Don't Isolate Our Seniors

There are so many seniors across our country that live at home and are isolated.These seniors are isolated due to physical limitations in getting around. They have no families or friends nearby. They want to stay at home for the rest of their lives. Many think that moving to a facility is a death sentence. How can we reach out to these seniors? How can we help them feel at home without that dreaded isolation? How can we help them feel more comfortable when it is time for assisted living. How can we assure them they are loved and cared for.

Being 80 years of age myself, I know my limitations and I am fortunate to live in a 55 plus community. I am comfortable in my own home and find my neighbors some of the happiest people in this world. There are 100+ clubs all conducted on a volunteer basis. We have all kinds of events from exercises, games and concerts. Outside community partnerships bring us educational and fun events. There are many amenities here: a lake to enjoy;
many trails to walk; and sports facilities to enjoy. But one of the nicest things about our community is the neighborhood care committee.We stay in touch with our neighbors and share with carpooling to local functions, dining, shopping and the list goes on.What worries me are the older folks who do not live in a retirement community like mine.

So many things come into play when it comes to helping isolated seniors. It doesn't matter whether they live at home or some type facility. People think they are too busy-not enough time in the day. Costs and under staffing creates a stressful situation when it comes to providing the care the seniors need.What good is the best facility in the world when it does not provide the loved, friendship and the feeling of being wanted.

All ages can participate in a "Don't Isolate Our Seniors" A dream world of the Walton's where three generations co-exist is a good thing. We can fill that void of money and staff with our new technologies, our power of creative thinking and people willing to share.

My first step to help my senior friends was to share what I had learned from training and walking a 5K with my 4 wheeled "Cadillac" walker for my 80th birthday. Walking with my trainer, daughter was such a refreshing self-care time for both of us. we shared the out of doors, a little family time and exercise. My personal desire is to promote "Walk With A Senior Campaign."

Here are some of my thoughts about sharing with our isolated seniors.
Start with a mother, grandmother, elderly aunt or uncle. Just around in their neighborhood or maybe a nearby park. Walk in the Mall. Be creative. A Weight Watchers group can do this as they exercise to lose weight.

Promote the idea of community service credits towards graduation for seniors in high school to share time and relieve the understaffed care providers. Students can serve and be trained as part of a nursing career by adding Senior facilities as part of their internship curriculum.

Let me know your thoughts on how we can provide a little self-care for ourselves at no cost and provide our vintage souls with a little friendship they so deserve.

Kindness A Word For Everyday

The Founder of  Affiliated Women once tagged me as their women's organization cheerleader. It is a new hat I wear. And, the reason is simple. This vintage soul, heart and mind has taken on the fast beat of new technologies without moving out of the computer chair. It is a way to connect and share. Women's groups. like AWI do share their thoughts, problems,solutions and dreams. So be kind to yourself and give yourself a chance with the organization that best suits you.I encourage each and every one of you to participate. Participation helps you grow in so many ways: speech, writing, creative thinking, positive thinking- I could go on and on.
Seize the chance and opportunity, but as you do so always be kind:

Don't wait for people to show you how.

It's Nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice.

Treat people with politeness, even though they are rude to you; not because they are nice, but because you are.

Never miss the opportunity to make others happy even if you have to leave them alone to do so.

The kindess word in the whole wide world is the unkind word unsaid.

Kindness is like a boomerang it always comes back.