I’m going out on a limb when I say that no demographic welcomes Spring more than senior adults. The cold, dark months of winter aren’t especially copacetic for older folks. And there’s valid reasons for this.
According to the National Institute of Aging, changes that come with aging can make it harder for older adults to be aware of their body becoming too cold, which can turn into a dangerous health issue quickly. And those with chronic medical conditions may find it harder to stay warm.
I never understood why my late father hated cold weather. As a teenager, I didn’t realize the impact that taking blood thinner medicine had on his health, especially during those winter months.
It explains snowbirds, and why states like Florida and Arizona have so many retirees that move to a warmer climate or at least flock there for the winter.
We have a few snowbirds that we don’t see in the winter months at the Senior Community Center, and then we have some folks that we see more frequently in the winter months because it’s too cold to golf, fish, garden or participate in other outdoor activities.
I think we’re all looking forward to welcoming Spring and experiencing the renewing and new life that comes in the Spring…from flowers to baby sheep to plants, trees and even seeing grass turn green. Spring is the promise of Easter, the end of the Winter Solstice, and even if a stray snow shower appears, we trust it’ll be short lived.
This area provides many great places to enjoy Spring and warmer weather, such as the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. Admission is $5 for veterans and seniors over 65; but is free on the first Saturday of the month. The Botanical Garden offers paved and accessible walk paths and over 30 benches throughout the garden to sit, relax, reflect and to spend time with friends and family.
Our community also offers lots of parks and trails, such as the Joe Ford Nature Center, Rudy Mine Trails, Panther Creek Park, Yellow Creek Park, Riverfront Downtown, and numerous city and county parks, all of which are senior friendly.
Spring can also be an opportunity to spend time with family – grandparents with their grands, siblings reconnecting, visiting an aunt or uncle, or reaching out to an elderly family friend who may have been cooped up throughout the winter months. Having senior adults in our lives only enriches our experiences and perspective.
A couple of years ago, we had a partnership with OCTC whereby a group of seniors and OCTC students met as part of a “Life Review Project” for their Developmental Psychology class. Students were matched with a senior to discuss different phases of life that the senior had experienced which culminated in a scrapbook that the students presented to their seniors.
Each time, it was a moving experience for both seniors, students, and staff. Brenda, who took part in the first group, said the project helped her “remember things that I had totally forgotten.” Charles, another senior, told his group at the beginning to “hold on, I’m going to take you for a ride!”
Several students said the experience was so powerful that they were going to do it with their own parents, grandparents and/or older family members. Questions to ask (or answer) can be as simple as:
What is your earliest memory?
Who was the biggest influence in your life?
What was your favorite thing to do for fun as a child?
What was school like…your favorite and least favorite subjects?
What’s been the happiest moment of your life?
What are you most proud of?
What do you value in life and why?
What world events had the most impact on you?
How did you meet your spouse/partner, if applicable.
How would you like to be remembered?
What’s your favorite flower/color/place to visit?
Do you have a favorite song, movie, book?
I’m grateful that my late mother wrote down her “story” for each of us kids and talked about the day we were each born. When Mom gave it to us, I didn’t think that much about it because it seemed like I already knew everything she wrote about. Fast forward nearly 10 years after her passing and when I read these words, I see them with different eyes and hear her voice once again.
Of course, this exercise can be done at any time of the year, not just in Spring. But, what a great way to welcome Spring – make new memories with family, explore the outdoors again, and create a treasured gift that can be passed down to generations. OL
