It’s not a bad time to be a well-seasoned member of society. I don’t like to use the word old when referring to age. The medical advances for heart disease, cancer, and a plethora of other maladies are impressive and, most importantly, extending lives. While heart issues and cancer have reared their ugly heads for some members of my immediate family (specifically Mom and Dad), I have escaped the bad stuff. Whether I’ve inherited some good genes, or just have been blessed with good luck, so far, I’ve been cruising along with minor issues. But those small annoyances need to be taken care of in order to maintain good aging health. And I’m finding that addressing the small stuff improves my spirits.

Three years ago, my eye doctor suggested cataract surgery. He said I could put it off for a year, but since it would advance over time and the surgery would greatly improve my vision, he didn’t see why I’d postpone the inevitable. Not one to rush into any non-emergency medical procedures, I got a stronger eyeglass prescription and forgot about the cataracts. Of course, my most recent eye exam in May of this year was no surprise, and I was scheduled for two surgeries. It was the best decision. The procedures were quick and comfortable, the only annoyance being the month-long daily eye drops for each eye. Other than inexpensive over-the-counter magnifying specs for reading, and sunglasses for the new outdoor brightness, I wear no glasses. My distance vision is wonderfully clear and, best of all, no longer dealing with transition lenses makes me steadier on my feet. The stairs are easier, checking traffic right to left when I walk isn’t dizzying, and I can look over my shoulder without hesitating. I feel ten years younger.

On the subject of feeling younger, I strongly believe that years of physical activity have added to my good aging and continuing that lifestyle will keep me healthy and young at heart. There’s one annoying glitch to this concept. I can’t run anymore. Arthritis in both knees has ended the days of six-mile runs, but I can and do walk at a decent pace at least four days a week. And while sometimes my arthritic knees act up even with just walking, there’s another simple medical fix that keeps me active. While there’s a limit to the number of shots you can get, I’ve found that cortisone injections have kept each knee flexible and pain-free for quite a long time. There are also gel jabs that act as lubricants for osteoarthritis and can be given on a more regular basis than cortisone. That info keeps this gal moving and in good spirits.

So, I’m at the hair salon for a much-needed haircut. In preparation for my shampoo, I’ve removed my hearing aids and reclined back, but apparently not quite far enough into the sink to keep me from getting soaked. I heard a bit of mumbling from my stylist, but with no hearing aids, there was no clarity. More mumbling was followed by a loud statement that I did hear.  “MOVE YOUR BUTT BACK IN THE CHAIR.” I quickly followed her request, and for some reason the whole scenario sent us both into peals of laughter. In truth, we really do have to laugh at this aging thing, otherwise we’d be moping about at every turn.

I’ve been wearing hearing aids for a few years. Depending on the situation, they’re both wonderful and annoying. I can hear the television clearly and can keep up with in-person conversations pretty well. My cell phone app allows easy volume adjustments and can also reduce restaurant noise. Unfortunately, sometimes I can hear chatter from people three tables away. What I find odd about my hearing loss is my ability (sans hearing aids) to hear obscure sounds like the cat digging in his litter box in the middle of the night.

On my most recent birthday, I treated myself to something more of a necessity than a treat. I bought casual, elastic waist pants. They’re hanging in the closet next to my tight jeans. They’re stylish, in several nice colors, and very soon I might start wearing them.

Carole Marshall is a former columnist and feature writer for American Profile magazine. Her stories have been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Contact her at dustywriter89@gmail.com