By Lois Requist
Special to the Herald

Last week, you may have seen Judie Donaldson’s remarks here about the revolution in aging. That got me to thinking. I grew up in Idaho, around quite a few older relatives—aunts, uncles, grandparents. They didn’t move so fast, in fact sitting down may have been what they liked to do best. It didn’t seem too exciting. They were quiet, deliberate when they spoke. I remember gray and wrinkled. Now, I know, they had all worked very hard to survive. Much of the work was heavy physical labor. My grandmother baked fifty loaves of bread in the oven of a wooden stove when the harvest crew came. Well, you know the stories. Contemporaries of mine still wonder why people pay to go on a bike tour or walk for the exercise, not because that’s the only way to get where you need to go.
Now, in that stage of life myself, I realize some things have changed. What with hair coloring, makeup, dressing styles, and plastic surgery, its often hard to guess a person’s age. In fact, it doesn’t really matter. Some people are old and tired at forty, while others are vigorous, active, and full of life in their nineties. Some of the difference is the genetics we’re born with, and certainly the experiences of our lives impact all of us. How we conduct our lives—the food we eat, our activity level, our attitude all have consequences that increase as we age. I’m part of a study about physical activity in older seniors. Their attitude is, whatever amount of exercise you’re doing, do more.
Isolation is a major problem for many seniors. In fact, it can be a killer. Especially if you live alone, your doctor or other professional may ask how many people you see in an average day. How many people do you talk to on a given day? Do people come to your home to visit? Do you go out to church, to a movie, for shopping, or to visit a friend? Carquinez Village realizes the benefits for all of us of interacting with others. We encourage and help seniors, especially those who don’t get out much to, well, get out. We have potlucks, coffees, programs, and other events, and a ride to those events is usually possible. If you know someone who you think this might be good for, tell them about us, about the meetings. Some are open to the public and some are for members only. There’s a cost to membership, but if a senior can’t afford the fee, scholarships are available. The city of Benicia has provided us with a grant for that purpose.
Recently, with the dangerous fires in nearby communities, one of our members asked how she would get out in an emergency situation. That got us to thinking. We don’t have the answer, but we’re looking into it. Do you have a suggestion?
People often say growing old isn’t for sissies. Many seniors face physical, financial, emotional, or mental challenges. Friends and family die. Like most difficulties, having others around can help you find answers, or solace, a reason to get up in the morning. That’s what we’re all about!

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