Seniors and the stories they share

After working with seniors for many years in long term care, I still enjoy sharing conversations with the seniors in my life. They have so many stories to tell about life, mainly their life and the way it was when they were young. They didn't have cell phones or Ipod's, they didn't have shoes with reflectors and labels, no push up bras or tattoos. Nor did they have rings in their noses, the men did not have ponytails.
They lived a much simpler life and were happy. Some of them had part time jobs in the family grocery store, others were putting themselves through school and paying their own way.
I can strike up a conversation with seniors just about anywhere I go, the market or the fabric store or just out for a walk. I've always said there is so much to be learned by sitting and visiting with a senior, I've certainly benefitted myself and they love you for it too. Take the time, next time and visit with a senior near you. You will be glad you did.

Seniors and living the good life

We all know every where you go there are seniors. But not all of them are happy seniors, at least they don't appear to be happy. You know, just idling away the day doing whatever, from morning til night.  It doesn't have to be that way.
Life is for living, making the best of every day. The seniors I've talked to lately are of the happy variety, singing and dancing away the day, sharing stories. Two of my favorite seniors I spoke with today shared their love of fishing. They both recall catching the big one, and grilling it, tasting that delicious flavor. Of course we don't all have to love fishing, it might be painting birdhouses. Many of my senior friends are sewers and quilters, you gotta love quilters. At least they are making quilts to keep others warm.
Whatever you do, do it well and enjoy life, because you only live once and if you're like me, I want to live every day to the best of my ability.
There is a saying, Dance like no one is watching, sing as if no one's listening and love like you've never been hurt. Have a beautiful day.

Seniors on the Go: Seniors and living the good life

Seniors on the Go: Seniors and living the good life: "We all know every where you go there are seniors. But not all of them are happy seniors, at least they don't appear to be happy. You know, j..."

Seniors on the Go....Dancing

Another Dancing with the stars competition has come to an end. Wow is what I've been hearing a lot of. The contestants are all very good, move to fast and that's not really dancing. The seniors that I spend time with all used to dance and enjoy it. One or two of them still like to dance and love music but they stick to dancing at home. And that's fine. I like and appreciate that they can still move.
Being active seniors is so important, there is a theory that if you don't move, you lose it. So true. Even a little exercise, a few days a week is better than no exercise at all. Eating right and being healthy is necessary for all of us no matter our age, but is definitely important for seniors.
If dancing is what keeps you happy and inspired, then dance, dance, dance. Just keep doing whatever makes you happy and feel alive.  Just don't ask me to  Salsa dance, I need to be able to move to keep up with my seniors. Kudos to all the contestants but especially to Kirstie Alley for all her hard work.

Seniors and the music that moves them

Everywhere you go, the grocery store, doctors office, or the mall you hear music playing. I love music, when its actually music being played and not the heavy metal stuff or new country. What I really like is when I see the seniors react and respond to it. Music is good for what ails you, music is good for the soul.
Listening to music relaxes the mind, lowers blood pressure and is the perfect blend to compliment whatever the day holds for you.
I can't imagine a world without music, especially the kind of music my parents listened to. Call me old-fashioned but I'll never grow tired of Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline and so many others. While I'm out and about, I often see seniors dancing and swaying to the music and that makes me happy. If they are
feeling good, then so am I.

Seniors and their green thumb

There are those who will swear they can't grow a thing, they look at a Petunia and it wilts. But I say never say never. Lets find a space, it doesn't have to be large and plant something. Try your hand at a few flowers, if you don't want a lot you could always share with a friend or neighbor and split the cost of a flat.
If you're feeling really adventurous, plant some vegetables. Tomatoes are not hard to do, water, sunshine and some good old fashioned TLC, (tender, loving care) and you'll have fresh tomatoes for your salad. And fresh is certainly better than grocery store prices.
If you're still a doubting tom, go ahead and challenge yourself to something new, visit a nearby farmers market and see what is offered. Take the time to talk to a salesperson, see how much fun you can have just by looking, and knowing that later you'll have bragging rights to the best tomatoes on the block, or the prettiest darn Petunias anyone has ever seen. Go ahead, plant something and smile.

Sewers, Quilters Galore

The quilts are breath taking, pretty as a picture and what you might refer to as eye candy. Sewing sit-ins and
quilt guilds still remain high on the list as favorites for many women and surprisingly men too. What is so fantastic about the quilt guilds and sewing sit-ins is that many of these people are seniors. Getting older isn't just about playing Bingo anymore. These seniors are active, healthy and living a good quality of life. As they should be, and the downturn in the economy hasn't affected the sewers and quilters who continue to enjoy the benefits.
There are many benefits too for home sewers who continue to cut costs by sewing their own clothes and recycling fabric. Sewing and quilting will always be timeless treasures handed down from generation to generation for years to come.

Seniors and their beloved pets

There's a song titled, "Where I'm gonna live when I get home". It has a familiar tone to it but I'm thinking serious as in where am I going to live if you don't come home. Many seniors love their pets, and take very good care of them.  But in the event that you become ill, need to stay in a hospital or nursing home for any length of time, who will care for Fido.
There needs to be a plan of action simply because very often we have no control over when a pet owner might be taken ill. If its necessary to be away from the house or apartment for any extended period, you will rest more comfortably knowing your dog or cat is in good hands. At a time when you become ill, there won't always be someone available at a moments notice. Do yourself a favor and that of your beloved companion
and put a plan in place so you won't be asking  " What  happened to Fido?"

Seniors and Volunteering

Everybody has a talent that is worth sharing, it might be that you love gardening, woodworking or painting ceramics. Perhaps you're a great card player, play a mean game of  Euchre. You love being around people, maybe the younger generation would enjoy your knowledge of fishing. For me it would be sharing with others how to sew. We all need some mending done at one time or another. You can't mend if you don't know a little something about sewing.
Being a Volunteer is a great way to meet new people and share your talents with others. So often, by being a Volunteer you become a friend to someone and everyone benefits. You can find out about volunteer opportunities by visiting your local senior center, the library or online at your local city website. Check it out,
find time to give and help others. You'll be glad you did.