I have become frustrated when trying to open a jars, bottles or anything with a cap that was tightened by a machine. When I was younger this was not a problem, but as I’ve gotten older my grip has weakened and opening a new catsup bottle to remove the seal is a problem. The seal is another problem. There’s an eighth inch tab that supposed to allow you to remove the seal. Really, the only way I can remove it is my teeth, but I’m not sure if that’s a Covid approved technique. I should ask Dr. Fauci, I’m sure he would have an opinion. Sometimes it’s easier to just stab the seal with a steak knife and cut it off.
Old people find ways to do things when they are blocked but traditional methods.
Opening catsup and mustard packets and soy sauce, are just a few things where your bite strength comes in handy. Dr Fauci is old too, so he may use his teeth, but only with his mask still firmly attached.
Our new kitchen tools include a needle nose pliers, and an adjustable wrench.
These two new kitchen tools take care of ninety percent of the problems. The red string on the cheese packets rarely works and the ziplock seal never lines up correctly. So that’s another fail. And I don’t know what kind of NASA plastic they use on Cheez-it bags, but it’s super strong . . . until it finally lets loose and the bag self destructs. Save yourself time and frustration. Just cut it open.
I am proposing two options for grocery stores. The first one is to have a special
section for seniors, called “It’s Already Open.” Everyone else is catered to because of all the complaining they do. Why not seniors? We need an aisle or two dedicated to old people. The concept is that every product is opened then gently closed. Sure, there’s a higher chance of spoilage, but we’re old and have gone through lot in our life, so what’s it gonna hurt. We’re the garden hose drinking generation.
The second option is to have a young person with big forearms posted at the
checkout or roaming around the store who would open all the jars and bags for senior citizens. Tips accepted for this service. “Just Saying . . .”
