Challenges for seniors

By Martin Girash

As seniors we face a double whammy or, a better metaphor from baseball, we have two strikes against us. In order to best meet the challenges we face, we must first understand the challenges.

First, as seniors, our bodies do not function as well as they did when we were younger, even if we follow best practices in eating and exercise. This decline in our functioning finds itself in increased aches, pains, fatigue and stamina. Sometimes it is difficult to get out of bed, get dressed and perform the tasks of daily living. This is particularly the case if we do not follow best practices in eating and exercise and/or if we have a chronic disease or disorder.

In order to avoid becoming even more sick or disordered, we must overcome the tendency to give in to the temptation to reduce our activity level. This tendency is the first strike against us as we age. We must muster the necessary energy to perform the tasks of daily living.

Research on this matter is especially clear. Once we succumb to the temptation to reduce our activity, we become even more susceptible to increased physical and mental problems.

The health care system has known this for some time, as is evidenced by the expectation to get out of bed and walk as soon as possible after being hospitalized for an acute problem.

It is also known by our town’s Seniors Advisory Committee, which is why we have initiated sessions at the Half Century Centre during the winter and early spring. The sessions last no more than an hour but the effort of getting out of bed, going through morning routines and coming to the venue is in itself healthy. We hope you will find the activities interesting, but even if you don’t, we urge you to join us from 10:00 to 11:00 on the first Wednesday of each month at the Half Century Centre through May.

The second whammy or strike is what our entire population is facing, namely COVID restrictions.

These restrictions especially face us with another whammy or strike as they give us an excuse not to engage in activities we need to perform if we are to be as healthy as we can be.

What: Various presentations/performances by representatives from organizations in our municipality that provide heathy activities for seniors, followed by an opportunity for you to voice your needs to the committee.

When: First Wednesday of each month, 10:00 to 11:00, through May.

Where: Half Century Centre, 160 Talbot St. E., Leamington, 519-326- 2521.

If you need transportation to and from an event, contact the South Essex Community Council (519 326 8629) at least one business day before the event and they will provide it for you at no cost.

So, don’t strike out! Get a hit. It need not be a home run, a single will do. Join us in our efforts to provide you with activities that will keep you as healthy as you can be.