Life doesn't stop offering beautiful beginnings simply because we've grown older

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley

With our move last spring, it presented itself with challenges, as we have aged. Our new home was designed with simple practical suggestions to meet our changing needs.

The front door is where most independence usually disappears. I witnessed this myself, for years, working in home support. That one step or round door knobs which are hard to turn with arthritis, now, make leaving your home too much work.

When you get stuck in life, whether you are single, widowed, or never have been married, you can still make things happen, even through those life changes. Often, there are small obstacles which inhibit you from doing things, hinder your progress or compromise safety.

The floor is for your feet, not a laundry basket, a pile of newspapers, or items you need to step around. Whatever you step around, needs it's own home, a shoe rack, hooks for coats, cords tied up or removed. Make your house easier, a lamp on a timer in the winter, a boot tray at the front door with a sturdy chair or bench, to catch your balance (never balance on one leg), and book a snow removal service early. Make sure your lights outside work, and plug in night lights for when using the washroom during the night. A clean path, from your bedroom to the bathroom and kitchen, is recommended. If you need a commode by your bedside, it is not a surrender, it is a way of letting you sleep though the night, instead of worrying about the walk in the dark. You can even add a railing in your hallway, on both sides of the wall, if necessary.

We must remember, God is active in daily life in everyday circumstances, through practical guidance, even when you can't see it. God is present through your routines, relationships, with nature, and quiet moments of awareness. I love those moments. Sometimes, we need a reminder, God can also do what is humanly impossible, and He knows what is best whether you are 45, 65 or 85.

Older adults can lose body heat faster. So it's a good idea to leave extra blankets by your television and set your thermostat to 70 degrees. Try to avoid space heaters, but if you need one, never put one in-front of your chair, a window, and never block the path you walk with one. It is also important you never use a power cord or extension cord for a space heater. These heaters use a lot of wattage which can cause these chords to heat up and short, even spark and sometimes cause fires. If using a space heater, clearance from anything on all sides needs to be three feet all around. For a warm cozy room, put your chair on an inside wall. Remember, never place furniture over a register or block the furnace air return. In addition, always have a working smoke alarm.

Safety tips also include, a list of people to connect with, including: family, friends, the furnace company, hydro contact, plumber, gas company, and a friend or neighbour who would possibly have a key located on your fridge, along with your medical information. A second copy is good to keep by your bed. Many seniors also have an alert button for safety, and it's always a good idea to keep your cell phone at arms reach.

God promises to carry us, sustain us, and watch over us as we grow older, including the everyday wisdom to keep us safe in practical ways. He also tells us to focus on His daily renewal and continuous presence, as He provides personal support and fruitfulness. I've said this before, even when physical strength fails, we carry with us wisdom, and purpose, so we do not decline into irrelevance, we are on a path of spiritual renewal. Live well and let your life point others directly towards God's faithfulness.