ponderingsat80’s posterous

 After developing hearing loss, what’s next? -  Cataracts.  At my annual eye examination last year the ophthalmologist told me I had the beginning of a cataract in each eye.  “Nothing to be concerned about”, she added “cataracts, like grey hair, happens to everybody as they get older.”   Oh, happy thought.  

 While walking towards the lobby of our condo building one day, I noticed 3 elderly people standing around talking – none of them wore glasses, while I trotted along wearing bifocals. How can this be, I wondered?  They’re older than me . . . . Then I remembered . . .  all had had cataracts removed and now have 20/20 vision.   Except for reading, these people no longer need glasses.  Does this mean we should all aspire to cataracts in order to have perfect vision! 

 I began wearing bifocals ten years ago when carting two pairs of glasses became a nuisance. I needed a pair for reading and another for distance.  Switching back and forth eventually seemed silly.  It was vanity, of course - I did not want to wear glasses at all!   

 A friend of mine has macular degenerative disease and is completely blind in one eye.   She’s an artist – she paints.  Or rather, she painted.  What a huge disappointment this has been for her – painting was her life.  She is the one I mentioned in an earlier entry that bought a house and is now having it renovated; she plans to buy a dog when it's finished.    Bravo for her - she’s hanging in there – she’s an admirable and beautiful woman of nearly 80.   I’d be lamenting my fate and complaining to anyone who’d listen.

 My dog, Mimi had a cataract and could not see out one eye.  She adapted to this situation beautifully and it was amazing to see how well she got around.   

 So . . .  this is old age – the golden years - more aptly named, ‘tarnished brass’ by a friend.  This is when the body begins to fall apart like an old car, and each year demands more maintenance.  What next, I wonder? . . .  I will visit my ophthalmologist next month to find out if the cataracts have developed further? And if I need surgery to have them removed?  What next, indeed.  But wait a minute  . . . this could mean I won’t need glasses except for reading.  There’s good news in old age after all.  Oh, such vanity ---  Omnia Vanitas   All is vanity.  Even at 80!