Hands fascinate me, probably because carpal tunnel syndrome and some ongoing degenerative joint disease has left me with weakness and pain in both of my thumbs. I can use them without too much distress, but I am reminded every day that they are not going to get much better.
An article in the New York Amsterdam News (July 29-Aug 4, 2010) by Gerald W. Deas pointed out why the thumb and index finger connection is so very important. Without this connection we unable to make the pinching movement that forms the basis of so many of the tasks that we do on a daily basis.
Many older people, through no fault of their own, have hand issues. It could be from an accident, a severe case of arthritis, a stroke, or even degenerative joint disease from long years of repetitive work.
Living independently means being able to do things like writing, opening doors, holding on to eating utensils, buttoning shirts or putting on your shoes. It sounds like pretty simple stuff doesn’t it? Have you thought about what life would be like if you couldn’t take care of yourself because you couldn’t do this simple little motion? This type of disability often sneaks up on you; it isn’t something that you prepare for in advance.
It isn’t fair to say that a smart, aware, cognizant individual shouldn’t be able to live independently just because they are unable to use their thumbs and index fingers together as a workable unit. It is time to give this some serious thought. Someone in your family could be developing one of these serious hand issues right now. It could even be you.
Physical and Occupational therapy can do wonders, but sometimes it takes a little something extra to help you through the day. Everyone wants to be self- sufficient and they want to live an independent life. Because hand issues are quite common you don’t have to look far to find gadgets that accommodate these special needs. Having the right tool for any job makes it easier.
I couldn’t open a jar or a bottle if my life depended on it. Well, I suppose my life doesn’t depend on these tasks but if I couldn’t open the mayo jar, or the catsup bottle, or my favorite brand of pickles (we won’t even mention the hermetically sealed deli lunch meat), I couldn’t make a sandwich, or cook dinner. I know I am not alone here. Fortunately I have an OXO bottle opener that can open anything. My personal goal is to collect the entire set of cooking, cleaning, office supply and gardening products. If your grandmother or mom has similar issues include items like this on their Christmas list. It is time to forget the last minute bath powders, perfumes or candies that always seem to fill Christmas stockings. Give gifts that will encourage and support independent living.
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