Blog Post

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. 

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