By Nan Donovan, columnist
It’s time when we should all get out more, be with other people, and live life to the fullest.
I met someone and spent two hours talking to him about his life, how being 77 he didn’t feel like life was worth living. He didn’t have the energy to do all the things that he had to do like getting his meals, bathing, keeping his house reasonably clean. He had given up!
I did some research on the subject and was surprised to find out that many Senior Citizens, even those who say they are content and they have a good life, are lonely. They don’t know how to solve the problem, they don’t know where to turn. In fact, they just don’t care anymore.
Wake up! We all go through it, feeling lonely, don’t care about anything, but you just have to put a little effort into the problem and solve it.
First of all, find out if there is a Senior Citizen group in your area. I know there is something for Senior Citizens even in the smallest areas because, no matter what you think, the community where you live really does care about you.
If you have the gumption to go out, say to your local park, take your coffee and go there, maybe with some reading material, and sit. Is someone else there? Tell them, “Good Morning. Nice day.”
No, you can’t do that? Your Mother told you to never talk to strangers. My Mother told me the same thing, but all that was forgotten when I became older.
I find that people seem to think that older people say anything that that comes to mind and they say what’s on their mind regardless. So don’t be shy.
I used to be, well rather shy, but I find that starting a conversation with someone, a stranger, can be a good thing. They welcome the conversation. Now, I’ll talk to anyone. Ask my daughter. She now sounds like my Mother. You know, don’t talk to strangers.
And now saying that, I have an idea.
I’ll be at the local park in Stanley from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday the 11th. Bring your coffee. You’ll know me by my blond hair, it’s still blond, and I’ll be the short lady with the cane. Through our conversation I would like to know the things you are curious about, except politics. That I do not discuss.
Wednesday, I’ll be at the Inn Lawn Park in Luray, across from the library, 10 a.m. to noon; and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon in Shenandoah, at the park down by the river.
I really am anxious to see all of you and get your ideas on many of the things that concern us all.
Till next time, be safe.
“The Right Age” is a weekly column written for senior citizens by 84-year-old Nan Donovan, who has lived in the Shenandoah Valley for 45 years. She has worked for newspapers, as well as radio and television stations, including WLCC. She moved to the Valley from Pennsylvania.
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