Is it possible that men and women age differently? Are there significant differences between us that ought to be seriously researched? I specifically mean: Do females react differently than males to the problems of aging?
I have been a witness, in addition to being part of a population of people in their late 70s to 90s. For nearly the last 3 years, we have lived in a Senior Village. As I have written, this is not a “caregiving” environment but more like a resort setting. We have an apartment of 825 sq ft. A bit less than our first home back in the 50s. The facility offers a lounge bar, dining room, heated indoor saltwater pool, meeting and activity rooms, and a wide range of activities for residents to participate in. Incidentally, but not surprisingly, most residents are single women, mainly from the east coast. They moved to Reno because their adult children and grandchildren live and work here. Proximity to their caregivers and family becomes a necessity.
I have learned through conversation and observation that men appear to live more in the present and take each day as it comes. On the other hand, and this is admittedly pure speculation on my part, women are not happy losing their former selves. Giving up the past and who we have been is never easy for anyone that has lived a reasonably good life.
As a former “teacher, creator, student of power, problem solver,” I now write single-page papers to make up for activities and challenges that once flooded my existence. Now, I see each day as a gift that may or may not come again. And being with my Lenette is the most wonderful gift of all.
Aging is a fact—We need to accept this fact—Let be what we are. Sy
