Even though I deal with a variety of physical ailments, I don’t yet think of myself as frail. Right now, my body, mind and spirit feel strong and capable. With my spouse, I follow the guidelines for healthy living, keep my doctor appointments, thank God daily for an enviable genetic heritage and avoid the kind of self-talk that could become a woeful, self-fulfilling prophecy about the perils of aging. These approaches seem to have worked so far.
At the same time, I am aware that, as the years pile up and the list of my doctors grows longer, I may eventually become part of the cohort sometimes termed “the frail elderly.” In order for that to be true, my various physical conditions would have to coalesce as “frailments”—a collection of ailments that weaken me. Their combined assaults on my strengths and well-being would have to overwhelm all of those healthful lifestyle practices and the good work of the doctors who attend to me. That’s not likely in the near-term. Maybe not in the long-term, either.
These thoughts raise questions: What marks “frailty” unequivocally? And who gets to decide? (These are important matters for those who hold long-term care insurance policies.) If frailty is mostly a state of mind, isn’t it possible that, with some help, I can lead a useful life no matter how many diseases, discomforts or devices I haul around with me?
It’s possible that none of us will ever be totally weak. Thankfully, part of our human condition is adaptability, and by this time in life we’re probably pretty good at it! If my frailments gather together, I hope to acknowledge their presence as another kind of blessing, and strongly ask them to step aside while I adjust to their demands.
Sounds like a plan….
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