tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post6242870922739655394..comments2024-03-27T13:32:06.780-02:30Comments on The Other Side of Eighty: Aging Women Seniors - Thoughts Assemblage.Wisewebwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-57357618260755843732019-09-06T15:14:20.726-02:302019-09-06T15:14:20.726-02:30"You have a nightmare in Alberta". Every..."You have a nightmare in Alberta". Everything seniors receive in Alberta was put in place by a conservative government. <br /><br />That is not political, it doesn't erase the still urgent need. But it's just fact. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-86041074006509419052019-09-06T11:58:12.992-02:302019-09-06T11:58:12.992-02:30(Mary you write so beautifully and lyrically, here...(Mary you write so beautifully and lyrically, here in quite a different style than your blog posts.Perhaps here the passion comes through.)<br /><br />I have so many thoughts on this topic, having worked in some aspect dealing with seniors issues most of my career (such as it was dealing with congenital spinal and vision difficulties). One thing extra that I can bring is my thoughts on why we SHOULD NOT ask for care, or at least, very judicially. Surprised? Well I've seen the other side. <br /><br />Many thanks for writing on this issue. I enjoy reading your blog posts on your day to day self, but this is different. I'm in if my thoughts will be any help, from way out West. <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-37470469463208576792019-05-21T23:30:39.819-02:302019-05-21T23:30:39.819-02:30Thank you Deb, I hear you about broadening but and...Thank you Deb, I hear you about broadening but and we have heard from others too but female seniors are the only ones working at 75, 80, literally to put food on their tables, broadening the scope tends dilute the message as men earn far more in their lifetimes and accumulate pensions. I remember my ex screaming I'd never get his pension goddamit. And that happens with many women raising many children. You have a nightmare in Alberta, as does Ontario. We now have a minority government, yay us, but all eyes are on Scheer and the Federal election. No complacency.<br /><br />XO<br />WWWWisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-35097183659630070002019-05-14T21:34:24.977-02:302019-05-14T21:34:24.977-02:30Disclaimer up front, I'm the Director of a non...Disclaimer up front, I'm the Director of a non-profit in Alberta, so I have some experience in non-profits. Poverty among seniors is so ubiquitous in Canada that I'd contemplate making this a Federal Non-Profit, and address the issue among men as well as women. The goal should be as broad as possible, because you want everyone who hears your message to think, "I know a senior who lives in poverty." <br /><br />I remember back to the late 90s and early 2000s, when the Federal Government was saying it cost $99.00 a month to feed a child from 1-12 a basic nutritious diet, for 11 years the Conservative Alberta Government gave mothers on Social Assistance $34.00 a month to feed children from 1-12. Their excuse was that they simply had no more money, yet in that same period those same MLAs gave themselves *17* raises and raked up perks like $400 liquor tabs at lunch. Jason Kenney has just been elected as Premier of Alberta and has vowed to slash services and balance the budget so, I'm not totally convinced Alberta's relatively decent senior's support will continue. <br /><br />So your goal is very worthy! Good on ya! <br /> Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14133236228952504852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-85800655197275771122019-05-10T14:54:52.447-02:302019-05-10T14:54:52.447-02:30I so agree with you River, we have a particular br...I so agree with you River, we have a particular brand of privileged here who treat the people like peasants. One has been known to walk into the only business establishment in a small village and announce to all there: "Do you know who I am?" and then demanded they vote for her in the upcoming election. Not one question about this small shop and its business and its challenges. Breathtaking in her privilege and arrogance.<br /><br />XO<br />WWWWisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-56633166611706620322019-05-10T14:51:42.883-02:302019-05-10T14:51:42.883-02:30Thank you B - been a while since I heard from you....Thank you B - been a while since I heard from you. I hope all is well!<br /><br />XO<br />WWWWisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-89384441802647785272019-05-10T14:51:09.923-02:302019-05-10T14:51:09.923-02:30Thanks for this Joared, I am still shocked that su...Thanks for this Joared, I am still shocked that such basic health-giving and enhancing so called "benefits" are not part of the health schemes everywhere for those that can't afford private health care. Dental, eyes, ears, walker assistance, etc.<br /><br />Yes, we hope to plunge on this and enlighten some of the smug politicians here.<br /><br />XO<br />WWWWisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-62110376859482804462019-05-10T04:57:29.892-02:302019-05-10T04:57:29.892-02:30As near as I can figure, politicians and governmen...As near as I can figure, politicians and governments are wealthy people, giving themselves high wages and all manner of 'perks' that carry on even after they've left politics, so of course THEY don't suffer in their old age and simply assume others are managing well also. They are blind and deaf to the people they are supposed to be supporting. I think it should be mandatory for all politicians to live for a year on whatever the age pension is in the country they are in, with absolutely NO access to any of their money or 'perks' during that time. Riverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14794655013673748992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-38858015307864477972019-05-08T16:36:26.604-02:302019-05-08T16:36:26.604-02:30This sounds like a very worthwhile endeavour. Best...This sounds like a very worthwhile endeavour. Best of luck with it.blackwatertownhttp://www.blackwatertown.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-41044557544290019342019-05-07T22:52:05.048-02:302019-05-07T22:52:05.048-02:30As a child who grew up in a home with a single par...As a child who grew up in a home with a single parent (father deserted and never offered any help) I know what happens to life style. My mother was discriminated against as a divorcee, as were her children by some given the prevailing attitudes of the time. She also was subjected to negatives for a medical issue she had that today has meds for — likely was a consequence of undiagnosed closed head trauma with little known about it then. So, she could not work outside our home. I admire how she coped and made a home for us. <br /><br />I am appalled, and have been, at the key medical services such as you list that are not covered by health insurance for so many in our system in the U.S. and the single payor systems as you have. Oh, and in time my mother was legally blind hampering even further what skills she had which were considerable she could use. Vision and hearing aids are just a given that everyone should receive. I certainly wish you well in your educating an electorate there to protest for what makes logical and financial sense. Joaredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03155775053108104385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-3107697450913687442019-05-07T01:28:26.123-02:302019-05-07T01:28:26.123-02:30We are attempting to put together a board now Anni...We are attempting to put together a board now Annie. Will keep you posted.<br /><br />XO<br />WWWWisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-26210939283673159662019-05-06T15:14:54.255-02:302019-05-06T15:14:54.255-02:30I am comfortable because of (a) having moved to a ...I am comfortable because of (a) having moved to a cheaper province, (b) my longstanding penny-pinching ways and (c) an inheritance. But I have very little cushion against unexpected serious illness or other disaster. I agree that more should be done by governments about seniors' poverty, and that food banks are a travesty. I hope to hear more about your project.Anniehttp://mzodell.blogspot.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-81009695841015056122019-05-06T11:38:54.859-02:302019-05-06T11:38:54.859-02:30Exactly or the impact of not having this essential...Exactly or the impact of not having this essential care on overloaded hospitals - I know of 2 cases in point. I am fortunate too in that I can afford the care for now. I don't want to lose a leg or foot.<br /><br />I hope your orthotics are soon adjusted :)<br /><br />XO<br />WWW<br />Wisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-48981157021739533792019-05-06T11:35:56.425-02:302019-05-06T11:35:56.425-02:30I figured it out Linda, I auto adjust sometimes, o...I figured it out Linda, I auto adjust sometimes, other times I take 4 cracks at something, mornings are good, my sometimes slippage comes with exhaustion at the end of the day, LOL. All my senses go into a kind of lockdown.<br /><br />Here it is morning so I translated :D<br /><br />XO<br />WWWWisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-21644316592251849302019-05-06T11:34:31.310-02:302019-05-06T11:34:31.310-02:30It's an absolute travesty and downright cruelt...It's an absolute travesty and downright cruelty Linda. Congrats on your novel, that is brilliant, delighted for you :)<br /><br />I am so grateful my readers are sharing their own stories or observations as it is helping us to be very clear on our mission and on the challenges many face apart from our own or those near us. There is so much more I am learning.<br /><br />Thank you!<br /><br />XO<br />WWWWisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-9490500059239321602019-05-06T11:31:18.669-02:302019-05-06T11:31:18.669-02:30It's a dreadful situation. And only now, today...It's a dreadful situation. And only now, today on the newspapers, I see the effects of no mailouts for car plate registrations - all on line now. Forgetting the seniors, who may be forgetful themselves and not affording the internet or having the skills to use it, slapping them with $250 fines for not renewing their plates. I am so enraged.<br /><br />Every day is more.<br /><br />XO<br />WWW<br />Wisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-39240580305169853222019-05-05T19:29:17.215-02:302019-05-05T19:29:17.215-02:30My foot is a complication of my condition and it w...My foot is a complication of my condition and it will come right when we get through the painfully slow process of adjusting my orthotics. I can pay for my podiatry now but I always think of those who can't. I think the system tries hard but whoever thought up the five visit thing doesn't understand chronic disease kyliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17733888108530605722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-32950865689107721092019-05-05T14:46:04.285-02:302019-05-05T14:46:04.285-02:30Apparently my cognition is already being impacted!...Apparently my cognition is already being impacted! I'm laughing at myself. I wish I could have an aide, and if she's hearing me, all the better, but I meant hearing "aids," of course. Many people find their balance is better with hearing aids, but in one sentence, I made it sound as if the opposite were true. Perhaps I am in my dotage! Linda P.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03514116616513211458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-75863063576905686482019-05-05T14:41:07.795-02:302019-05-05T14:41:07.795-02:30As a person with inherited hearing loss in my fami...As a person with inherited hearing loss in my family, including a deaf granddaughter, I can speak particularly to the difference that hearing aides makes in a person's life, too. Isolation increases when it's difficult or impossible to make telephone calls or even contribute to conversations with friends, in person. Even with my hearing aides, I sometimes answer a different question than the one a medical professional has actually asked. I find myself being treated as if I'm in my dotage, when I've just finished setting up my own web page, helped two adopted persons sort through a genetic DNA puzzle to find their parents, and interested an agent in reading my just completed novel! Studies have shown that cognition decreases when our brains are not adjusting to as much sensory input, and balance is better, too. My deaf granddaughter could not walk without falling and required a medical helmet to protect her head until she got her second cochlear implant. (She has other challenges in addition to hearing loss.) I've stopped having trips to the ER for falls since I got my Costco hearing aides. I'm with you all the way. This isn't a luxury. It's not covered by Medicare here, either.Linda P.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03514116616513211458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-19142148385954081432019-05-05T14:22:17.054-02:302019-05-05T14:22:17.054-02:30If anyone could make a difference for this sadly f...If anyone could make a difference for this sadly forgotten segment of society, in your part of the world, WWW - then I'd bet on <b>you</b> being able to do so (along with your colleague). Governments, local and national, need metaphorical slaps up the backs of heads to make them see the unfairnesses they so easily arrange <b>not</b> to see. Kudos, WWW!Twilighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14138621610593773784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-37756681384497960182019-05-05T11:57:02.629-02:302019-05-05T11:57:02.629-02:30Exactly D. Discarded because we usually don't ...Exactly D. Discarded because we usually don't have a voice or because there is a fear that what we have will be taken away as a punishment. It is disgraceful.<br /><br />XO<br />WWWWisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-20344427324116236792019-05-05T11:38:32.381-02:302019-05-05T11:38:32.381-02:30Oh Ramana that is so very sad, and it happens here...Oh Ramana that is so very sad, and it happens here too. No check-ins. I know you are so grateful for your wonderful son and daughter and the assistance you get from care workers. I myself am getting by and even then there is an underlying stress to it and I know that far, far more of seniors out there are suffering and alone and showing up to the free dinners.<br /><br />XO<br />WWWWisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-23126105353602550202019-05-05T11:35:53.641-02:302019-05-05T11:35:53.641-02:30I should add Kylie, if one is incarcerated in an e...I should add Kylie, if one is incarcerated in an elder instution here all bets are off, everything, including the nappies, are covered. Costs the government a fortune, but it can be the only resort for some.<br /><br />I am so sorry to hear about your foot, what an impact on your health. So much so called "assistance" is useless in the long term, no understanding of the adverse conditions.<br /><br />Thanks for your good thoughts.<br /><br />XO<br />WWWWisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-58475748271033118102019-05-05T11:32:57.946-02:302019-05-05T11:32:57.946-02:30And it hit me today, River, that vacations for sen...And it hit me today, River, that vacations for seniors are unaffordable as they usually want to see some sun for the old bones.<br /><br />Also therapy:grief, mental, emotional is unaffordable when needed most.<br /><br />XO<br />WWWWisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14874528.post-17953100002993779722019-05-05T11:31:35.671-02:302019-05-05T11:31:35.671-02:30Exactly Joanne, this food bank thing sent me over ...Exactly Joanne, this food bank thing sent me over the edge, often it's a small thing like that that can throw one off their feed.<br /><br />So onward elder soldiers.<br /><br />XO<br />WWW Wisewebwomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15281689872840844191noreply@blogger.com