BY SUSAN STUCKI
IDAHO FALLS RESIDENTS WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE with Mayor Rebecca Casper’s sentiments about our seniors: “It is important to remember that our senior citizens are the crown jewels of our community as their efforts in years past have paved the way for the many economic opportunities and social blessings found in this community today.” Because we honor our golden-aged neighbors and friends, we welcome the opportunity to focus on both their lives and their needs whenever possible.
One current community-wide campaign, Valentines for Seniors, is open to residents of every age in February. Many participated in the first and second annual Valentines for Seniors. Besides lifting the spirits of our elderly friends, creation and delivery of the handmade notes created by youth and adults served as a reminder of those who might experience loneliness or isolation on the special day designed to express love.
With the goal of growing into a community-wide event, seniors throughout the community were invited to participate in the 2nd annual Celebrate Seniors this past spring. Senior Solutions and Idaho Falls Community Hospital sponsored the fun-filled day. With the opportunity to display hobbies and hand-crafted items, seniors were invited to share their talents. Displays of art, knife-making, sewing and wood carving awed the guests. On stage musical numbers and poetry recitation delighted the audience.
Old Time Fiddlers provided fiddling music. This incredibly generous group consistently serves throughout the community, donating their time and talents to cheering others. The Lyle Albertson Strait Country band also filled the venue with their songs. A raffle to benefit Meals on Wheels, a meal service organization that provides nutritious meals to homebound seniors, was part of the day’s fun. Who doesn’t like to win a raffle?
Besides entertainment, reconnecting seniors, and making new friends, the event reminded the community that seniors can and still do contribute to our lives. Another local group, Friends for Learning, keeps seniors on the move with educational experiences, fitness and activities of all varieties. Their mission statement: “Friends for Learning is for Idahoans 50 years and older who want to continue learning, providing, at minimal cost, activities, special events, and opportunities for study for retired and semi-retired people who want to continue their intellectual growth and enjoy being part of a like-minded community.” Looking over their full schedule of possible activities, it is obvious that participants can expand their horizons and broaden their life experiences exponentially in their “golden years.” It seems one wouldn’t have time to grow old if involved in even half of the offerings of Friends for Learning. How can we, the public, contribute to the wellbeing and happiness of a generation of people to whom we owe a debt of gratitude?
Groups and individuals can find volunteer needs for seniors on www.JustServe.org. This forum is a no-cost community service tool that provides volunteer opportunities for those who wish to serve or need ideas for meaningful projects. Serve Seniors posts on www.JustServe.org are a valuable resources for those who would like to invest time in serving our seniors. One happy recipient shared her story. As the full-time caregiver for her father Pete, Nancy was thrilled when a volunteer came to their home an hour a week for 6 weeks to help her dad brush up on technology. Pete had something new to look forward to and was able to engage in something he did not yet feel proficient in. This provided a challenge for him to learn new technical skills. He was able to maximize the use of his iPhone, iPad, and social media. As a result, his confidence increased and friendships were created. Pete was deeply grateful for the hours one person invested in an 86-year-old who needed technology help. Opportunities abound to serve and enjoy our aging friends—the crown jewels of our community.