Old age problems...
 

Just one problem right now..want to get a cup of joe in me before I begin what use to be a chore that took seconds. That is, to change a bulb in a ceiling light fixture.

When younger: Grab a stool, stand on it, unscrew the nut holding the shade, remove shade, unscrew burnt out bulb, replace bulb, install shade...done.

Today, age 80: Can't do it like that. Because of diabetes & foot neuropathy, balance is shot..I get dizzy looking up...would fall off a stool...need support. So...the plan is to bring the 6' step ladder from the garage. Use it to steady myself on while changing the bulb by leaning into the ladder's higher rungs. After removing the shade, get down, place shade on a table. Back up with new bulb, do the replacement. Back down, get shade & nut, replace.

A 30 second job now takes a lot of time and careful planning to hopefully avoid injury because of falling.

So younger guys, this is what you have to look forward to, if you keep breathing long enough. :(

Don't forget a spotter.

Along with age, comes wisdom. At least you're being smart about it.

People vastly underestimate the danger of falls in the household. It's actually very high on the causes of death list. Second worldwide in cause of accidental death.

Yep. That will be Cindy. No help if I fall, but at least she could call 911.

Father time...a cruel bastid!

Older age leads to smarter decisions when doing fix-it jobs.
As you, I think and plan out jobs more than I did when I was younger. It also helps that accumulating a lifetimes variety of tools...there is always a tool for the job.

Be safe with any ladder or height....my Mother was on a two step stool washing her van and slipped and broke her foot. The foot never fully healed right.

I'm a year or so older than you but don't have much in the way of balance problems - yet. The thing I find disorienting is having to get up on things and have to use my reading glasses while up there to do things. We've had storms coming through here & I've done my storm prep, which involves me always getting up on the roof to check things out. So far I've not had problems with things like that, but I identify with you when it comes to trying to do things inside on ladders. Old age does suck.

The old age rule is do not tell the younger men what they're in for !!

Let it be a surprise.

Oh yeah. I spend more time thinking about the best way to do a job, any job. I built a " band stand " with a railing at my chimney for the annual clean out. Some jobs I used to do from a ladder now start with staging. I don't bounce like I used to. :rolleyes:

Keep on keeping on.
Best
Les

Well, thanks for that, lol. Wish I was nearby, I'd be glad to change out that bulb for ya.

I did this very thing for my Mom and Stepdad. He wanted all the bulbs in the house switched to LED because they would outlast him. I spent about a half a day changing them all out. He had all the bulbs labeled as to where they would go, bathroom, garage...etc. I was glad I could do it for them.

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Gentlemen...thanks for the kind words. Thought you would all like to know...I can stil change a lightbulb! My carefully thought out plan worked. :D

Remind me not to come here when I need cheering up.

^^^ We were about ready to send to send some candles over. :D

That was perfect.

Here is the advice I give myself: Don't complain about growing old, no ones cares...if you think they do, you're wrong.

I'd say that growing old is much better than not....enjoy it.

I am fortunate that I will never get old.

Yep..laugh at the setbacks, which I attempted to do with the opening post, and enjoy the ride.

Another observation: By the time you've learned a few things, the young don't want to hear it.

i’m 52 and have same challenges. diabetes , back issues, shoulder issue, left eye moves on its own…can’t do ladders or much of what i used to do even a few years ago. be thankful you have what you have. i’ll be thankful if i make it to 60.

Replace it with an LED bulb…it’ll probably outlive you! I’ve changed pretty much every light in our house to LED…recessed lights, table lamps, etc. Haven’t had to replace one in years.

Good advice. However, I've got lots of replacement incandescent bulbs in various wattages. When the feds announced there were going to be outlawed, the only available replacements were those stupid curly fries shaped fluorescents. Cindy complained that they triggered her migraine headaches. So, we trekked to Home Depot, spent around $700... Cheapskate here. ;)

Paul (and everyone else), don’t be afraid to ask a neighbour to help with this stuff. A lot more than your pride is at stake if you fall.

My dad’s parents both sustained serious injuries as octogenarians trying to change light bulbs… it’s not worth it. Ask for a hand.

Very true. All kidding aside, falls can be catastrophic for older people. We’ve discussed it here before, the importance of doing simple balance and strength exercises to maintain that youthful spring in your step as long as possible. I still have my health and therefore I’m happy. If that ever changes, I’ll have to reevaluate. :)

Gogar has been calling us old geezers for years .... now he's older than when he started :D...

Ask for help next time Paul.... you old fart :)

Don't complain or even speak up when growing old, no one cares. But they will disrespect you.

"OK, Boomer."

My wife asked me today, "Why didn't you become a teacher?" (She didn't know me until I was 38.) :D:D

No one cares, that's why.

My mother used to say "old age is not for sissies". A fall got my father at 84 and he was standing on the ground when he tripped so be careful.

^^^
Yes...falls are the worst. It sets up a downward spiral of troubles.
Once your mobility is gone...the body slowly concedes.

Me either! :p

Older yes. Old no.

:)

I changed both 4' fluorescent bulbs in my kitchen yesterday. Light switch kept on so I could make sure everything was seated correctly. Took about 5 minutes for both.

Used a folding one-step stool like this one:

https://images.thdstatic.com/product...-1s-77_600.jpg

If you don't have one of these - get one. They are life savers for household tasks!

Used it when I painted my bathroom last year - made all the difference in the world wrt efficiency.

I find investing in the right tools and equipment is the key to getting things done easier as I age......

Absolutely! Lot of instructional YT vids available and worth watching for inspiration......

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YIyEWTnhTok" title="The Most Anti Aging Exercise" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Refer to post #9, #9, #9...[emoji854]

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Paul, I hear you. Planning and good equipment is a necessity. I find this step ladder incredibly useful for most of my household tasks when my 6' and 8' step ladders are too tall.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Werner-2-Step-250-lbs-Capacity-Gray-Steel-Foldable-Step-Stool/1000523495

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1707376904.jpg

Bingo!

I've never understood how people get old other than by real trauma in their life. Holding onto the innocence and wonder and excitement and adventure of youth is the only way to cheat father time. Your recent motorcycle bonanza is proof you are living well Baz.

Yep... I have one exactly like that. Had one with three steps .... I gave it to my neighbor who had given me his 24' extension ladder earlier. MUCH better than just standing on a stool .... being able to place your shins against the top handle gives stability when standing and looking upwards.

It is nice to have buddy's to get old with so you can joke about it.

This step was worth the $300.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1707402147.jpg

^^^ That thing looks stout .... for putting elephants on a top shelf :).

Same design though.... placing your shins against it for stability ... yep!

I think the Lowe's version was much le$$ fwiw... don't recall. I know the 24' ladder my older neighbor gave me wasn't cheap...

$aving a fall is priceless :)

You don't need to put your shins against it for stability. The steps are bigger than my feet and I almost forget I'm on it. I bought it to do a basement of pot lights and have no regrets.

It really does help me to just having my shins against something tho' ... it's a balance while looking up deal for me....

After drinking :D

Guys, I've got a couple of 2 step stools...have used them from time to time. I just thought the 6' step ladder would give me more bracing. Most of my balance problem is due to the nerve damage on the bottom of my feet...the diabetes caused neuropathy. Hard to explain unless you have the problem. Seems much of your balance comes from the feeling you get from the bottom of your feet & toes. I'm missing much of that. Now balance visually. Well, like I said, hard to explain...

Let's just say I'd probably flunk the police roadside physical drunk tests...the walking a front line, heel to toe...and the eyes closed stuff...although I quit booze after the diabetic diagnosis...haven't touched a drop in decades. No need for booze for me to have that balance while looking up problem.

Hey...my plan worked well. The light bulb has been changed! Another small challenge taken on and conquered.

(edit) Next up, in the interest of not letting the old man in, not getting older...thinking of cruising around the local high school in my Mustang, see if any cheerleaders want a ride. ;)

No way! Forget about it!
Cheerleaders wouldn't even see you in your Mustang.
Try a Nissan GT. ;)

Best
Les

Ask for Sally! That's all she wants to do .... ride Sally ride ;)

Another thing to remember as we get older and are going to need more help, is to make sure people want to be around you.

As you start deteriorating, it becomes real easy to complain about everything especially the government and your ailments and then pretty soon people will avoid you.

I agree with Shaun on not getting old. I always say that old is a frame of mind, not an age. I know 30 year old old people and 80 year old young people.

Anyone else losing / lost their filter?

I'm finding I have less patience for stupid people, and I let them know it.

My father-in-law, in his later years, had no filter what so ever. His sons related some very colorful and inappropriate things that would come out of his mouth when they were out to eat.