ARD Age Related Deterioration

I shall be 70 tomorrow. I am not ill. I am suffering from ARD.

This is a fascinating syndrome, at least to those suffering from it and who regularly exchange details of their symptoms. It is well known to people of a certain age. Not there yet? You will be!

ARD often affects the eyes. Remarks like, 'My arms are not long enough to read that', 'I need my other spectacles' and 'Why do they print everything so much smaller than they used to', are sure signs that ARD is affecting the eyes.

Next, the ears. 'Why do people mumble so much nowadays. They didn't used to.'

Joints creak and getting up from a seated position takes longer. Aches and pains become a fact of life. Digestion is less efficient, at both ends. We sufferers know all the issues of wind!

Attention span is shorter and memory lapses more often. 'What did I come in here for?' can be heard as we move from one room to another. There are tedious conversations about 'You know, the one who was in that thing with whatsisname!'

The picture is one of ongoing deterioration and it isn't going to get better.

However, there are side effects. Generally, we become kinder to ourselves and others, understanding the frailty of the human condition. We don't give ourselves quite so much of a hard time for our inability to do everything we could do when we were 40. We allow ourselves to rest more and to find time to chat to others including all the babies in Sainsburys. We potter about in the garden and one of our biggest joys is cooking and eating our own produce. It becomes possible to lock the doors and put your nightie on at 6pm, and to take your bra off as soon as the last visitor leaves.

My friend reminded me that you have to be brave to be old, but despite ARD it is a surprisingly content time of life. The struggle to make a living is more or less over, your relationships over long years are tried and tested, you have a home which you have made comfortable and joys are many and touching. More than at any other time of your life, you can do what you want.

I wish peace, content and the best of health to all sufferers of ARD past, present and to come.

Frankie x