the over-heated room. Robert was shocked again. He hadn’t learned how to adapt to New Zealand’s way of staying warm—use a heater to remove the early morning chill and wear winter clothes inside.
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When we flew to Sydney, Australia for more family visits, it was my turn to adapt. Shortly after a surprise 50th birthday celebration—where I was crowned the queen—I was rudely reminded of my advancing years. I fell and severely sprained my wrist the day before we flew home. I had one night to ice it, then fellow passengers across the Pacific suffered with me as I massaged myself with penetrating and aromatic extra-strength heat cream. The healing process was impeded by the need to continue lifting myself on and off chairs, toilets, and in and out of the car.
I was also losing range of motion in my ankles. The pain interrupted my sleep, reduced my limited walking distance, made stairs and curbs impossible to climb without a railing, and required avoidance of uneven surfaces like grass and gravel. After looking at x-ray images, an orthopedist came into the patient room and looked around for my wheelchair. He was amazed I could walk independently. He diagnosed severe arthritis and prescribed a scooter and lift to get it in and out of the car.
I followed up with the opinion of an orthopedist with dwarfism expertise—Dr. Mary Matejcyk, the same orthopedist who replaced Robert’s hips in 1997. She advised that the spontaneous fusion of my ankle joints was causing the pain. This sounds bad, but it was actually good news. Surgical intervention would be to fuse the joints and my ankles were doing this on their own. The only concern was that the ankles fuse in the right position for standing; thankfully, this appeared to be happening. When the fusion was complete the pain would end. And she was right.
Fast forward 20 years and we are both fully retired and have achieved our allotted three-score-and-ten years. Aging issues are more prevalent with daily medications, numerous doctor appointments throughout the month, and reliance on scooters for distance. Although our schedules are more flexible, declining mobility and stamina doesn’t allow for as many activities. Indeed we wonder how we ever had time to go to work!
As we navigate our bonus years (70 and beyond), we remain thankful for the resources God has provided and whatever comes next.
[In recognition of National Senior Citizens Day on August 21, 2023, this post updates “Adapting to Changes in Climate and Age.” Angela Muir Van Etten blog (August 23, 2021).]
You may also want to read:
- “Unforgettable 60th Birthday.” Angela Muir Van Etten blog. July 10, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/unforgettable-60th-birthday-in-alaska/#comments
- STAY SAFE: Avoid Slips, Trips, and Falls.” Angela Muir Van Etten blog. June 19, 2023. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/stay-safe-avoid-slips-trips-and-falls/
- “Lessons From My 40-Year Law Career.” Angela Muir Van Etten blog. October 10, 2022. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/lessons-from-my-40-year-law-career/
- “Ruby Wedding Anniversary.” Angela Muir Van Etten blog. November 29, 2021. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/ruby-wedding-anniversary/
- Angela Muir Van Etten. “PASS ME YOUR SHOES: A Couple with Dwarfism Navigates Life’s Detours with Love and Faith.” 2020. https://angelamuirvanetten.com/pass-me-your-shoes/
3 replies on “Adapting to Changes in Climate and Age”
You and Robert have managed exceedingly well to overcome limitations and live extraordinary lives.
You both have had more than your share of challenges. Those of us who are your contemporaries are feeling the physical limitations more and more now. I’m reminded often of the words of Jonathan Swift: Every man desires to live long, but no man wishes to grow old.” It’s a Catch 22. The only solution is to accept the changes with grace and wisdom.
Aging is not for the faint of heart. Nice article Angela. Beth and I are right behind you and Robert. We have not quite reached the”bonus years” but the age issues have begun.