Old age problems...

[pwd72s]

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.

[911 Rod]

Don't forget a spotter.

[MikeSid]

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.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Don't forget a spotter.

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

Father time...a cruel bastid!

[stevej37]

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.

[Evans, Marv]

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 Synergizer]

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

Let it be a surprise.

[oldE]

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.

Keep on keeping on.
Best
Les

[HobieMarty]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

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.

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.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[pwd72s]

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.

[speeder]

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

[stevej37]

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

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by speeder

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

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.

[stevej37]

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

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I am fortunate that I will never get old.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by stevej37

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

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.

[ramonesfreak]

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.

[porsche tech]

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.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by porsche tech

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.

[unclebilly]

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.