The Joy of Old Age – Not Dementia!
by Timir Banerjee, MD
The car keys are often object of blame but I am not frustrated or shy I can recite“ My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky.” I do sometimes forget to zip my fly or button the shirt sleeves But I have never gone in my pajamas to grocery stores. I am impatient when I go to the bathroom in a restaurant There are often spots that betray me when I return.
I don’ t cry easily when I should be laughing in social gatherings I don’ t tell inappropriate jokes and forget the punchlines. I often don’ t do what my wife tells me to do I really hear fine though she doesn’ t think so I sometimes repeat my jokes but I enjoy hearing others talking Though I often fall asleep during family gathering.
I have gotten lost a few times so I follow the blue line when I can I don’ t end up in funeral homes on my way to eat French or Italian I have forgotten to brush my teeth a few times But I have never gone out in public with half shaven countenance. The headlights seem brighter and I walk a bit slower I don’ t forget to lower the toilet seat or turn off the shower.
I am envious of the prowess of Baby Gotta Bounce Doll as I sit more I am happy that I never ordered a hot dog in a hardware store I often have trouble with the top button of my shirt I find it difficult to balance on one leg while putting my underwear on So I sit down during such a complicated mission On purpose I wear unmatched socks so I can be the subject of conversation.
32 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE
I know the name for words like, race car, madam and Malayalam I don’ t blink if I am told not to when my forehead is tapped I know that a giraffe has four legs as does an opossum I can draw a clock and I can hop on one leg for a second and some With eyes shut I can tell a nickel from a dime in palm of my hand
When the guy in front keeps his turning signal on forever, I understand! Dr. Banerjee is a clinical professor of neurosurgery at the University of Louisville.