Covid-19: Timeline of Our Stories (Pt. 4)

We are back again, sharing a new perspective of this year. It really has been a wild ride! From discussing my experiences in part 1 to sharing the views of a fellow blogger in part 2 and following an abnormal day in the life of a musician in part 3, we’ve seen this year from several people’s eyes. What’s next then? In this week’s post, a retiree expresses her point of view and the restrictions she’s faced in her personal life. This is Covid-19: Timeline of Our Stories (Pt. 4):

A Senior in a Covid World

Who am I?  Some days I just don’t even know.  I can describe myself as I am. A 69-year old woman, retired trying to live my life in a Covid world.  What does all this mean?  It means the way of life as I knew it will probably never be the same.  There are so many restrictions, especially on the many things that bring us joy.

Many of the routines of fitness at the gym, dining out, going to movies, even simple food shopping have changed drastically.  Before I leave the house I have to arm myself with my mask and hand sanitizer no matter what my destination. 

The basics such as food shopping which once was fun, is a nightmare now.  I find myself putting sanitizer on my cart when I enter the store.  Gone is the fun of lingering in the isles looking for new items to try.  I have my list and I find myself dodging others (six feet apart) and rushing to pay for my purchases and get out to the safety of my store.  Food shopping may not be fun for everyone but for a retiree it is a time to get out of the house.  Once back in the car, out comes the hand sanitizer again and the mask comes off. My gym routine of an hour workout two days a week came to a screeching halt when our housing development closed the gyms.  This always perked me up and I felt I was working hard at keeping my body fit.  I even stopped riding my stationery bike.  We don’t have sidewalks where we live and I am hesitant to walk in the street for safety reasons.

Fun things like the movies and dining out are a thing of the past.  A dining out experience consists of placing an order and picking it up, mask in place, at the doorway of the eating establishment.  Even something as simple as McDonald’s is now just a drive thru and eating in the parking lot with the air conditioning running.  Movies have yet to open. So what is left for me?  For entertainment there is either the computer or binge watching television which after a while gets old. Medical care? I feel we are no longer getting the type of medical care a senior needs to stay healthy.  Most providers hold their visits by Zoom so there are no screening measures such as blood pressure, weight, oxygen saturation levels, talking about the medications we currently take, and the list goes on. I find myself doing word search puzzles, email and Facebook, sometimes a game of cards with friends or my husband.  NOT what I expected in retirement.  Get up, eat, computer, household chores, television and then bedtime. We have a one year old granddaughter who we have only seen twice since she was born.  This was all pre-Covid. 

Our two grandsons we have only seen once since the start of this pandemic.  I find myself anxious and even sometimes depressed because of these missed opportunities with my grandchildren.  We are resorted to the computer and Zoom once again for face time with the grandchildren.  It isn’t the same as hugs and kisses and the laughter and antics a one, three and five year old provide.

The best day of the week is Sunday as we go to church (with masks and sanitizers) so we can hear the “word” for the week and at least see our church friends. Social distancing and masks are mandatory there as well.  No more hugs and the warmth of human touch there either.  So each week when I go to church I pray for victims of this pandemic and also pray for the safety of my family and friends….and for this “nightmare to end”.  I know God is watching and in His time things will improve.  I hope some of you seniors can relate to my story.  This is my first attempt at “blogging”.

Relating to Mary’s Perspective

When I read this, I felt a sense of grief. But I think it’s important to allow ourselves to feel the way we do. It’s shocking how drastic our lives have changed within this year alone. So I say that it’s fair for us to feel disappointed if plans have fallen through, miss our friends and family, and grieve.

I could relate to Mary’s experience with shopping and how it’s a trip of anxiety. Weird to think that I was once not bothered with people all around me and yet now, when I see too many people down an isle at the grocery store, I immediately make a U-turn.

I’ve contemplated what my life would look like once I’ve retired. I pictured a life without a bunch of responsibilities and concerns (minus health issues that could crop up). But here is a story told by senior, which completely defies how I guessed life could be at that stage in life. Really this year has defied the expectations of everyone from kids and teenagers to adults and seniors. The fact that we’ve made it this far speaks volumes about our determination.

A special thank you to Mary for being apart of Covid-19: Timeline of Our Stories!

About Mary

Thank you for reading friends!

Some installments from this series:

• My Story
• Eric Drury, blogger
• Alden Zac, musician
• Shelby, Redbubble artist
• Ex-health care worker

As always, stay safe, stay healthy and…

Good luck on your journey,

Harumi