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Beaded lizards
I remember a time when I stepped out of my office and a person at the front desk either read the nameplate on my door or recognized me from my picture in the newspaper. The person said to me, “Are you Debbie?” When I replied that, yes, I am Debbie, she said “I really like your columns. I read them every time. It feels like you’re sitting in my living room having a cup of tea. Your writing is so natural and not at all formal.” I thanked her for those kind and encouraging words. I have always tried to write in a way that is easy to digest, interesting and informative, too.
I’ve been working at Community Care a long time. What would I say to seniors if I could sit and chat with seniors in their living room, drinking tea? Of course, I’d be on the lookout for scatter mats! Once the scatter mats, and other tripping hazards, had been addressed I think one comment would be to “use the gear” and stay active. If you’re unsteady, please consider using a cane or a walker. Your independence will be much better and you’ll be safer. Don’t be one of those people who lurches from one piece of furniture to another just because you’re “too proud” to use a cane or walker. How proud will you be when you’re on the floor as a result?
I saw a man and woman approaching a car. The woman was using a walker and she went to the back of the vehicle where her husband awaited. He put it in while she carefully made her way to the passenger door. One weekend some years ago we had the triplets—Marley, Eli and Leah—visit for craft-making. We made lizards and hearts from pony beads. They decided to give a lizard to Great Grandma Moynes and she attached it to her walker. It made me smile each time I saw the lizard swinging as she walked. I thought of the comments she must get. Dorothy was not too proud to stay active and safe and to be an individual about it too.
Over tea, I might also suggest trying to keep a positive attitude. Life can be so much easier when the glass is half full. Staying involved can help with this. Think about phoning friends regularly. Maybe going out for coffee or joining the County Seniors’ Centre is for you. Check the activity calendar on Community Care’s website for all the great fall programming that’s available. Volunteering can also fill your days with new experiences and new faces. Helping out at Community Care’s Thrift Shop is a very social activity. New volunteers are welcomed warmly.
Eating right is another thing that seniors should give some mind to. Tea and toast can lead to a downward spiral in your health and wellbeing. Preparing food can be a chore at times, especially considering that most people over age 65 have four or more chronic diseases. Meals on Wheels can be delivered hot to your door. For those who are well most of the time and struggle when there are flareups of those chronic conditions, maybe having some nutritious meals in your freezer is a good idea. Community Care can help.
And staying active is the final suggestion I’d have for seniors. Another reason to contact the County Seniors’ Centre. Our new Co-ordinator, Jason Parks, has set a feverish pace arranging all kinds of activities starting in September. Don’t miss out on what’s on offer.
The kind words from that chance encounter really gave me a boost. Thank you to that reader. Enjoy your cup of tea.
P.S. The triplets will be 16 in October. We’re not making lizards and hearts out of pony beads anymore, but we sure are having great conversations!
Debbie MacDonald Moynes is Executive Director of The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association.
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