Chapter 1: Reflections on Aging Amidst a Pandemic

What did I truly learn from the COVID-19 crisis? Surprisingly, it wasn't what I initially expected.

I found myself with an astonishing collection of 29 reusable shopping bags, just in time for the supermarket's new policy of charging for paper bags. I also discovered that I could spend countless hours at home with my husband and our dog, and we all managed to coexist peacefully. However, the most sobering realization was the acknowledgment of my age. It might sound trivial, but the constant barrage of news made it clear: I was a senior citizen. The evidence was stark; my immune system might not be robust enough to fend off COVID-19, and if I were to contract the virus, my chances of survival were less favorable compared to younger individuals.

You might think I already knew about my age. After all, numbers don't lie. Yet, I often reassured myself with the same thoughts. I had always maintained the same clothing sizes—pants, dresses, and shoes. For years, I’ve dyed my hair to hide the gray. I had trained my reflection to tell me a more flattering story. I was also on a growing list of medications, simply to satisfy my doctors.

It was rather unsettling when my grown children began calling more frequently to check on our well-being. While it was a sweet gesture, it felt somewhat ominous. They were, in a way, admitting that we were indeed aging. My husband, being 5.5 years my senior, felt even older.

Nonetheless, I kept a list of things I was still capable of doing. I participated in a half-hour online exercise class with my attractive trainer—who, by the way, is also getting older. Despite everything, I felt generally well. Interestingly, I contracted COVID twice but was grateful that both instances were mild.

Reflecting on my teaching days, I often recall a favorite song of my kindergarten class: "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." We accompanied it with hand motions, and never in my 27 years of teaching did I imagine I would find myself living out that song. After singing "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes," the next verse struck a chord with me: "Eyes and Ears and a Mouth and a Nose." It was a true reflection of my current state.

My husband has his own health challenges, particularly with his knees. Having undergone a knee replacement, he may need another surgery soon. He too is familiar with the song. When did all of this transpire? I tried discussing our health with my friendly senior physician, who simply stated that both our bodies were "breaking down." I asked, "Why can't I rebuild?"

Mornings are particularly tough; I often wake with swollen, red eyes, a stuffy head, and I’ve even chipped two crowns while eating soft foods. My dentist attributes this to aging. So, I take vitamins, exercise, walk, practice yoga, maintain a diet, and attempt to sleep well while keeping a positive mindset. I just want to feel youthful again.

These issues are not mine alone; I hear similar concerns from friends and relatives. Many couples face significant health challenges—sometimes one partner is ill while the other takes on the role of caregiver. No one truly prepares for the realities of aging!

So, to the younger readers and writers out there, brace yourselves for what lies ahead. It's not as simple as it seems. I wish I had spent more time on the cheerful tune, "If You're Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands."

The song "Head and Shoulders" has been around for ages, with its author listed as Anonymous. Thank you for reading.

Chapter 2: Lessons from the Pandemic Experience

During the pandemic, many life lessons emerged. Here are two insightful videos worth watching:

The first video, 10 Lessons We Need to Learn from the COVID Pandemic, offers a deep dive into the fundamental takeaways from this global crisis.

The second video, Five Lessons We've Learned About COVID-19 Since the Pandemic Began, summarizes key insights gained throughout the ongoing situation.