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PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,746 posts)
18. I'm genuinely distressed that for both of you
Sat Jan 18, 2020, 07:45 AM
Jan 2020

that your long-term memory has declined. I'm a year younger, 71, and so far I have not experienced any such declines.

I do know that a lot of cognitive declines can be gradual or subtle. I have a good friend, a man who is turning 80 in May, and who is planning a trip to Hawaii for his birthday, Hooray for him! who does have (to me) noticeable memory lapses. In his case they are short term memory things, as in I'll be telling him something and he'll get a bit confused, question me about what I've just said, and then seem to be okay. I do concentrate on not being impatient with him. After all, I might be the same way in similar situations and not recognize it. But honestly, in the time I've known him, I do think I'm seeing a decline in his cognitive function.

Which does make me give a lot of thought as to how I might want to make sure I'm taken care of when my cognitive function declines too much. And how would I (or those around me) know?

My friend is a single (gay) man. He has friends. He has a sister in our city. He recently made a new will, and I know that because I was a witness to the signing of it.

His situation has made me think a LOT about end of life issues. Those issues are difficult. They're problematical. All I can say is please think about them. And do what seems necessary and appropriate.

I just turned 70 a month ago.. whathehell Jan 2020 #1
Two more years before I hit the big 7-0 SCantiGOP Jan 2020 #13
Yup. whathehell Jan 2020 #15
By the time your 70 Joinfortmill Jan 2020 #2
It's like describing the changes you experienced since your 50's. Croney Jan 2020 #3
It would certainly depend on the circumstances under which you reach your 70's, 80's or whichever. 3Hotdogs Jan 2020 #4
On my more positive side, mortgage is paid off. SS and pension come in, regular. 3Hotdogs Jan 2020 #7
Not a downer, feel free to share, our emotional health is as important as Canoe52 Jan 2020 #14
I'm thinner and healthier. Traveling more solo and going sinkingfeeling Jan 2020 #5
My job was stimulating but also stressful. Now that I'm retired and in my 70s, greymattermom Jan 2020 #6
I am so sorry about your husband. PoindexterOglethorpe Jan 2020 #17
I am 72 cyclonefence Jan 2020 #8
I'm genuinely distressed that for both of you PoindexterOglethorpe Jan 2020 #18
I will be 72 in June... Freedomofspeech Jan 2020 #9
I thought you meant in an Polly Hennessey Jan 2020 #10
I don't think you can separate the physical lillypaddle Jan 2020 #11
Its not but it certainly beats the only possible alternative! marble falls Jan 2020 #12
Meh. Not much. PoindexterOglethorpe Jan 2020 #16
For me it was 75. I'm 78 now. trof Feb 2020 #19
i'm nearly 72 and I am still changing diapers etc on my handicapped demigoddess Feb 2020 #20
Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Seniors»Those in their 70's--what...»Reply #18