What's in a Name

[gamba]

Having aquired a medical affliction causing dizziness, excessive fatigue etc. ( after all I am coming up to my 89th.) & with local medics left scratching their heads as to why & what it might be, I am now to be referred to geriatric specialists at the local hospital. I shall attend the geriatric dept. - you know, the one specially for geriatrics. I am a GERIATRIC ! What a horrible word !!

Guess what - I have just discovered that no one at our lovely new hospital knows of such a place & have said;

" Do you mean The Department of Medicine for the Elderly "

Suddenly, I feel much younger.

[Flay]

Sorry to hear that you are not so well. You obviously have enough energy left for a rant!



"Geras" = old age, and "iatrikos" = healing. Sadly the word "geriatric" has evolved to imply "grumpy old codger."



Keep smiling, gamba!

[mercia]

local medics left scratching their heads

I shouldn't go near them, they've obviously got a skin complaint.

Best wishes and congratulations (on your great age)

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

"Geras" = old age, and "iatrikos" = healing.

So, would antiseptic ointment for elderly conditions be "The Cream of Gerontius"?




... anyone seen me coat?

[amateur51]

So, would antiseptic ointment for elderly conditions be "The Cream of Gerontius?

That is truly awful, fhg.

Many thanks

[Serial_Apologist]

That is truly awful, fhg.

Many thanks

Seconded!

I always thought geriatric meant three goals scored by an Irishman.

[salymap]

A lovely thread, Good luck gamba. Perhaps it's better than what I get from local doc and hospital.

"It's wear and tear" - there must be an answer but haven't thought of a polite one

[John Skelton]

I always thought geriatric meant three goals scored by an Irishman.

And now it will always mean that for me. Quite terriblel .

[Segilla]

I am a GERIATRIC ! What a horrible word !!

At least it's an interesting word. I much object to being referred to as a customer by my Housing Association. Resident is much more appropriate.

[amateur51]

A lovely thread, Good luck gamba. Perhaps it's better than what I get from local doc and hospital.

"It's wear and tear" - there must be an answer but haven't thought of a polite one

Tell him/her that the 'wear and tear' answer makes you feel 'weary and teary' salymap and then wave that article about 'compassion in the NHS' at your doc.

S/he isn't geriatric ... yet

As Tony Hancock was wont to say "Flippin' kids!"

[amateur51]

At least it's an interesting word. I much object to being referred to as a customer by my Housing Association. Resident is much more appropriate.

Makes all the difference, doesn't it Segilla?!

[Anna]

I have several friends in their late 70s and early 80s (in fact, the oldest is 87) I reckon if I said the G-Word in front of any of them they'd deck me!! As they say, they may look slightly crumpled on the outside but inside they feel no different from when they were in their 20s. In fact I have to say they are a darn sight sparkier, better educated and more interesting and interested in everything than some 30 and 40 year olds I know. Luckily they are, with the exception of a bit of occasional deafness and creaky knees in generally good health.