Spills and Falls

Poor Gertrud had to go for another blood test today. She was all dressed up nicely with her suit jacket and nice little hat. She had her can in one hand and a coffee in the other when she needed to step up the curb. In the process, she got dizzy and fell on the grass. Poor Gertrud spilled her coffee and got her clothes all covered in leaves. Thankfully she didn't get hurt and break something, since at her age that could be detrimental to her well being. Heinz was walking right behind her and didn't have a chance to catch her, but some young gentleman saw her fall and came running to help her get up. So between Heinz and this stranger, they got her back to her feet and she got to her appointment. She called me after she got home to ask me why she keeps falling. Well, I told her I didn't know why, but that between all her illnesses and her medications she has fallen for the 3rd time already this year and that it's always when she goes without her walker and that she shouldn't go without it anywhere anymore. Furthermore I added that she should probably go to buy that mobility scooter now for longer trips she likes to make to the grocery store and to the coffee shop. She is too weak to carry anything home and often places too much in her walker basket and then tries to push the heavy load all the way back home. I told her the electric scooter would give her more freedom and mobility. So we agreed to go to London on Monday and check on a scooter for her, before she ends up breaking a hip or something. Until then she needs to take it easy and probably not go anywhere without supervision and her walker. It's hard to watch her mobility deteriorate and it reminds me that someday everyone is in the same position and so we had better try to stay in good health for as long as possible. Healthy food, excercise and a healthy outlook on life is key to an active longevity and I plan to do my best in that department so that I can stay independent for as long as possible in my old age.