Growing Old: The cost of staying alive

There's an old saying that notes growing old is not for the weak. That's true. It's also hard on your wallet.

I am in my 6th decade of what a close friend refers to as the journey through life. My wife is not far behind in chronological age, but I will not mention specifics. We are at that point in life where we spend a fair amount of money on prescription medications and other health-related expenses.  

I like to think it wasn't long ago that we spent a good portion of our disposable income on concerts, vacations, trips to the movie theater (no more due to Covid-19), dinners out, and similar expenses. We still do some of those things, but we eye the budget to make certain we have enough on hand to pay for our monthly prescriptions and our medical visits. 

It's more an observation than a complaint. Lori and I are in pretty good health (I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in, my Dad liked to say.). We work full time and have health insurance through our employers. We're better off in that regard than many others. 

I try not to complain about growing old, because so many are denied the opportunity. Two of my siblings passed at young ages, long before the myriad of aches and unexplained pains that come with age set upon them. And I have already said the final goodbye to a few friends from my high school graduation class, individuals I knew when we were young, healthy and carefree.  

Our journey here is strange and mysterious. We experience developments along the way that frequently defy reason and understanding. Body parts that worked well and efficiently one day become dysfunctional the next.

There are medical explanations for it all, of course, but understanding the science behind the decline doesn't always help us make peace with the inevitable. The changes come fast for me these days, and I have made peace with most of them. I think that's important.

It's all part of the process.

--Thank you for reading. Comments and questions are always welcome. Post them here or email them kbotterman@gmail.com.