Quite often here on the island we get a lot of senior citizens visiting. I always call them the silver fleet, because you see a whole stampede of gray hair passing by. Most of them visit by cruise ship, a place where everything for them is taken care of. Once they step off the ship, it looks a bit like they are released in the great wide world again. Some of them are pushing wheelchairs, some of them are holding to each other for dear life, just to take a couple steps. They have all of the time in the world, and often it looks like they also have all the time in the world for each other.
A while back I was observing one of these silver couples. It was on a beach where the water was perfectly calm. The elderly man was supporting the elderly lady to step into the water. It took forever, and it also looked a bit like a struggle because stepping into the water was so difficult. But once in the water, it seemed like all the joints relaxed and the flow of the water took over. The water gave them so much flexibility and both their faces lighted up entirely. There was no more resistance, and they seemed fully relaxed. After the swim they sat on some beach chairs and shared a cup of coffee together. They did not say a word while sharing the coffee, but they their faces said it all. They were enjoying to the max. It was beautiful to see
Our generations are becoming older and older. And quite often growing older is not as peachy as everybody thinks of course. Bodies starts to fail, and also the passing of friends and family around is not as easy we tend to think. Also if we look at what this is doing to the medical industry this is going to be a major issue. In Holland is always said that you make more than half of your medical bills in the last 2 years of your life. I don't have any data for this, but I instantly believe it. I remember from working there that the majority of our patients were 80+ years old.
Here in Sint Martin I hardly find any 80+ year citizens. Most of them do not make it until that age. It's not because of the healthcare is bad, but the awareness of preventative taking care of your body is not really a topic here. And with this I mean balanced food, proper exercise, and going for check ups regularly. It's scary to see how many people have diabetes here already at a young age. Diabetes tends to take 10 years of a life if not treated proper.
I talk about this a lot with my patients, and actually with all people around me. But old habits die hard, as we all know. And just this is such a pity; I would love to see more of those golden oldies couples. Just to walk by and to mention that they look so cute together, or just give them a smile and a 'Good Afternoon'. We should take care of our golden oldies. Because one day, we ourselves will be the ones stepping into the sea enjoying the water, with a silent cup of coffee afterwards.