It has come to my attention that I no longer possess the ability to multi-task.  Gone are the days when I could sew up to 50 costumes in a week, write a play or two, teach a class, plan meals for the week, attend to the daily mundane chores like ironing, laundry and housekeeping.  Now I’m lucky if I can pat my head and rub my tummy at the same time.

The truth that I once was known as Super Woman, a saint, and amazing is no longer applicable.  At first I noticed little things, like not watching a boiling pot and having it boil over.  Then it turned into more serious things, like going to the store and forgetting why.  Or driving somewhere and almost forgetting where I was going.

It became blatantly apparent the other day when I was trying to accomplish two things at once.  I entered the grocery store and made a bee line to the pharmacy to have a prescription filled while I shopped.  I then proceeded to do my shopping.  I don’t shop with a list, which is dangerous, because I always buy more than I need.  This particular day, I was on a mission to get everything done in record time. I went to the check out and was reminded by the glaring pharmacy sign that I needed to pick up my prescription.  I wasn’t going to forget this time.

My groceries were added up and I inserted my cash card to pay for them.  I raced to the pharmacy to get my prescription, which was actually ready!  Then, as I was about to go to my car and pack the trunk, I realized I didn’t have my groceries.  Fortunately, the cashier had bagged them and set them aside for me.  Apparently this wasn’t her first rodeo.  She just smiled and continued with the next elderly person.  It was really funny when you think about it, but I’m sure the cashier was anxious to get to her break by then.

It has me thinking that we elder folks might need a buddy system to keep each other on an even keel.  Maybe we should have support groups too – like old agers anonymous.  “Hi, my name is Kathy and I’m old.”  In any event, I am beginning to see that when I was extremely busy, I didn’t have problems like this.  This alone is good reason not to retire.