The 3 Biggest Discoveries in Our Lifetime that Changed Seniors’ Lives

No, it’s not rocket ships, supercomputers, and AI. I say Velcro wins but you might prefer the third-place finisher.

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There’s no denying that space travel and AI are the shiny objects of the 21st century.

I’m sure one day our grandkids will be chatting with their robots on Mars, but those of us who can barely bend over to clip our toenails are more concerned with terrestrial developments that improve our lives as we age.

In my lifetime, seniors won’t be walking on the moon or steering cars with their thoughts

We, seniors, will never colonize a planet or install microchips in our brains. NASA and Elon Musk have no interest in people who qualify for Medicare, but we deserve attention regardless.

So, when the Medium publication, Crow’s Feet, asked writers to share their perspectives on what were the greatest changes in our lifetime, I thought of those that are most helpful for seniors. After all, I am one.

#1: Velcro

Legends claim that in 1948, a Swiss engineer named George de Mestral was hiking in the mountains near his home when he noticed cockleburs were sticking to his dog’s fur. The burs were curiously challenging to remove, and as an engineer, he was determined to find out why.

His research culminated in a patent in 1955. He named it “Velcro” by combining two French words, “velour” and “crochet.”

Today, George’s invention permeates our lives. It holds our couch cushions in place, organizes our computer cables, keeps diapers thankfully snug, and enthusiastic puppies held safely to their leash.

Tying shoes is notoriously difficult for seniors. Bending over is more difficult as we age. It’s even worse when we lose dexterity in our fingers. Shoes with velcro straps are the quintessential solution.

Fastening buttons and snaps can be aggravating when your fingers don’t work the way they used to. That is easily solved with garments that close using Velcro tabs. Trip hazards from rugs are reduced by using Velcro to hold down the edges. Hanging pictures, storing a cane, attachments to walkers, and a million other uses make life for less-nimble seniors much easier to navigate.

Velcro helps seniors remain independent longer. More independence means a better quality of life.

Velcro offers a simple way for seniors with arthritis, strokes, illnesses, amputations, and limited mobility to open, close, lift, hang, wear, and carry — virtually anything. How did we ever get by without it?

#2: Ibuprofen

Everything hurts as we age. Backs, joints, muscles, and medical bills. We exercise to stay healthy but then that hurts too.

Thankfully, a group of scientists in the 1960s discovered a compound they called ibuprofen which was more effective and safer than aspirin. Originally available only by prescription, it became an over-the-counter medication that offers relief from the mild to moderately painful inflammations plaguing the older crowd.

One study claims that up to 85 percent of seniors experience musculoskeletal pain severe enough to restrict activities. More than half are affected by arthritis, which can be seriously debilitating. Ibuprofen treats all this and more — it’s a miracle drug.

“Low back pain is the most common health problem among older adults that results in pain and disability.”

Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin are the most common brands) is distinct from another popular medication, acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It works throughout the entire body, while acetaminophen works primarily in the brain to combat headaches and fevers.

What should seniors do with all the pain-free freedom that Velcro and ibuprofen bring? That’s where the third extraordinary development comes in.

#3: ED Medications

ED stands for Erectile Dysfunction which is the medical term for a persistently limp noodle.

We know sex is associated with better mental and physical health, happier relationships, and higher levels of personal satisfaction. Sadly, some men experience problems as they age and that affects their spouses too.

Seniors have the right to enjoy sex

Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra (commonly known as “the little blue pill”). It was originally used to treat high blood pressure, but during clinical trials in 1998, some participants reported a remarkable side effect of persistent erections. Pfizer immediately dropped what they were doing and patented it as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Today in the United States alone, Viagra prescriptions are helping more than two million men rise up and conquer their troubles.

That’s great news for men, but unfortunately, there’s no magic potion for women just yet. Flibanserin has shown some promise in treating low sex drive in post-menopausal women but has not been approved by the FDA for that purpose yet.

The final frontier

Active and ambitious seniors should always strive to reach for the stars. Failing that, let’s try for our toes.

Note: As with any medications, please consult with your doctor before taking them. Ibuprofen and Viagra have side effects that should be discussed with your provider. However, you can feel free to mess around with Velcro all you want — nine out of ten doctors recommend it.

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