1. When old people gather (and I don’t mind being called old because I am, and the alternative is worse) it often starts as an organ recital. We update each other on our aches and pains, and how our bodily parts are functioning. For me this year it’s been about heart, hip and head, so I’ve had lots to contribute.

At first, I resisted these conversations, sure they would lead to boring diatribes. Do we have nothing better to discuss? I’d rather hear about a show you’re going to or your next trip away. I want to know your thoughts about what’s happening in the world or a great book you’ve read. Do I really want to hear about your ailments?

Yet now I have embraced the organ recital and thank the acquaintance that introduced me to the phrase. I look forward to updates on my friends’ health and what they are doing to stay well. I also share my health worries and am thankful to my friends for listening and supporting me.

Sharing the Expertise

I relish what I learn from these conversations. I got tips from a friend who has bladder problems and swapped my last black tea of the night, for an herbal one. Now I’ve had some nights where I’ve slept through, without having to get up to pee. This is a small miracle in my life. Caffeine irritates the bladder. I didn’t know this.

I introduced a friend, who had ghastly blocked sinuses and associated hearing loss, to sinus rinses.  Her relief was immediate. She’d never heard of them and now calls me Dr Anne.

When my body starts to falter, I know there will be someone who has something similar. Us oldies also know which specialists are the best in the area and who to avoid.

Keep the Organ Recital Rhythm

Of course, these could be dreadful conversations.  So here are my suggestions when you’re meeting up in a social group:

• Keep it short and stay focused on what action can be taken
• Don’t hog the conversation
• Check with your doctor, not everyone plays the same tune or hears the same song.

Do you love the picture?

This was my first foray into AI.  I asked it to make me “body organs playing music” and this is what it produced. I am amazed. What do you think?