Some humour for mid November

Lately, there has been talk about inventing some more fun games for seniors. After all, we're the ones with all the free time! Some suggestions:

Sag, You’re it.

Pin the Toupee on the Bald Guy.

Questions Shouted into your Good Ear.

Kick the Bucket.

Red Rover, Red Rover,

The Nurse Says Bend Over.

Doc, Doc Goose.

Simon Says Something Incoherent.

Hide and Go Pee

Spin the Bottle of Mylanta

and last but not least –

A Fun round of Musical Recliners!

Little Johnny lives on a farm with his family.

One evening the family notices that one of the donkeys had managed to get out of the stables.

Johnny’s dad tries to lead the donkey back into the stables, but the stubborn animal will not budge.

Johnny’s mom tries to coax the donkey with carrots and hay,

but the donkey just ignores the food.

Seeing his parents becoming increasingly agitated at the stubborn animal,

Johnny offers to try and get the donkey back into the stables.

He quickly fetches a pail of water from the trough and proceeds to dump it over the donkey’s head.

Both of his parents stare in awe as the donkey calmly saunters back into the stables and gently closes the door behind itself.

Still, in disbelief at what he just saw, Johnny’s father asks Johnny,

“Son, how did you know to do that?”

Johnny replies,

“I was walking past y’alls bedroom last night when I overheard ma telling you,

‘If you wet the head first, it’ll go right in.’”

The Ghostly Advice

When I was about 7 years old, I accompanied my father to the funeral of a co-worker of his, someone I didn't even know.

When we got there, I stood in a corner waiting for the time to pass. A bitter-looking man approached me and said, "Enjoy life kid, enjoy it because time flies. Look at me now, I didn't enjoy it."

Then he passed his hand over my head and left. My father, before leaving took me with him to pay honours to his friend. When I looked in the coffin, I was horrified to see that the man in the coffin was the same man who had spoken to me!!

I was so traumatized I couldn't sleep properly. I had terrible nightmares. I was terrified of being alone. I saw many psychologists, endured much turmoil throughout my adolescent years.

It got better as I aged, but I would still occasionally wake up screaming in fear. It was many years later when I discovered something remarkable that completely changed my life. That bastard had a twin.

 

 

A sense of purpose

 If you are doing something you love, it is not work. A simple truth, but not understood by many. People look at those who work 60 to 90 hours a week and shake their heads and wonder what is wrong with these people. Let me say that there is nothing wrong unless they are working to avoid but most people who work long hours work because they love what they do, and they do not consider what they do work.

During my time writing this blog, I have found that when I talk to people who are thinking of retiring, they are concerned about how much money they will have to fund their retirement. This is a useful fear to have and one that should be seriously considered, but not when one is close to retirement. This issue should be looked at and resolved with a plan at least 15 to 20 years prior to retirement. Being concerned about this with only a few years to go before retirement is too late. However, when I work or talk to people who have recently retired the answer switches to how to find a purpose.

A recent study done by AgeWave found that 92% percent of retirees agree that finding purpose is key to a successful retirement, while 93% of those surveyed believed it’s important to feel useful in retirement and 87% agreed that being useful actually “makes them feel youthful.”

Studies have found that people are happier when they possess a sense of purpose and those with the highest sense of purpose live significantly longer than those with a lower sense of purpose and it doesn’t matter how rich or poor people are, or what gender they are, what race they are or their education level. The studies also show that purposeful people have stronger immune systems, can handle stress better and can recover from surgery quicker.

Purpose comes in many different shapes and sizes and most retirees have more than one. Your chosen purpose does not need to be grandiose; it only needs to be something meaningful to you. For example, your purpose could be getting in shape by exercising. People who started exercising later in life were more likely to retain cognitive abilities, even if not having exercised before

You can find purpose from taking care of a garden, providing eldercare, taking care of a cat, going back to school, learning how to fly fish starting a new business or doing volunteer work.

Living your purpose strengthens your sense of self; it gives you a way to explain who you are to other people.

Senior Recreational Centers are reopening

 Senior centers and recreational centers that offer older adults physical, social activities are in every community. We need to stay active and socially connected to remain healthy as we age. Common examples of social activities in community centers include shopping outings arranged by staff, game nights, movie nights, and even meals together with neighbors.

Our Recreation and Senior Center are just beginning to open for programs. At the last meeting with the city, we were told that staffing is a major problem and is slowing down the path to near normal.

I am a big believer in exercise and social interaction. I know that being around other people, especially spent doing something fun or rewarding, helps individuals keep a positive outlook on life and a healthy mental state. That is why the opening of senior recreational centers and programs are important.

My age group can choose to be sedentary or active. If one is active, you can prevent a number of physical ailments from negatively impacting your overall health. I have talked about this before but being physically active can:

·        Lower blood pressure

·        Reduced risk of cardiovascular problems

·        Reduced risk of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis

·        Potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s

·        Potentially reduce the risk of mental health issues

What better way to connect with others who want to live an active, healthy lifestyle than at a fitness class? An energetic and supportive environment may be the start of new friendships.

As adults we understand that we can all learn from each other. At my center and I am sure at all senior recreational programs, the people running the classes make learning fun.

As you participate in fitness and recreational activities at your local center, knowing others around you are working to improve, even if you have different goals, can be a great reminder to keep going.

Take the time to check out your local senior center or seniors recreational center for a program to fit your needs. These centers are welcoming, supportive places and allow you to work goal you are working towards.

The all star big band