Elders in the Community

ELDERS IN THE COMMUNITY – AN INTRODUCTION

1/6/2020

Our elder years can be a time to reflect on our life and appreciate the wisdom we have gained through our life experiences. We all have a unique and valuable contribution to make and we can share this with others by remaining actively engaged in life until our last breath and living every day with purpose, being open to new learning, new experiences and new beginnings. The articles on this page are by elders who have found benefit from remaining actively involved in the community instead of retiring from life.

BEYOND THE CORONAVIRUS

31/3/2020

When the UK Government advised all those over 70 years of age to stay home due to the Coronavirus, my spirit railed against it. At 75 I am well, fit, active, still working, getting out there in the community where there was so much to do, and I felt frustrated at the thought of submission to this advice.

ON THE WORKPLACE SCRAPHEAP AT 65!

30/10/2019

I’ve always considered myself to be a good employee. I’ve loved going to work and enjoyed connecting with clients and colleagues in the workplace. I’ve always endeavoured to get to know people and to have a meaningful connection with them where possible. So I was a bit nonplussed recently, when I began a temporary administration assignment where I felt like a fish out of water.

STAYING SOCIALLY ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY IS GOOD MEDICINE!

30/3/2019

While it has been generally known, recent research has confirmed that remaining engaged and socially active in the community in our older years keeps us healthy - mentally and physically. Cross-cultural evidence shows that older adults are able to maintain a fairly high level of physical and emotional wellbeing when they have something considered valuable by others in their society.

AGED CARE - MAKING A DIFFERENCE

30/1/2019

The topic of Aged Care can no longer be ignored.
There has to be a complete review of the system. Over the years there have been band-aid changes. Every time there is an incident in a Nursing Home, Hostel or Aged Care facility there is public outrage, the media runs with it and there is a resurgence of Aged Care policies and protocol reviews.

WHAT INSPIRES ELDER TEACHERS TO KEEP ON TEACHING . . . BEYOND THE RETIREMENT DUE DATE?

30/5/2018

Teaching is a unique and awesome profession, which not only offers long term security, social status, and many other benefits but also presents, within the predictable routine of the school year, an opportunity for change. Teachers are constantly being asked to update their knowledge and skills throughout their entire careers.

A COMMUNITY THAT SINGS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER

29/4/2018

One of the most enjoyable ways to participate in the community is to sing in the company of others. Even if you cannot sing solo, when you are in a social choir you can follow the lead and sing along and really enjoy yourself. We are fortunate enough to have just such a choir locally in Lismore, aptly named Northern Rivers Community Choir 'Voices on Fire', hosted by Chris and Jenny James.

MY JOURNEY AS A VOLUNTEER

27/2/2018

When I retired from paid employment I felt that I needed to look for something else, as I did not want to become stagnant. I joined a walking club and we did some beautiful walks round Rotorua and beyond. I also did a massage course, which was a real morale booster for me. Over the years I have had so much pleasure doing massages as well as meeting amazing people through my work as a volunteer.

THE TENDER TOUCH

30/11/2017

Now retired, I volunteer in a local hospital doing hand and foot massages. Most of the patients are elderly and frail and I love this opportunity to share this tender contact. Their skin so soft and delicate, I wonder at the use these hands have been put to over the many years, the love they have held, the work they have done and the surrender that age is now imposing.

AGE IS ONLY A NUMBER

31/10/2017

Why is it that just when we have accumulated a deeper understanding of living and have experienced the ebb and flow of life that it is considered normal, or expected of us, that we should retire and not share our elder wisdom with those who are still finding their way in the world? We have done the ‘doing’ and now is the opportunity to inspire others with the joy of ‘being’ in whatever you choose to do.

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Photos copyright © by the photographers: Alan Johnston, Clayton Lloyd, Dean Whitling, Desiree Delaloye, Iris Pohl, Steffi Henn, Steve Leca ,
Shannon Everest, Matt Paul, Gayle Cue