Judy Schmidt
A Personal Journal Reflecting On Aging
June 6 | June 7

	Reflections of Judy Schmidt June 6: Not Really A Day Off June 7: Wilma the Ringleader June 8: Hard to Get the Younger Seniors Involved June 9: Asking for Help is OK June 10: Making Friends June 11: Saying Things We Don't Mean June 12: Negativity June 14: It's Nice to Make A Difference June 15: Working Conflicts June 17: Wish I Could be a Hero June 19: Getting Busy June 20: Time to Slow Down

June 6: Not Really A Day Off
Today I had the day off from my three other jobs at the Senior Center, although it did not feel like I had a day off. Since the residents all knew I was home, I had three knocks at my door before noon. I love helping the elderly in the building, but sometimes I feel like my privacy is being invaded.

The first knock at the door was a request for a lightbulb to be changed. The second was a request for me to call the bus to see when they were coming. The third was a question about what was for lunch down at the Senior Center.

I do seem to get upset about this invasion of privacy (almost like I want to scream) but then there are times when it feels good. After those three knocks I decided that maybe it would be best if I went for a walk. It seems to calm me down when I go for walks and helps me realize that one day I will be old, too.

June 7: Wilma the Ringleader
Today I worked at the Senior Center, planning trips with some seniors who were playing cards. Of course, there always seems to be a ringleader of the bunch—in this case, Wilma. She is a very nice person, but if she does not get her way, she lets you know it. When I was sitting there explaining one of the trips, Wilma shook her head "no." Of course, after she had done that, the rest said no, too. I get so frustrated trying to talk to them at times like this. Maybe if I talk to the other seniors without Wilma they might be more agreeable to do some things. Once they are on a trip, all of them are happy. I believe it helps them and myself when we get out of town and do something different.

(There are times that I just go into the office and laugh. I used to do daycare and some of the seniors act just like some of the kids I used to take care of.)

We are so isolated up here, it makes it easy for depression to set in. I have seen seniors at the center and at the apartment building go through depression. It is sad to see, because really all they need is a little bit of a change in their routine to make them happy. I have found for myself that getting out on a sunny day or going for a drive really helps boost a person's spirits.

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