The Benefits of Showering: A Personal Account
Since you’re a person who always takes a shower and never a bath, how does it feel being a shower person? For me, it is a lot cleaner than wallowing in my own dirt and dead skin. I shower twice a day, in the morning and at night, so a bath is out of the question. Besides, a slippery tub is a very bad thing for an 83-year-old!
The Cleaner Choice
It is my strong belief that I am cleaner after taking a shower because I do not soak in my own dirt. It is easier to wash my hair in a shower, which I do first, then wash my face, ears, neck, and shoulders. After rinsing and applying conditioner to my hair, I shut off the water and scrub the rest of my body with a soapy washcloth, starting with my shoulders and arms and continuing throughout my torso to my legs, ankles, and toes. Once completely clean, I turn on the water to rinse the soap from my body, rinse the conditioner from my hair, turn off the water, and dry. The entire showering process takes much less time and water than filling and draining a tub.
Past Versus Present
Until a few years back, I used to alternate between taking a tub bath and a shower. However, now I just take showers because it is faster and easier to shampoo my hair. Shampooing my hair in the sink or while sitting in the bathtub can be quite a challenge. I just feel cleaner after showering rather than sitting in water full of my own dead skin cells, dirt, sweat, grease, and fallen, floating hairs. Eww!
Changes with Age
At 73, I wash my hair only once a week—no more daily shampoos. I feel more comfortable in a bath now. I no longer worry about falling, and it is easier for me to wash myself completely. Standing on one leg to wash a foot isn't always a good idea at 73! I do take a shower once a week specifically to wash my hair. Every fourth week, I go to the salon, although not now during the coronavirus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while showers were once my preferred method of hygiene, the changes in my lifestyle and age have made the bath a more comfortable option for me. However, I still enjoy the benefits of frequent showers, especially for my hair. The key lesson here is that what worked for me at 73 is different from what might work for me at 83, and your habits might also need to adjust with age and life changes.