The anatomical integrity of an organism gradually deteriorates during the aging process. Research reveals that subtle chemical changes occur to DNA as people get older. This explains that, disabilities in functioning and diseases evolve as we get old..
I have not experienced old age myself but I have seen my father very closely. He has shared his feeling about being old.
My father is 85, and my mother passed away 12 years ago. Since then he has lived a solitary life. It is not his choice to live lonely. Most of his friends have died. There are not many who want accompany him.
I live in another part of the world. But he has visited me and my family every year.
He was more physically fit than me when he was at my age. He was a professor of philosophy at college. He used to write books for college students.
He was very energetic and cheerful person. His bicycle had extra seats for me and my younger brother. He took us everywhere with his cycle.
He did not play with me when I was a child but he has played a lot with his grandchildren while staying with us.
Since he became 80, his vision and hearing have been deteriorating. It was difficult to carry out a conversation with him on the telephone. I have recently bought a hearing device for him. It has helped him somehow.
He has been operated twice for his eyes. He still can see but the vision is blurry.
His blood pressure is very high. Lunch is not in perfect condition.
He has got severe arthritis in knees. I took him to orthopedic doctor for treatment. But the doctor says, that he is too old for an operation. Nothing could be done apart from using plasters
He loved sweets. Now he is diagnosed with diabetes. He has high cholesterol level in blood, too. He can neither tolerate sweets not red meats which he loves to eat.
The worst is, he is exactly suffering from amnesia but he has difficulty to remember things.
I am very sad to see him the way he is now. He was such an intelligent and lively person; now he is developing a disability.
He is very unhappy to live such a long life. Last week, he asked me “ why am I living so long while all my colleagues passed away? I dont want reach a vegetative state before death” I could not prevent my tears.
I have previously worked as a co-ordinator at nursing homes. I have seen many like him. Brain cells sharply decrease when people are old. Their memories let them down. New cells are not being produced, doctor says. No body part and organ function properly.
My father has realized the brutal truths of getting old. He does not want to live longer. Getting old does suck.
I will be in his situation if I live so long. I already knows that there is zero good in getting old.
Originally published at medium.com