Both my husband and I have parents in their seventies.  My dad still works two jobs six days a week. Not really out of necessity, but out of habit. I admire his endurance, but I often wonder what my role will be when he finally retires and may need family caregiver resources.

My dad has remained a happily confirmed bachelor for over thirty years. He’s proudly independent and cheerfully maintains “I’ve never had a bad day.” Although my dad is sometimes forgetful I certainly don’t think he needs alzheimer’s resources. Instead I wonder how he envisions his eventual retirement and medical needs.  Does he have any dreams for his golden years? Once he mentioned the French Riviera as a vacation spot, but then my dad doesn’t vacation.  He’s too busy working.

I suppose the day will come when my siblings and I will be perusing caregiver training programs and agencies for our father.  For now I’m grateful to have such an active and hard working dad. He’s quite inspirational.  I really don’t know where he gets his energy from; I think it comes from force of habit and the prevailing spirit of hard work.  I hope the attribute is genetic.

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