Living now, in our day and time, is unparalleled, which requires me to revisit this theme again.
You might ask, “What do you mean?”
Every time I finish an article, something amazing happens that reminds me of the incredible resilience and creativity of humanity.
Hearing-Aids
A few months ago, a loved-one who suffers from severe hearing loss, purchased a pair of these gadgets.
Wow, have times changed!
These tiny machines are almost imperceptible, unlike before.
Having a more aesthetic appearance doesn’t compromise the ability to experience improved hearing. Yay!
But the downside is that they remain quite expensive.
Newer apparatuses, OTCs (over the counter) aren’t as pricey, but may be ineffective for those suffering from severe hearing loss.
As innovation continues, the price should drop. Think the first cell phones, computers, and most fresh developments. The earlier models were out of the average price range for the hoi polloi, but prices came down, so I remain hopeful.
Weight Loss Products
Without getting into the complications of obesity, we know aging equals slowing down, which includes our metabolism.
To lose weight reminds us of the Greek myth of Sisyphus. Every time he pushed the ball uphill, it rolled back down.
Sound familiar?
Exhausting and unattainable.
Towards the latter part of the 20th century, a new type of surgery, Gastric Bypass, became available to those who suffered from morbid obesity. The health of many individuals choosing this option improved, and I understand some of the complex challenges.
In the late 1990s, I provided psychosocial evaluations for many candidates. When I stopped my evaluation services, the use of the gastric sleeve began. Soon, they found it an even less invasive tool than the bypass.
Now fast forward another decade. Something remarkable happened. Companies focusing on diabetes treatment created drugs to assist individuals with moderate weight gain.
Some of my clients, who have been prescribed these medications, reported they’ve lost 30 to 40 pounds. These drugs have become so popular that supply outweighs demand.
Eye Transplant
How about the first eyeball replacement?
For several decades, the cornea transplant reaped success for many recipients, but the total eye?
The New Scientist reported that this past November ophthalmologists transplanted a whole human eye, including eyelid, eyebrow, and eyelashes.
ScienceAlert.com states that the surgical team removed the blood supply and optic nerve from the donor and grafted it onto a line worker who survived a 7,200-volt electric shock two years earlier.
Right now, the eye remains healthy with good blood supply and generates an electrical signal.
The downside? No vision yet, but the physicians, although circumspect about their predictions, remain hopeful.
Other than our science fiction writers, who could’ve predicted such a feat? Another example of our bright future regarding medical innovation.
Love Again
How about love in the 21st century for older adults? The world of dating, senior relationships, and marriage has exploded.
I’ve heard stories about people in their 80s and 90s finding love again, and some individuals have committed themselves to monogamous relationships, even marriage.
Some people ask, why bother? My response? Why not? Love, even at these riper ages, contributes to greater health and wellbeing. Two years ago, one of my clients told me she follows the mantra that love multiplies, not divides. That sentence glows in my mind forever.
Longer, healthier lives mean more opportunities for finding love later in life.
Yes, relationship services continue to court this demographic, and there couldn’t be a better example than the Bachelor series’ newest franchise, The Golden Bachelor.
The Wrap.com reported that ABC’s debut of this spinoff stood as the most-watched and highest-rated program for Thursday night viewers. More people, 4.36 million, watched Gerry pursue love, beating the 3.90 million who viewed NBC’s People’s Choice Country awards.
The Bachelor’s latest about later-in-life-love triumphed over its last franchise debut by 45 percent.
Robert Browning couldn’t have been more prescient when he wooed Elizabeth with his enchanting words:
Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be. The last of life for which the first was made…
These opportunities don’t exist for everyone, which I’ve addressed in many articles. The unfairness of life, including premature death, loss of loved ones, encroaching disabilities, and age-related diseases.
But a positive outlook remains the best panacea for depression and hopelessness.
What does one have to lose by embracing and celebrating living in the now?
Humanity will continue its march toward progress as brilliant, creative, and determined individuals seek ways to improve the lives of others.
Endless possibilities.
Most people can’t foretell their time left on this earth. But with the holiday season upon us, why not revel in our abundance, and who knows what dazzling gift might await around the corner?
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Which modern day invention has made a huge difference in your life and why? Have you considered the plus sides of life now vs life in the past century? Have you ever imagined a future now? How does it look like?
