Winter is no longer coming … it is here. I had to scrape ice off my windshield the other day.
The weather may be nasty, but we still have to “pull on our boots, don our hat and gloves and go out.” Isolation is not a good thing for “us older folks.” Sitting at home alone only gives us the opportunity to think about our friends and family who “have left us,” the bills that keep coming in when our limited income can only pay for our necessities, and of course, we eventually begin thinking about the things and relationships that we do not have, but think we need.
The ultimate result of all of this kind of thinking is depression — depression that can influence our physical, as well as our mental, well-being.
On top of all this “thinking,” Thanksgiving and Christmas are staring us in the face. Being alone on one of these holidays is not something most of us would look forward to.
So what do we do? We do not stay home alone! If you do not have transportation, there is PARTA (330-687-1287), which could provide some opportunities to go someplace. If you live in Aurora, they have their own transportation service. There are neighbors or friends from church who also might like to go someplace and be willing to give you a ride, especially if they are looking for “company.”
Then the question comes as to where to go:
Of course, my first suggestion is a neighborhood Senior Center. Whether you live close to the Aurora Center, or the Crestwood Community Center (Wednesdays), the Streetsboro Senior Center, or the Portage County Senior Center in Ravenna … their doors are open to all area senior citizens. The exception to this is the Streetsboro Senior Center, which is closed on days that the community’s schools are closed for weather conditions.
My sister had another solution to this. She was not much for socializing with a group of friends, but she did want to be around people. So she would go to a Walmart a couple times a week … she did not buy anything but she walked around, looking at things (rarely buying) and saying “good morning” to folks she passed. She got out of her house, and she got a little exercise in the process!
But what if you do become depressed? There are several resources in our community who are available to help you become better able to live your life.
Another activity to consider is a walk in one of our Portage County parks. Every other Thursday, the staff of the parks sponsor Senior Walks (always on a handicapped accessible trail). For instance, on Nov. 21 they sponsored a walk on the Portage Hike and Bike trail on Cleveland Road in Ravenna. For more specific dates, contact the Parks at 330-297-7728.
Our tax dollars are supporting this agency so you can participate for free, get some exercise, and some fresh air this winter. Did you know there are 22 Portage Park District parks? In their brochure, “Find your Adventure in Portage Parks,” I found three parks designated as handicapped accessible, and several others are listed as multipurpose trails. This designation tells us that most of us “older” folks could safely walk these trails.
But what if we do not make an effort to get out of our homes, and involved with other people?
If you think you are becoming depressed, or just find yourself being negative about your life and the people around you, you might want to consider talking to a counselor.
There are several agencies in Portage County who offer mental health services for seniors.
Coleman Professional Service in Kent (855-453-8985) and in Ravenna on Lovers Lane.
Portage County’s Job and Family Services Adult Protective Services Program (330-298-3020) also have services and guidance for senior citizens, along with Family and Community Services (330-297-7027.)
Another good resource is the Direction Home in Canton, which provides a variety of services to area senior citizens (800-421-7277). This agency, according to their brochure, provides choices for people to live independently in the place they want to call home.
Contact Sally Kelly with your senior news at 330-687-9501 or [email protected].
