Jeanne Ellin: a chair to rest in, a peach tray to count in
Plenty of services are there to help with mobility and independence, if you know where to look. Jeanne has found out more.
Jeanne Ellin: A fall, and the mystery of the birdcages
Walking along crowded pavements when your are older can be difficult enough without a birdcage emergency. Jeanne shares her tale.
Jeanne Ellin: speed dating and jam
Speed dating and jam I was in Waitrose’s jam section. An unlikely pick up point. I was just browsing the jewel toned jams, Crab Apple, Cherry, Fig, Greengage, Gooseberry, Ginger, Loganberry Pineapple, Rhubarb. I have very little jam, just the occasional teaspoon for a jam omelette. The sensible option is the mini-jars, but they only […]
Jeanne Ellin: touch
Touch Many older men coming out of long relationships are seeking a belated wild youth or to have one last adventure. They are looking for a vital woman in her forties or even early fifties. They often specify good health and fitness. This is a common requirement even without a specified age. Others are looking […]
Jeanne Ellin: ageism and ageing
Ageism and ageing I no longer accept as a compliment “You don’t look your age” or “You don’t seem old.” Or being addressed as “Young Lady” as avoidance of the O word. These are not compliments, but indications that being old is something disgraceful or to be avoided. We would never say to a person […]
Jeanne Ellin: the joys of sheltered accommodation
The joys of sheltered accommodation Oh joy! I have been invited to a meeting in the communal lounge. I am reluctant to go but the site officer has just fixed my email for me, not his job, a kindness, so I agree to go. Site officers are the new wardens, but they are mainly concerned […]
Jeanne Ellin: on the RADIO!
On the RADIO! I volunteer for a charity, Silverlinks, that offers repairs and adaptations among other services to elderly and or disabled people. My input is often by phone, to offer support to people deciding to downsize or considering sheltered housing among other things. I was feeling that I have not done much for them […]
Jeanne Ellin: spitting, hopping mad!
Spitting, hopping mad! Was just beginning a belated breakfast yesterday when the phone rang. The caller was ‘Pauline’ from the call centre, which responds to our emergency pull cord system. It is meant to be a source of help. But the centre is based several hundred miles away. It is just a call centre. I […]
Jeanne Ellin: drama and delight
Drama and delight As predicted, seeing the proto docs took its toll. But so worth it. Was having a very quiet dressing gown day when suddenly a phone call from my daughter saying she had been hit on the head by the boys’ trike, was not far away and needed to come to me. I […]
Jeanne Ellin: talking about sex
Talking about sex One of my voluntary roles is meeting up with trainee doctors to help them understand the ageing process. Due to illness I had to cancel last week’s session. But this morning, I take a call asking if I could step in as an emergency, as this week’s guest elder is unwell. “Yes […]
Jeanne Ellin: shipwrecked
Shipwrecked The shipwreck happened, a health crash that meant early retirement and was followed by several other diagnoses over the next two years. A positive menagerie of conditions all requiring care and attention. M.E. is the main protagonist, aided and abetted, amongst others, by diabetes, coeliac disease and high blood pressure. But I refuse to […]
Jeanne Ellin: a good week
A good week I am triumphant. I have been to an exhibition! The first such outing for over three years. This had to be planned like a military expedition. Meals pre-cooked for the day and two days after. Transport booked and extra quiet days before. Just basic feeding and watering for me and Little Cat […]
Jeanne Ellin: gratitude vs. self-pity
Gratitude vs. self-pity Yes, I can and do walk mostly, but like the little mermaid when she gained legs, every step is taken with painful concentration. If concentration lapses, my feet have a tendency to tangle with each other. Sometimes I dig my nails into my palms to keep focused. I am confined to a […]
Jeanne Ellin: Little Cat Friday
Little Cat Friday My closest companion is Little Cat Friday, an eccentric tabby of uncertain temper, erratic digestion and unsocial habits. She is a rescue cat. The charity looking after her was not even posting her on their website because of her temperament. Since I could not then offer a garden or lively company I […]
Jeanne Ellin: books and babies
Books and babies My book bearing volunteer is back. Hurrah! She arrived this afternoon despite the rain and cold bearing two full bags. She has no car and a busy life. We had a wonderful bookish chat – she is a writer too. Such a refreshment to talk about books, swap recommendations and discuss our […]