OLDS — Two elderly residents have advice for younger people as they try to cope with all that life throws at them – including the COVID-19 pandemic, as it drags on and on.
Janette Oke, who lives in Seasons Encore, and Mildred Pederson, who lives in Seasons Olds, say they’ve been able to get through it with the help of staff at their retirement homes, but they miss the interaction with family.
Both ladies recognized earlier this year as Remarkable Residents, a program created by Seasons Retirement Communities that program that honours the lives of its residents.
“We raised a family of four. Three of them, with their families, live in the U.S. We normally are able to see at least some of them a couple times a year. With the border closed, that has not been possible. We miss them,” Oke wrote in an email.
“We have 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Five of them we have not been able to meet. They have now celebrated their first birthdays.
“We are thankful that our kids have provided us with a video call device so we can talk face-to-face. But you can't share a hug through that.”
Pederson echoed that thought.
“It has been a very difficult and depressing time not to see family and close friends,” Pederson wrote. “The lockdown was hard, but I understand it was necessary to keep everyone safe. The 2020 Christmas/New Year weeks were the most difficult.
“I appreciate all the staff here at Seasons for making the best of it all and my daughter for being my designated caregiver/visitor which helped so much. The telephone helped a bit, but it's not the same as seeing those I love most."
Oke and Pederson were asked for their suggestions on how to cope with the curveballs life throws.
Oke said she learned resilience as her parents struggled to raise their family during the Depression in the 1930s and the war years in the 1940s.
“I felt secure, loved, and cared for. But I also need to look honestly at the facts. It was a time of prairie dust and depression, stock market crash and war. Life was really, really, tough. We had little,” Oke wrote.
“Often in those days my mom struggled to put food on the table for her little family. At times the cupboard was bare. Sometimes, many times in fact, it was stew made from prairie jack rabbit.
“Your world is so different, so different. But realistically, there will be repeats of my world. There will be good times, maybe even great times, but undoubtedly there will also be times when funds are low, when circumstances seem to be against you, when things look dark. That's life.
“What we struggle against only makes us stronger. But move on. Look for the good. The possibilities. Prepare yourself as best you can. Take responsibility. It is your life. Seek out, with appreciation, those who will encourage and support you, who want the best for you. Choose your friends wisely. They will be a factor in what you are shaped to become.
“Never accept the role of being a victim, no matter how tough life gets. You have strength, wisdom, and opportunities. Physically, mentally and spiritually."
Pederson’s advice is similar.
"Find something that you are passionate about to keep yourself happy and productive and you will find fulfillment,” Pederson wrote.
“Never give up on a dream and keep believing in yourself. Persevere and keep strong as these new times we are facing can be challenging.”
