Tips for elders

Bev Baarstad’s Aug. 23 letter struck a chord with me. All elders want to age in place – in our homes – but there are challenges every day. For opening jars, I have nice neighbors, but if I didn’t have that I would ask the store personnel to slightly loosen the lids before I took the jars home. If they want your business, they should accommodate you.

Operating a can opener is hard for arthritic hands, so I look for cans with pop-tops. They can be pried open after you pull the ring up. Waxed paper and plastic need a sharp-pointed knife to pierce them before they can be torn. Since I am brain-fogged in the morning, I lay out dishes and utensils on the counter the night before, and fill the tea kettle with water.

It certainly is challenging getting old. If we can help each other out with tips, it’s all to the good. I’m sure other people have ideas, too.

Dorothy Carter

Spokane