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!
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Cornejo as the new Director of the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA). In this role, Cornejo will lead efforts to develop and coordinate services that support the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults across ETCOG’s fourteen-county region. Cornejo brings a strong background in healthcare leadership and military service. He most recently worked as an Account Manager for Humana’s Institutional Special Needs Plan program, where he partnered with skilled nursing facilities to improve care coordination, leading to a 20% reduction in hospital readmissions. Earlier in his career, Cornejo served in the United States Navy for nearly two decades, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and managing budgets exceeding $550 million while leading more than 350 Sailors and Marines. “Adrian’s leadership experience in both healthcare and the military has equipped him with the skills and dedication needed to serve East Texas seniors,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “His background in building partnerships and his deep commitment to public service make him a tremendous asset to our team.” Cornejo shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “It is an honor to join ETCOG and to serve the seniors of East Texas. My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place at the Area Agency on Aging and continue to expand access to services that help older adults and their families live with dignity and independence.” The AAA is administered through ETCOG and is part of a nationwide network created through the Older Americans Act of 1965. It provides a wide range of services, including information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education, senior nutrition programs, housing repair, caregiver support, and Ombudsman advocacy for individuals in long-term care facilities. These programs are designed to help older residents remain active and independent in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Medicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner, and with so many plans and choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our certified benefits counselors are here to help—whether you prefer to sit down one-on-one or schedule an educational session for your group or organization. They provide clear, unbiased information about Medicare so you can make informed decisions that fit your needs. These services are free and available to individuals, families, churches, senior centers, civic clubs, and other local groups. If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare coverage, upcoming changes, or available plans, now is the time to reach out. To schedule an appointment or request a group presentation, contact us at 1-800-442-8845 or www.easttexasaaa.org/request-speaker .
