Blog Post

Aleeda and Michael Share Their Story for OAM

Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • May 06, 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!

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Area Agency on Aging to Host Free Conference in Pittsburg

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A group of elderly people are sitting around a table with a nurse.

Area Agency on Aging to Host Community Events Celebrating Older Americans Month in 2024

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • 02 Apr, 2024
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is joining organizations across the nation to celebrate the seniors in our communities for Older Americans Month (OAM). The AAA will host and partner with organizations for six celebration events across East Texas at area senior centers and community centers focusing on connection – how communities can build relationships to maintain a healthy senior population. OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s theme, Powered by Connection , recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. The following OAM celebration events are open to the public and will include food, fun, door prizes, and information on services available to East Texas seniors: May 8th at the Forever Young Activity Center, located at 404 S. Main St. in Quitman, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM May 9th at the Harrison County Extension Office, located at 2005 Warren Dr. in Marshall, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM May 14th at the Douglas Alumni Association Inc., located at 408 Terry St. in Pittsburg, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 16th at the First United Methodist Church, located at 225 Lovers Ln in Athens, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 30th at Central Baptist Church, located at 220 W. Sabine St. in Carthage, from 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM The AAA serves as the region's leader in advocating and providing various services, such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, housing repair, and support through the Ombudsman program for people in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Contact the AAA for questions about the events by calling (903) 218-6500.
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