Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - Your Part….

Wearing a lot of hats gets me many a side glance from those who really don’t know me well. I’m even stymied by the number of tasks I choose to undertake, then adding my laser sharp focus to details associated with each job that I assign my name to.

Is that normal as a 70 something ? I’m asking you, my readership, who by the way covers a vast multitude of miles and miles in this

Greene, Albany, Northern Ulster and Columbia Green counties… through the Mountain Eagle Publication and Capital Region Independent Media print and digital paper columns... Traditionally Speaking and Aging with Grace.

When does the “slow” down period of life begin?

I know, I even refer to that comedic slogan…

When You Rest, You Rust…and perhaps that’s what I default to when asked to lead a committee or participate in a new church task.

So the purpose of this article is to not only state the obvious about the ongoing enjoyment that I find from being “busy as a bee” even in my 70’s but from also wanting to encourage others to consider saying “yes” to contributing to life’s many needs in and around our community working with our Seniors.

There definitely is a need. Teaching Seniors and Baby Boomers as a fitness coach with a sincere focus on bringing them to fulfillment like when they were 32 again is such an incredible joy. Think of it, as I did, like being a part of a continuous stream of old stories that meet new experiences with an added complement of bliss from ease of movement and a release of stiffness and discomfort. All within the framework of a community setting of loving and kind people. Win Win. That’s just my morning job two days a week.

What could you do? Perhaps, consider being a part of programs like that and helping by transporting those who do not drive any longer. Win. Win.

I will say, I was so disheartened when my original group of Seniors reached that place that we never want to speak of…no not death…but “giving in to” those old lingering beliefs of

Being OLD…Old isn’t a defining thing with a number attached to it. It’s a decision that I’ve seen sneaks in and grabs a hold of our capabilities because one day we couldn’t find our money or we forgot a phone number…on and on. Once you give in to that concept, you sit in that chair and stare out that window letting the world pass you by.

Music, from back in the day, is another way to wake up the recesses of our minds and to help to

stimulate memories that beg to be recalled. Just listening without having an audience to be part of the scenario isn’t enough.

Remember this phrase…”In Community we heal… in isolation we fall into dis-ease.” More contact is needed and that’s where you might fit in.

Perhaps you have knowledge of a topic that might be of interest to an aging population that in itself isn’t too complex. Maybe it can be just enough stimulation to create a degree of excitement to help participants to have something new to look forward to learning.

I’m not talking about all of the stuff out there in the world that lends itself to so much fear, like the A-I world, that creates an immobilization that shuts people down. I’d even be interested in learning about a topic like that…if you’re good at something please find a way to bring it to a senior center luncheon perhaps.

By now I’m sure you’re getting the idea of how you might contribute to the joy of our Seniors day to day experience.

Or give this a good “think” over this holiday season and contact me to chat about your idea…

I’d love to hear from you.

Together I believe we will remain forever young because we’ve gifted that joy to others in our community.

Pat Larsen is a syndicated columnist who lives, works, plays and prays in Greene County, NY with her husband Chris and Lily their pup.

She teaches fitness classes weekly for Active Seniors in East Durham.

Have a place to bring a class to?…let’s see if we can help make that happen.

Her first book, “Reflections…anything but an ordinary life” is available on Amazon.com. Or, contact Pat to receive a signed copy for a friend or yourself for the Holidays.

As a Director of her popular educational programs,

Aging with Grace…growing wiser as we grow older, she is able to bring in professionals to chat about relevant topics to her groups. Come learn with us or bring a program to educate this population, please feel free to contact Pat at 518-275-8686 to chat.