Aleeda and Michael Share Their Story for OAM
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • May 6, 2021
We have a pool that we open on Memorial Day and close on Labor Day that keeps the grands entertained during the summer months and keeps us busy too with its upkeep.
When you realize that 68 is not
the 'new 40,' your mind plays tricks on you and makes you think you can do more and be more active than you can be. The older I get, the harder it is to stay active, especially since COVID-19. However, I keep in touch with family and friends on the computer and have been blessed to continue working from home.
I have found that setting goals to complete during the week helps me to stay active. I take walks around the yard or even around the house, load the dishwasher, put on a load of clothes to break up the monotony, and keep circulation moving. Also, completing chores around the house - cooking, grocery shopping, filling up the gas tank, washing clothes, vacuuming, and mopping keeps me active. My husband keeps busy by doing yard work and working with our small vegetable garden.
I have also been blessed to have my dad (92-years-old) still stay at home by himself and be in pretty good health. Since he uses a walker and is not very active, he has a caregiver to help with his household chores three days a week. Although we live about 40 minutes away, I continue to visit with him by phone several times a week, buy his groceries, run errands, pick up meds, cook him some meals for the week, and help him with other chores as needed.
Since COVID-19, we continue to improve our home, which is sometimes fun and then sometimes very trying. At our ages 68 (Aleeda) and 71 (Michael), we quickly realize we are not young anymore, and it takes more planning and time to accomplish tasks. The snow that hit East Texas for a week killed all of our azaleas and gardenias, so we are landscaping and replacing them as time permits. You soon realize how out of shape you are from doing yard work.
We also try to have some of the grandkids over on the weekends and during the summer. We have a pool that we open on Memorial Day and close on Labor Day that keeps the grands entertained during the summer months and keeps us busy too with its upkeep. My husband and I also try to take the grands to different festivals throughout the year and on vacation during the summer months. They also keep us busy throughout the year attending their sporting events and encouraging them from the sideline.
Also, during the summer, when vegetables are ready to be harvested, we try to can jalapeno relish, pick peas, and fill up the freezer with fresh vegetables. We also like to visit orchards for fresh watermelons and fruit for jams and jellies.
Aleeda and Michael Age
Working with our local seniors, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will celebrate Older Americans Month by encouraging East Texas seniors to share their experiences. Together, we can find strength—and create a stronger future.
Share Your Story!
Assistance is available to find and compare 2027 health and drug plans now.
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas is partnering with First Christian Church in Jacksonville to offer a free Benefits & Estate Planning Presentation for Seniors and Caregivers. The informative workshop will be held Thursday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at the First Christian Church Sanctuary, 1920 Beaumont Street in Jacksonville. Presented by Paul Zambie, Managing Attorney with Texas Legal Services Center, the session will help attendees better understand legal and planning issues that can affect older adults and their families. Topics will include wills and trusts, deeds, transfer-on-death deeds, long-term care Medicaid, Medicaid estate recovery, and senior services. This free presentation is designed to give seniors and caregivers practical information to help prepare for life’s challenges and make informed decisions about the future. For more information, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at 903-218-6500 or 1-800-442-8845.
