The oldest old and the Tummy Tub

We're doing 'psychological disorders of ageing' this week in clinical psych. Here's a curious little quote from the textbook* that I found very inspiring: "When researchers have studied people over 95 years of age - often called the "oldest old" - they have been surprised to learn that these individuals are on average more healthy, clear-headed, and agile than those in their 80s and early 90s. Although some certainly experience cognitive declines, more than half remain perfectly alert. Many of the oldest old are, in fact, still employed, sexually active, and able to enjoy the outdoors and the arts."

* Comer R. J. (2010). Abnormal Psychology. 7th Ed. Worth Publishers; New York.

On a completely unrelated note, I was looking through a 'baby-stuff' catalogue last night, and came across what Jack and I thought was the funniest and weirdest thing - the Tummy Tub Bathing-Bucket. It is "das Babybad, in dem sich Ihr Nachwuchs sicher und geborgen fühlt. Ein Entspannungsbad mit vielen Vorteilen für Mutter und Kind. Ihr Baby ist bis zu den Schultern im Wasser und friert nicht. Sie halten Ihr Baby nur leicht am Köpfchen fest und es nimmt sofort eine embryonale Haltung wie im Mutterleib ein. Babys mit Schlafstörungen werden entspannter und ruhiger." (Engl. "the baby bath where your children feel safe and secure. A relaxing bath with many benefits for mother and child. Your baby is up to the shoulders in water and doesn't freeze. You hold your baby only slightly on the head and it immediately assumes the embryonic position as in the womb. Babies with sleep disorders are more relaxed and calmer.")

Need I say more? I mean apart from the fact that the whole thing just looks weird, the idea that you just hold your baby by the HEAD?! And of course babies become calmer and more relaxed - they're afraid you're going to drown them in that bloody thing! Oh... and the woman in the picture really looks like one mean and crazy mummy.