senior citizens Archives - CONSIDER THIS Radio Show with Annette Petrick

Backstory

I was browsing through old family photos. There was a close-up of a very old woman, taken back in the 40s. I was mesmerized by her. Wrinkled face spoke of her advanced age. Yet the light in her eyes and her warm smile exuded something I sought to define. Then it occurred to me. It was beauty.

Beautiful Old Faces

I love to be in the company of beautiful people. And one of the most beautiful types of face is an old one. The corrugated face has character. As you age, laughter etches grooves on your face. Imagine how much laughter it took to create that beautiful old face. That face may reflect a heart that has been broken – more than once.

But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. I tease my husband by tracing the laugh lines around his eyes. I claim to be the cause of the three on the left. Happy to take responsibility for those creases of love and laughter.

I love to be in the company of beautiful old people who know how to enjoy themselves, every single day. Who still know how to laugh – at your jokes and their jokes and at themselves.

And if they repeat those jokes often, be kind and listen in. Be amused and react as expected. You’ll make their day.

These older people are precious. They won’t be here forever. But while they are, help them not to waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. Seek out their company. Let them know they are beautiful. Learn from the stories they tell. Enjoy them.

And realize that one day, you will be them.

P.S. You want to see an old person beam? Put a grandbaby in her arms. Have him nuzzled by a puppy. Have a child present them with a handmade drawing. Listen to old music with them. Listen to their stories. Say a prayer with them. That light that beams from within brings beauty back into a tired old face as it shines with remembrance and joy.

[Show #651]

Backstory

When I wrote the Christmas story book last year, several book signings were sponsored. It was such fun to meet neighbors and radio fans and friends who came out to support my journalistic endeavor. I also got to speak to groups like the Rotary Club about the book and how it came about. It reminded me of a talk given previously about bridges in life planning. Here’s that story.

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Bridges In Life Planning- #09

I had the privilege of talking with folks up at the Basye Library. As part of their lecture series, we were talking about Bridges in Life Planning – all the decisions that need to be made, when we get to be 60 or 65 or 70. We talked about keeping control of your life, for as long as possible; appreciating the input of others but valuing your own alternatives as well.

There were many opinions about just how much say adult children should have, once parents are up in years. There seemed to be general agreement that older folks have the right to decide how they want to spend their retirement income – as conservatively or as flamboyantly as they wish.

We discussed leaving a legacy of love and integrity and values and how that can be much more important than a trust fund.

We talked about the kinds of people you want to be with and those you don’t want in your life, in later years, and making those decisions for yourself.

It was a spirited discussion. We all learned something about ourselves and each other.

Perhaps the best suggestion came from one man who pointed out, more than anything else, be sure you are still having fun! Never stop having fun.

P.S.

Independence and control. Americans like us are brought up on those principles. We expect to keep them, even as we age. The bridge to a place where we have less independence and control is therefore a hard one to traverse. If you are the adult child, understand your parents’ wishes. If you are the parents, understand that giving over control to someone you love is the easiest way to cross the bridge. Trust, love and understanding. They are each badly needed at this time.

[Show #09]