Wellness for seniors

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley

As we welcome March, I am hoping for a time of renewal and looking forward to Spring. March, with its changing weather and longer daylight hours, present both opportunities and challenges. I would think and believe, as a senior, I play a vital role in my family, community, and so do YOU. I want to ensure I remain healthy, active, and engaged. It is more important than ever.

It was a tough start to 2026 and the key to my success is maintaining my overall well-being and my quality of life! I build my life on God's word because my faith rests in his power.

As snow melts, and pathways clear, it’s a great time for most to maintain mobility, balance and keep a gentle indoor routine, such as exercise classes, stretching, and chair exercises. March is also the perfect time to reconnect with neighbours, friends, or join a club, and find a purpose which keeps you active.

Many seniors manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Seniors also have a reduced capacity; weakened muscles, weakened joints, and tendons become less flexible as energy decreases. Pain, fear of falling, or a decline in motor skills also play a factor. Regular check ups with your health provider, and medication reviews and adherence to treatment plans are essential.

Many people, from my experience, get irritated or impatient with seniors, due to their busy schedules, a desire to be efficient, or just a total lack of understanding regarding the physical or cognitive challenges of a senior. I have experienced this myself. If I am using my cane, they tolerate me much better. We often forget, the person who is in our way is carrying a story we can’t see. They could be a senior who can no longer reach that can of peas, or one who lives alone in silence.

We need to make time to be together, be gentle, be kind, and be patient with people. I stopped to ask a gentleman, who was loading his groceries into his trunk from a Walmart scooter, if he needed some grocery bags. It was a bitter cold evening and he began to cry. At first, he said no, but he did accept the few I offered him. I wondered how on earth he would manage to get the rest of his groceries into his house, as they rolled loosely in his trunk. I observed, his physical impairment seemed to hinder his ability to move freely, easily, and without pain. I became worried for him and so I prayed for him.

The Bible frames this slower pace for seniors as a time of wisdom, reflection, and dependence on God. God promises to carry His people, into and through old age. Even in weakness, seniors are called to bear fruit, pray, and share wisdom. It is a time for deepening faith, gaining wisdom, and relying on God’s strength. In a world which feels rushed and uncertain, faith reminds us to slow down, trust while in the journey, and believe we are not alone. Jesus told us to not worry about tomorrow, because each day has enough trouble of its own. Unfortunately, we can get so overwhelmed with the details, we trade connection for convenience, and even trade that convenience for noise!

Families, caregivers, and the wider community all have a role to play in supporting seniors, ensuring they live their golden years with dignity, joy and happiness. As we continue to pray for lives around, we, as seniors, can also be a blessing, helping others with the same.