Sunday, January 4, 2009

Sassy Seniors!

A couple of months ago I went to two senior facilities to talk about my weight loss and wellness ideas. I am becoming familiar and at ease with speaking in public, especially about something that I love and live. One facility was an assisted living facility. The other was a YMCA senior enter program.

I expected mostly very elderly people, using walkers and wheelchairs who would just sit there and listen, unenthusiastic and unaffected by what I had to say, even though my information and approach is always extremely informative and interactive. I was so surprised and delighted to be very, very wrong about the people I met. Most were very elderly, some using walkers and wheelchairs but they were alive, funny and very full of good advice and inspiration for me. Both groups had actually participated in an exercise class right before my talk. I was soon realized, much to my delight, that I was actually preachin' to the choir!

One gentleman had been a foster father to over 100 children in his life. One lovely lady told me she was 93 and she didn't look a day over 75! Several of the people just wanted to talk and be acknowledged by the group. I asked questions and posed some issues about growing older and staying healthy and active. They were quick to offer ideas and very profound insight.

In one group, two of the elderly women had their daughters there. I began to talk about how many of us are raised to have low self-esteem. When I asked who had been raised with lots of praise and warmth, the two daughters responded that they both had mothers who were loving and supportive. I told them that I thought that was the reason they were still with their mothers today, loving and supporting them in return.

It seems that these incredible people who I was privileged to met have the secret to health and happiness and that's why they are still very much physically, mentally and spiritually alive.

I want to be like them when I grow up.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

you will lynn!