Life has got to be tough when you are 77 years old. Luckily, Dad's mind is still very sharp. Until about 3 years ago, Dad was still acting normal...for him anyway. He ran around at full speed everywhere he went and everything he did.
He has slowed down now in his gait and comprehension. Don't get me wrong, he's still very sharp. He's just gotten very impatient and walks like an old man now. There is still the fire burning to do things that he shouldn't attempt anymore. He gets focused on something and has no capacity to let it go. Dad has no tolerance for procrastination. Get it done and get it done NOW!
Sometimes the impatience drives me nuts. I do understand the urgency though when any day could be your last. The little things that have his focus become major obstacles if I'm not around to make it happen. It makes it difficult to go and do jobs when he's worried about something like his garden. Yeah, I cater to my father to appease his whims because he's been a great Dad.
In the twilight of life, people get panicky. They require attention, care and respect. Their opinions matter because it's founded on a long life of experience. So if you see someone who is old and having a hard time accomplishing a task...just know that they deserve your respect and they deserve help. They earned it!