Another incident in the Joy of Aging. After I left the hospital, I went to a rehab center. Once again I noticed the way age was seen. My granddaughter went to ask the nurse at the desk a question and then found herself being asked many questions about me. She kept saying her grandmother would know the answers better to no avail. The questions kept coming.
A short time later, the admitting nurse arrived and put a band on my wrist. A red band. Being curious, I asked why? She said "This is because you are in danger of falling."
I frowned. "I've never fallen."
She said "You're eighty seven and in the age range of people who are in danger of falling."
My frown grew deeper. "I've never fallen in the past twenty-five eyars. Maybe longer but it's not something I think about."
She just shook her head.
I stood up and started walking.
"Where are you going?"
"Outside. It's a lovely evening."
"You must sit in the whelchair."
Not only did I have to sit, I had to wear a seatbelt while in the chair. "WHY?"
"You are of the age group where falling is possible. You must be protected."
I managed to tolerate this for eight days. I had been scheduled to stay there for two weeks. I proved to the physical therapists that I could walk up and down stairs and walk with a walker so they discharged me early.
I am now home with my computer, the stiars to the second floor and all the other things I enjoyed. Every day, I wait for the time I fall. so far I'm proving they're wrong. At least my family and friends trust me.
