Are you old? I know I’m a senior citizen, and at my age, 79, I could be considered elderly, and I’m sure there are some who think I am. But I’m not old! Don’t you be old, either!
I don’t walk as fast or as long as I used to. Someone asked me if I had a “hitch in my get-along.” I guess I do, but I’m not old. I am the elevator girl now because stairs are not my friend, and I like friends.
Don’t be old. Do you live alone, and it’s just too hard to get up and out, even with a “hitch in your get-along?” Call Ride Connection and they will take you where you want or need to go, and it’s free. Are you shy or reserved or think it’s too late in life to meet and make new friends? It isn’t. Visit the Juanita Pohl Center. Play bingo, lots of fun and laughs and great prizes, take a lunch and learn class, take a day trip with other fun people (and you don’t even have to drive), take an exercise class or yoga and get those muscles moving (Barb the instructor always has great jokes), have lunch at Meals on Wheels People. Don’t be old.
Visit Tualatin’s beautiful library, where they have a lovely lounge area with all the latest magazines, create something in the Maker Space area, enjoy an afternoon concert, find a new author to read or check out an old favorite and read it again. Enjoy Tualatin’s summer concert series in one of our wonderful parks—great music and entertainment, lovely evenings outdoors, and fun people enjoying the evening. Enjoy the Lake on the Commons. You might see a family of ducks, and you can certainly take in the enjoyment of the kiddos at the splash pad. Don’t be old.
Visit the Marquis Café with other seniors (you don’t have to live there to go there). They have a variety of hot and cold drinks, pastries, sandwiches, and wine, and you can sit inside in the comfy lounge area or outside under an umbrella. Take a water aerobics class in their saltwater pool, put a puzzle together, have a visit and maybe make a new friend. Don’t be old.
My co-editor, Bev Forsman, has been writing terrific columns in this space on things to do in and around Tualatin, tips on how to make your home safe, yourself safe, and age in place with the resources to help do that. She co-founded “Tualatin Area Seniors” on Facebook, another great source of information on activities, places to go and things to do for seniors. Check it out. Don’t be old.
It has taken me a while to come to terms with my age and to admit it. My eyesight and hearing aren’t what they used to be, I don’t drive at night anymore, my knees creak more and more, I write things down so I don’t forget what I want to remember and sometimes forget where I wrote it down. But I’m not old. I adjust and try to make the best of what I have. I know it isn’t always easy, but I still try. I hope you do the same thing.
We can’t halt the birthdays, the wrinkles, graying hair, or creaky knees, but DON’T BE OLD.
REMEMBER VIENNA!
