By Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Director, City of Chanhassen
Winter has a way of making us nostalgic. Having grown up in a small town, I think back to our family outlasting our “coldest year” or “biggest snowstorm” and proudly relish, in true Minnesota fashion, how we weathered through and were stronger because of it.
We bundled up or hunkered down; we found ways to fill our time – working on projects, playing games, crafting, cleaning, even venturing outside to explore or play. Sometimes we checked in on family and neighbors doing the same.
We also found ways to help each other get through it. If a neighbor needed snow moved, my parents made sure we were there with shovels in hand. If a friend needed something from the store and couldn’t get out, my mom shopped for them – or raided our pantry to share what we had. If an elderly neighbor was alone, my grandmother checked in on them by phone or visit. Simply stated, we were Minnesota-nice and hometown-helpful.
Maybe winter’s job is to keep us in that neighborly mode – a time for us to help others get through the challenges it poses. This is especially true as we consider our aging neighbors. Tackling snow and cold doesn’t get easier as we age and forces us to take both extra time and caution when driving or walking on uncertain terrain.
Some older residents choose not to try, which may lead to isolation, depression and poor health. This is where you can tap into your winter neighborliness and step up to the true winter challenge.
If you have aging friends or neighbors who are alone or not as mobile in the winter, a short visit or phone call to check in on them goes a long way. You might pick up a few groceries for them or drop off a simple meal. (I always enjoy good homemade soup in the winter!)
If they have sidewalks to clear, offer to enthusiastically help shovel them (or get your kids to help). Maybe you can give them a ride to their church on Sunday, to a local store for household needs, or to the library to find a good book.
Or you might invite them to ride with you to any of the many fun and informative events held at your local Senior Center or Community Center, where the walks are cleared and coffee usually brewing.
Holiday kindness should continue long after the presents are opened, and the tree taken down. Help take the winter chill off by helping others along the way. If you aren’t sure where to begin, check out these local resources.
- Your local Active Older Adult or Community Center is a great place to start. Go to www.mnseniorsonline.com/senior-centers for a list of centers near you.
- Senior Community Services at www.seniorcommunity.org has volunteer opportunities and a list of local resources to go to for help.
- Your community library has resources and programs for older adults. See http://www.carverlib.org for more information.
- Check out www.TrellisConnects.org – A free, unbiased, one-stop shop for Minnesotans seeking age-well resources, resource help, volunteering opportunities, housing options, transportation needs, health care information, insurance questions, and so much more!
Life gets busy, especially for families. But offering some help, even occasionally, will go a long way to stave off winter blues for someone near you.
