Wednesday October 31, 2012
See you next fall
LATE last year, I met a man named Bruno and began to think that something might come of it. I could tell from the way he treated his great-grandchildren that he was both kind and patient.
But you know men. No matter how “visible” I tried to make myself through the last few months, he never caught on that I was interested. I’m not the shy type, so I decided to ask him out myself.
I live in a flat not far from his house, and our Friday Bingo nights at the local club are pretty friendly and noisy sessions, so one week I asked him to be my guest. He accepted.
I prepared for my evening out with a long, hot shower. Just standing under a warm shower has always been one of life’s little pleasures for me.
When I was ready to get out, I stood up and reached for the towel on the rack opposite. It was just a little too far away.
My feet slipped from under me and I fell down onto the slippery edge of the shower, landing with all my weight on my hip, then falling right out onto the bathroom floor. I was in agony and for the longest time couldn’t find the energy to move at all.
I was afraid I had broken something, and wondered who would find me naked on the bathroom floor when I failed to pay my rent next month!
I struggled to reach my mobile phone that I always bring into the bathroom (not just for safety – I hate to miss a call). I managed, and phoned Mrs Lim next door. We keep each other’s keys ... just in case.
She came right in and helped me out. She also brought over a slip resistant rubber bath mat and told me who could install a grab bar near the shower.
Fortunately, I was okay. Thankfully, nothing was actually broken – just bruised. But I can tell you, I was sure I wasn’t in any shape for an evening of Bingo, let alone a date! In fact, I was beginning to wonder if I’d ever get to know this gentleman at all.
Next week: I, Vampire
Safe Love (Part 3)
INJURIES are responsible for the discomfort, hospitalisation, disabilities, institutionalisation and even death of many Malaysians in their senior years. A great number of these injuries are preventable and measures to prevent them should be the concern of health practitioners, governments and communities everywhere.
Today, we continue our series of 12 illustrated stories which follows the whimsical romance of two active seniors who, through lack of prevention, end up in awkward situations and almost miss their rendezvous with love.
The series offers insight into some of the personal preventive measures seniors can take to make their environment safer. It was produced by Health Canada to promote a greater a wareness of injury prevention for seniors and has been adapted to the Malaysian context by consultant geriatrician Professor Dr Philip Poi.
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