Richard Froese
South Peace News

Does anyone really know what life is like as a senior until you reach 65? Now in the golden years in their 70s, 80s and 90s, here’s what some local seniors say:

Annie Blackhurst, 74, has been a local resident since 1981.
“I come to the Golden Age Club and got involved with the activities. I’ve had some health problems, but [everyone] does as they age. I enjoy being a senior, because I get to do different things, and go on trips. Just keep active, your mind and your body. Just get out and visit with people, and play games. I get to enjoy my grandchildren.”

Janis Bloom, 81, resides at Pleasantview Lodge and is a lifelong resident of the High Prairie area.
“I just live my life,” Bloom says, who finds the lodge a great place for friends. “I meet new people in here and make many good friends and just enjoy the company.”
Time with friends and family and playing cards make her life as a senior all worth it.

Steve Kohlman, 70, has resided at Pleasant- view Lodge in High Prairie since 1985.
“Have a positive attitude, despite the challenges. Have a good spirit in life. People will always have challenges at any age and stage in life. You have to change with it, otherwise it will get you down. When you’re depressed, it will depress other people.”
Using a wheelchair with a medical condition doesn’t get him down.
“I used to use crutches, but I didn’t want to be an inconvenience to other people. It depends on how you feel about it.”

Garnet McGuffie, 77, has been a resident of Pleasantview Lodge for two years.
“When I was a young child, my grandfather in his 80s was living with us. I didn’t think at the time that I could manage being that age. But things are a lot easier now; we didn’t have a car until the 1950s. You have lots of time to think about what life was like when you were young.”
Soon, he intends to move to Red Deer where he has been invited by his granddaughter.
“She thinks a lot of me and that makes me feel good,” McGuffie says. “It’s good to be loved by young people.”

Al Meneice, 92, a resident of Pleasantview Lodge, has lived in High Prairie for 51 years.
“Life is what you make it. Get active with what you have. If you want to play crib, play crib, or go out into the garden, go to the garden, if you can. You can’t sit around and wait. You take life as it goes.”

Tom Milner, 91, has resided at Pleasantview Lodge for four years, and been a resident of the High Prairie area for 41 years.
The older you get, the tougher it gets. If you want to get anything out of life, don’t just sit around because you’ll get old and not be able to do what you want to do. “They told me it would be the golden years, but I haven’t found the gold.”
He says his mother and father lived to be 90 and a grandfather 110.
“I didn’t know if I would live to be as old as they did, but I’m still going,” Milner says. I think it’s pure luck.”
After his wife Florence died 20 years ago, he found new friends in square dancing and carpet bowling.

Louisa Parke, 95, has been a Pleasantview resident for just more than one year.
“I just tried to live the age I am. It’s the most fun to be the age you are. Do what you can to live your life. I like to be with people, work in my garden.
Faith is also a major part of her life.
“Pray to the Lord is what helps you through. Honour the Lord in your heart and put Him first. When you pray, you keep your mind active.

Jean Reid, 80, says getting active is important.
“It makes you get up and around and with people. You get out, instead of sitting at home and looking at four walls. I participate in various seniors’ sports activities and do a lot of crafts. I go to coffee just to see people, we always joke around and find out what’s happening in the community and the world.”
She remains active in seniors’ activities and time with family.