Columnists
For the pure joy of it
As people get older, the things that bring them joy seem to change— and it’s harder to determine what that is. For our grandson, Gauge, we know right away when he’s happy. We’re on a “big trip” at this time—several weeks vacation in the RV—and when Gauge approaches a beach he literally skips, all the while smiling and waving his arms. No debate there. Gauge loves beaches and will walk for hours exploring. The treasures he collects are kept as mementos and include shiny stones, driftwood, and bits of rope from the boat of a fisherman.
My joy comes from watching him. Sure, the truck and RV are full of sand, tracked in on shoes and stuck on, right up his legs, but that’s the fun of it. When Gauge and Grampa get back from the beach, their next activity includes riding bikes around the campground. There are two choices: for shorter trips Gauge rides his own bike; and for longer excursions, he has a one-wheeled bike “trailer” that attaches to Grampa’s bike so that some of the power comes from Grampa.
I remember my friend Maureen would literally glow when she talked about her children and grandchildren gathering at her home for special occasions. For her, there was nothing better than when her family came together for fun and good times.
You’ve read in this column about our volunteer Carole who works in Community Care’s Thrift Shop. In fact, next month marks 25 years of operating the Thrift Shop, and Carole is one of the original volunteers. A longtime thrifter, Carole is thrilled when she finds a name brand item in her size at a bargain price. She’s always willing to model such finds and we post the pics to our Thrift Shop Facebook page.
So, what brings joy to people, especially seniors? Volunteering comes to mind. We have amazing, engaging and varying opportunities for people with any amount of time. Our staff make sure that the placement fits well with the person and their interests. Many seniors attend the County Seniors’ Centre programming—on site, online, and in municipal halls throughout the County. There’s so much to do and learn and seniors 60+ are welcome to go on the website at communitycareforseniors.org and click the “activity calendar” button to find out more.
A simple phone call to a friend you haven’t spoken to in awhile can spark a joyful conversation. Invite someone to meet for a coffee. Sit on your porch and listen to the birds in the morning.
Take a walk on one of the many trails in Prince Edward County. McMaster University states that “Research indicates that time spent in nature is connected to cognitive and mental health benefits, as well as improvements in mood and emotional wellbeing.” Read more at this link: https://wellness.mcmaster. ca/7-benefits-of-spending-time-in-nature/
We’re fortunate to live in Prince Edward County— even with the extreme heat we’ve been having lately and the smoke drifting in from forest fires. These things make us appreciate even more the natural environment and all it offers to us.
And now it’s back to the beach! All Gauge needs is a pail and shovel and he’s happy for hours. If it was only that easy for all of us.
Debbie MacDonald Moynes is Executive Director of The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association.
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