College Bound

Dear Linda:

     I’ve been retired for two years and am bored stiff. I loved school and decided to go back to college—to the chagrin of my children. Is my desire so absurd, and do I get any advantages for having lots of snow on the roof?
College Bound

Dear College Bound:

       There is nothing absurd about learning, and the thirst for it doesn’t diminish with age. In fact, keeping the mind active is the key to staving off a number of age-related problems. Continuing Education is often at the top of a Retirement Checklist, and seniors make excellent students.

       The Texas Education Code allows persons 65+ to audit (full class participation but no tests) any college course with space without paying tuition or fees. For good community relations and because colleges recognize the advantage of running full classes, seniors are offered the empty seats. Ask the College Admissions Office for details about eligibility.

       For retirees interested in earning a first or subsequent degree, it’s important to evaluate skills and knowledge acquired in the work place. Your professional experience may afford you the opportunity to test out of classes. Visit www.collegeboard.com/student/testing or call 800-257-9558 for information about the College-Level Examination Program. “Clepping” out of classes can speed along the graduation process.

       Those who might have trouble getting to a college campus or think they would feel too uncomfortable in the beginning should consider Distance Learning (Online classes that connect the student to the professor via the internet). Students submit their assignments and professors correct and return them using email to communicate. Be sure that any program you choose is accredited. Visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation at www.chea.org or call 202-955-6126 for specific information.

       Funding abounds for seniors. Visit www.usafunds.collegeanswer.com to access a database of over two million scholarships. Read 501 Ways for Adult Students to Pay for College by Gen and Kelly Tanabe and The Scholarship Scouting Report: An Insider’s Guide to America’s Best Scholarships by Ben Kaplan.

       Carpe Diem (seize the day) and worry not what others think.

Dehydration

Dear Linda:

       I’m as dried out as sandpaper. What began as a problem with small patches of dry skin has become a full-blown case of cracked and bleeding skin. I’d cry about it, but I don’t have any tears.

Scratchy in Saginaw

Dear Scratchy:

       At the very minimum, you’re dehydrated, a condition that’s not only threatening but among seniors even dangerous enough to cause hospitalization. See your primary physician for a thorough exam.

       Water, though not exactly the fountain of youth, is at least the “fount of life” and the most critical substance in the human body. Every organ, tissue and cell needs water to function. It transports nutrients, promotes digestion, and carries away waste. Controlling body temperature and ensuring proper blood volume, water keeps skin, mouth, nose and eyes moist.

       Preventing thirst is crucial, particularly for those over 60, as it suggests that the optimum level of water in our bodies (50-75% of weight) is already compromised. Seniors are at particular risk because as aging occurs, the amount of water in the body is reduced and the ability to recognize thirst signals greatly diminished.

       If enough water isn’t ingested, the body will drain the body’s organs and tissues. Symptoms are: headache, fatigue, poor circulation, muscle spasms, kidney failure, and increased body temperature and pulse rate. Weakness will escalate, and labored breathing, dizziness, and even delirium can result.

       A minimum of 64 ounces per day of water, the no-calorie beverage absorbed faster than any other, is the remedy. Milk, juices, soup, and at least five servings of fruits and vegetables (high water content) are good sources for additional fluid intake.

       Modify processes that dry skin. Wear gloves when cleaning and take warm rather than hot showers. Slather on oils or lotions before completely drying hands or body to lock in moisture.

       Read The American Dietetic Association's Complete Food & Nutrition Guide by RA Duyff for valuable information and resources.

Dear Linda:

       My 82-year-old aunt was deeply religious until the loss of her son. She's angry that her child died before she did, and she's retreated from anything spiritual. Do you have any ideas for getting her back to the church she loved?

Hope

Dear Hope:

       Perhaps the most difficult crisis a mother faces is the loss of a child, regardless of their age. The emotions felt are the deepest and most debilitating. Your aunt will need time to grieve and move through the difficult stages that end eventually with acceptance.

       Encourage her to see the doctor for a check-up as she is probably struggling with depression. Symptoms to look for are: loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite, weight and sleeping patterns, irritability, feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness or guilt.

       Clinical depression (six months or more) actually changes thinking patterns, affects perceptions, and requires some form of treatment. Often, mothers who lose children feel like they have died as well.

       Emotional support is crucial. Your aunt needs understanding and empathy, so allow her to vent her anger and express her despair. Listen without judgment or criticism. Friends from church could offer this same solace and become the bridge for her return.

       Offer to pray for her, then with her. Scientific studies show that prayer is powerful
medicine—positively affecting high blood pressure, heart attacks, headaches and anxiety. Meditative and relaxing, prayer inhibits hormones that flow from adrenal glands in response to stress. An attitude of prayerfulness, caring and compassion, for the soul who needs it, sets the stage for healing.

       Bring church to your aunt. Play songs of worship when you visit and leave behind a compilation of her favorites. Invite the pastor to come to her home. The clergy is well-trained and experienced in helping those who suffer loss and need spiritual renewal and inner healing.

       Read The Transformation of the Inner Man, The Most Comprehensive Book on Inner Healing Today, and Healing the Wounded Spirit by John and Paula Sandford. Share your insights and be patient. Your loving care will bear fruit.