Senior Scene: Inspiration to begin 2024

Happy New Year to all. 

I usually start the January newsletter with Oprah’s famous quote, ”A new year and another chance to get it right.”  I still like the thought of that. A second chance is always good. Every year I get a book for Christmas from my daughter, Paige. This year’s choice was  “The Little Book of Daily Sunshine” by Clare Josa. It’s a book of inspiration to light up each day. The very first reading really inspired me and I would like to share it with you: “When we look at a beautiful diamond, we pick it up  and look at it from all angles. The same goes for inspiration in life. It calls for us to pick it up, view it from several angles, try it on for size or maybe try it out in different situations. We shine a light on it to see how we might be lifted by it today. And, if we encounter it in the future, it asks us to look at it with fresh eyes to see if there are deeper levels in there for us. When life lessons come back to you or inspiration strikes twice, it’s your deeper wisdom’s hint that there is still more for you to learn, more for you to experience. Don’t dismiss it. On this beautiful journey of life, there is always another perspective to enjoy.”

Whether we live here full-time, part-time or only visit, we are so lucky to experience small town life in Vermont. Small or not, Killington and our neighboring Pittsfield both have wonderful libraries that work hard to provide programs for us. 

The Roger Clark Memorial Library in Pittsfield is hosting Jill Mudgett on Saturday, Jan. 20 at noon. Mudgett is a cultural historian with an interest in the connection between the people and the environment of northern New England. She holds a Ph.D in American history and is interested in public history outreach. Her presentation will tell the story of an Indigenous man from southern New England who came to central Vermont during the late 19th century and was the victim of a murder. The story recreates community connections in a rural Vermont hill town. It’s a story about poverty, racism, disability and gendered violence against women, but it is also a story about the Indigenous movement and choice despite great obstacles. 

The Sherburne Memorial Library in Killington hosts movies every Monday at 1p.m. This is the lineup for the rest of January:

• Monday, Jan. 22: What Happens Later
• Monday, Jan. 29:  Empire Falls

Book Ends Book Group meets on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 1 p.m.

The new Sherburne Library activity calendar is available at the circulation desk and includes adult and children’s programming.

Any New Year usually includes resolutions and I’m sure this year is no different. More often than not they are health resolutions. So, of course, I have a few to share. These are health routines that don’t require too much, just daily practice. 

1. Floss your teeth daily. In addition to fighting gum disease, flossing is linked to heart health and improves diabetic control. 
2. Stand and move your body at least 5 minutes every hour. High amounts of sitting time are associated with increased risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Standing and moving just 5 minutes every hour is very effective. 
3. Express gratitude daily. Many studies have shown that expressing gratitude releases stress and improves mood. Every day, express three things you are grateful for. 
4. Cuddle with your pet. 

I can hear you now saying, what? Actually I didn’t make these four things up but read them in an article and thought they had value. People who cuddle with a pet have lower stress levels and are happier. If you don’t have a pet, maybe now is the time to get one. Maybe not! Pets are a big responsibility and the decision to get one requires much consideration. Just a thought!

Our “Thoughts on Aging” group is still going strong. We will meet on Wednesday, Jan.17, at the library starting at 1 p.m. We talk about anything and everything. I doubt that we actually solve any problems but we certainly come up with a lot of solutions.  The nice thing about our discussions is that all problems and opinions never leave the room. This month we will discuss the new year and its challenges, our resolutions and how we plan to keep them.

The beginning of a new year always seems like a good time to evaluate things and make changes if needed. Dr. Parul Goral, a geriatrician at Vanderbilt Health Center in Nashville, says there are three different components to aging well. They are physical health, an emotional community and mental support. When all these elements come together it helps us live a life that’s rewarding and healthful.

Some of the indicators that you are aging well are really quite simple. Do you take the time and have an interest in learning new things? Are we honest about our needs? Don’t suffer in silence. Sharing is a good thing! Are you part of a community? This is not necessarily where you live but your connections. We have the Killington Active Seniors (KAS). The nice thing about this group is you can take part in everything or you can just join the group for lunch on Wednesdays. Do you prioritize your physical health? Eating good food and moving, along with drinking enough water, is a good start. Do you do things you enjoy? We all have issues but it’s important that we all experience joy, too. Are you planning for the future in the event something changes in your life? Maybe downsizing or eliminating steps or needing household help is in the cards. Chronological age doesn’t really mean a lot. It’s how you’re feeling that is most important.

During the past year we have talked about a KAS phone book and many of you have sent me your information. Of course, there is no obligation. We just thought it would be nice if we all had a way of contacting each other.