Entering Q-Tip World

For those of you with white-haired elderly parents, or who have met mine, welcome. This blog will give you a personal glimpse into the strange dynamics of aging in America. My folks are both 87, in deteriorating health, stubborn, and smart - a tricky combination for anyone to deal with, but especially for them. I'm the responsible adult-child, ill-equipped to handle geriatric case management, but well-versed in dysfunction (I have New York roots).

As my parents have become more isolated and need more resources (don't ask about the driver's license debacle), moving into a "facility" has become a more attractive option - sort of. They are at least willing to experience a trial stay - senior summer camp, if you will. The catch? Per their request, I have to go with them. Okay, there are good reasons:

1) to make sure they don't escape;

2) to ease their transition;

3) for the story.

I will be staying this weekend at a Retirement Community in my own guest suite, observing the action. I'm journaling due to a self-serving therapeutic need to manage my own anxiety, plus it might be really funny.

Giving credit where credit is due, I thank my parents for their genetic transmission of a fine sense of irony and appreciation of the absurd. Coming soon:

• Bargaining, pleading and coercion - dealing with old people
• Irrational moments - stuff you can't make up
• Social networking senior-style
• Out of the mouths of geezers (with a nod to Art Linkletter)
• "He's not Jewish, he's Swedish" - unsolicited feedback from the dining room

I hope you enjoy my postings.
- Karen