Recently an on-line article (credited to AARP) "25 things Senior Citizens don’t need" caught my attention. A litany cute items were on the list. Of course we don’t need a 36-roll package of toilet paper or a 2-gallon container of mayonnaise from our favorite wholesale store. Nor do we need three hundred HD channels from the local cable company. Most these items would make a very long email joke; I am sure that this list is now circulating and will outlast all of us.
But a serious question is implied: What do seniors need? Doctors, social workers and scholars could develop a list of worthy real needs. A list of medications comes to my mind instantly: to share with doctors and emergency responders. Another need would an emergency contact list, a file of important documents and the list goes on.
I’ve made a top ten list of things Seniors really need. Perhaps need or things are not the correct words. I consider them qualities or behaviors that are essential for a person’s well being.
- Spouse or friend: We are social creatures and loneliness is not a pleasant situation. Be involved with people; if you can’t be with them pickup the phone and tell them you love them, miss them and make a point to meet.
- Good food: A good diet, one that is appropriate for your health issues is important. Good food includes occasional indulgences or a meal out of the home, and even perhaps a glass of wine or beer. Treat yourself to a special dinner at your favorite restaurant occasionally.
- A good book: Loose yourself in the adventure of reading a best seller, an old classic, or just anything that interests you. Don’t spend you days or evenings only watching TV.
- Share or teach a skill you possess: Teaching is truly a wonderful experience. Passing on your knowledge and helping others learn new concepts, ideas and knowledge gives one a feeling of value. Or take a class and learn something new or expand your area of expertise. Read at the local library or school.
Daily routine: Have a schedule of things to do, places to go to or meetings to attend. Keep a calendar for these activities, have a routine. Don’t wait for things to happen. Stay busy. Visit a neighbor or a morning walk with a friend could included in your routine. - Dreams and goals: Work on a bucket list of places to visit or things to do, grand or modest. Desire is a human trait that gives our lives a purpose. We are not lumps on a log. We need to have a purpose. Visit that old high school friend, go on a picnic, or travel to the near or far corners of the world. Visit the historic neighborhoods in your area.
- A good doctor: We may hate to visit them, but we need them. You know your body; you know what your normal is. Tell the doctor how you feel, they are not mind readers. They want to help you.
- Hobby: Keeping busy with a purpose can fill the days. It can be knitting, photography, any number of collectables, writing, wood working, jewelry making and on and on. Every hobby has a magazine and group of participants. Purposeful activities keep us sharp and interesting.
- Be optimistic with a measure of skepticism: We live in a complicated, sometimes confusing world. Look for the bright side of life. But remember if it sounds too good to be true it probably is not true.
- Responsibility: Somebody is counting on you. It could be your spouse, your children, a friend or even your pet. They need you and it is your duty to be there for them.
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| Ruby is a senior citizen |
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