Seniors need Passion and Books need Readers

First, seniors need passion.

What is a senior?  The term used to describe someone over the age of 55 or 60, depending on where you live or travel.

What is passion?  Strong or intense desire and enthusiasm.

Poor financial planning and disease culminated a small, but comfortable geared-to-income apartment in a lovely senior’s complex. I moved in during the month of May. With the serious health challenges that followed, it was what I needed.

The tenants look out for one another and are always willing to lend a helping hand in whatever way they can.

We have a tenant’s association to organize activities. In the fall and winter we play darts and euchre. We celebrate birthday’s every month with a special supper and some months we have an additional “cake and ice cream” night. This month we’re having a breakfast instead of supper.

Good luck!

There is always a jig-saw puzzle in process on one of the tables in the two lounges. Every night some of the ladies gather in the lounge to play cards. My apartment is next door to the lounge. Some nights the excitement and laughter filters through the wall making me giggle.

It’s wonderful that activities are available, but still, time drags on for many of the tenants. Some don’t sleep well. Many watch the television for long periods of time. Some isolate. Some are bored. Most have health challenges.

The lyrics of Peggy Lee’s 1970 number 1 hit, “Is That All There Is?” come to mind. I particularly love the line, “If that’s all there is my friend, then lets keep dancing.”

I love to dance (although I can’t right now) and I’ve found the perfect 71-year-old female DJ who can mix the tunes. Mamy Rock Ruth Flowers is featured on a blog called Late Bloomer by Debra Eve. Ruth was 69 when she discovered the passion that “energized” and “made me feel so much younger”. (Click on Late Bloomer to read the full article and watch Mamy in action)

I wonder if our tenant’s association is interested to plan a Mamy Rock event. Although, we’ll likely need a new venue, the lounge will be too small for the 60+ crowd I expect will attend.

Why is passion important? Passion gives a sense of purpose. It is said that people who live with passion also live longer and happier lives.

At 69, Ruth Flowers (Mamy Rock) found her passion and ignited the innermost flame of youth. At 56, I found a passion that excites, energizes and provides a new sense of purpose.

Books need readers.

Significant health challenges have interrupted my ability to earn income and I’m looking for ways to survive while I get back on track.

I’ve made a list of used books and tapes that I will gladly share. To view the list, please visit my other blog by clicking here. The offer might be more feasible to the local folks, but I’ll let you be the judge.

Once again, thanks for reading. I hope everyone enjoys Debra’s article on Ruth Flowers.

May we each realize our passion to live long happy lives with purpose.