Page 56 - Sonoma County Gazette 12-2019

What about Presents for Old People?
Dec 9 ~ Free Bingocize for Older Thru-Dec31~MindfulBalanceClass~
While every situation has its own personal considerations, there are factors that can probably apply across the board for most of us – the givers and the recipients!
Adults ~ Bingo combined with simple exercises for falls prevention. Free, 1-2p, Burbank Heights and Orchards, 7777 Bodega Hwy, Sebastopol, 707-565-7321, Autumn Buss, abuss@schsd.org
Gentle yoga class geared toward older adults. $5-10, 11:30a-12:30p, Russian River Senior Center, 15010 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, Anna Grace
Senior Ballroom/Line-Dancing with Band ~ Senior Ballroom/Line- dancing. $9 non-member, 1-4p, Finley Auditorium, 2060 West College Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-543-3737
Rides to Medical and Social Services Appointments ~ 311 North Main Street, Cloverdale, 707-894-4826 Elizabeth, cloverdaleseniorcenter.com
It might seem a simple thing to select a gift for an elder, but it’s probably a
Thru - Dec 19 ~ A Matter of Balance: good idea to pause and have some second thoughts before you buy something Managing Concerns About Falls
special.
Consider some of the typical “adjustments” that many elders must make as years advance. Smaller living quarters, fewer furnishings, and appliances such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs are just a few. Downsizing, as
age advances, presents some limitations we might not prefer; but if we are reasonable and realistic, we will try to gracefully adjust. The curio cabinet and other non-essentials might have to go.
Knick-knacks and collections must often be tucked away in storage for the grands to enjoy later. With furnishings reduced, there might not be a place for just one more lovely. An elder with limited mobility who doesn’t get out and about as much, might not really need new outfit accessories. There are new living patterns and new needs to consider. You want your gift to be pleasing, relevant, useful and welcome, of course! So, be a good observer.
~ for seniors who want to learn ways to reduce falls. 707-565-5936, sonomacounty.ca.gov, mob@schsd.org
Nov 11 ~ 855 Wood Sorrel Dr, Petaluma Nov 14 ~ 1111 College Ave, Santa Rosa Dec 4 ~ 4676 Mayette Ave, Santa Rosa Dec 19 ~ 657 Acacia Lane, Santa Rosa
Space and function are very real challenges for most seniors.
Russian River Senior Resource Center
15010 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, 707-823-1640, westcountyservices.org
Ongoing ~ Senior Dining Room Lunch ~ Food, Fun and Friendship. Wed & Fri. Anyone 60 and over Donation of $4.00 Res Req’d, 12-2p
Ongoing ~ Free Rides for Seniors ~ by WCCS. Pick up RR Senior Center, RR Health Center & Monte Rio & Forestville. Call 707-823-1640 x140
The most frequent criticism I have heard when it comes to “gifts received by an old person” is the one about thoughtfulness and appreciation vs what-to- do-with-it...
Senior Dining Sites Council on Aging 30 Kawana Springs Road, Santa Rosa, 707-525-0143. 60 and over Donation of $4.00 Reservation must be made 24 hours in advance Cloverdale Mon-Fri ~ 12p, Cloverdale Multipurpose Center, 311 N. Main St. 707-525-0383 Healdsburg Mon-Fri ~ 11a, Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson St., 707-525-0383 Sebastopol Mon-Fri ~ 11a, Sebastopol Senior Center, 167 High St., 707-525-0383
Santa Rosa Mon-Fri ~ 11a, Silvercrest Senior Housing, 1050 Third St., 707-525-4487 Healdsburg Mon, Tue, Wed ~ 11a, St. Paul’s Church, 209 Matheson St. 707-433-6161 Rohnert Park Mon-Fri ~ 11a, RP Senior Center, 6800 Hunter Drive, Ste. A, 707-525-0383 Santa Rosa Mon-Fri ~ 12p, Bethlehem Tower, 801 Tupper, 707-525-0383
Santa Rosa Mon, Tue ~ 12p, United Methodist Church, 2150 Giffen Ave 707-525-0143 x103 Sebastopol Mon, Wed, Fri ~ 12p, Sebastopol Senior Center, 167 High St, 707-829-2440, ext. 6 Sonoma Tue, Thu ~ 12p, Jerry Casson Senior Center, 264 First St. E. 707-996-1414
A simple answer for some is: Just ask! And that’s a two-way street!
There may be something that would really please an older person on your list, but you just don’t know what it is. On the other hand, elders can feel that family and friends already do so much for them, that they hesitate to ask
for something else they really want or need. Breaking down that simple communication barrier can help!
Consider some easy, thoughtful possibilities. One special and successful key to presents for old people is to include you in the gift! When mobility is limited, an escorted outing can be a wonderful gift! A day doing the museums or art galleries may be sorely missed by an elder who can no longer easily venture out alone. Is your special old person a book lover? How about a gift certificate and trip together to a favorite local bookstore – many seniors still prefer bound books to electronics.
Framing a favorite photo that evokes good memories can hardly fail to please – and doesn’t require a lot of space! A drive to a favorite area and a meal away from the routine fare can mean a lot. A bouquet of flowers delivered to their door is always a winner. A Labor of Love is a great gift! Offer a day or weekend doing a chore list for that elder you love – they will welcome the help! How about the gift of an outing to their favorite local shops – to do their gift shopping?
Senior Social Clubs at four convenient sites
Santa Rosa Senior Social Club ~ M, W, and F, 9:30a-2 at 2150 Giffen, Santa Rosa.
707-525-0143, or atlanderson@councilonaging.com
Sonoma Senior Social Club ~ Tu, Th, 9:30a-2 at Vintage House, 264 First St. E., Sonoma, 707-525-0143, or atlanderson@councilonaging.com
Healdsburg Senior Social Club ~ M, Tu, 9:30a-2p at St. Paul’s Church, 209 Matheson St., Healdsburg. 707-433-6161.
Sebastopol Senior Social Club ~ W, F, 9:30-2p at Sebastopol Senior Center, 167 No. High St, Sebastopol. 707-525-0143, or atlanderson@councilonaging.com
As an elder, it can be tough to receive something you simply have no space for – be it closet space or curio shelf -- or something you probably will never use. Presents for old people – presents that please – are presents that fit their situation, and that don’t negatively impact their specific environment’s limitations.
It’s really easy to make choices that are sympathetic, thoughtful and simple!
Zoë Tummillo is a Business & Marketing Consultant/Trainer/Commercial Writer, dba COMMUNICATION CONCEPTS, in private practice since 1974. In addition to Commercial work, she writesSenior Momentum: A Series of Situations; “Pieces of My Path. essay memoirs of growing up first-generation Italian American; andSenior Momentum: Front And Center!. Email Zoë at writingservice@earthlink.net
Sebastopol Area Senior Center 167 N. High St.Sebastopol, 707-829-2440, sebastopolseniorcenter.org
Blood Pressure and Glucose Screening - 3rd Thursdays, 12-1 p.m. Suggested Fee: $3 Wisdom Counts Member; $4 Assoc. Members
Community Reiki Sessions ~ Reg req’d, Reiki is a healing technique channeling energy. Sessions are led by Kristen Picard, Reiki Master Teacher. 10:45-12p
Blood Pressure and Glucose Screening - 3rd Thursdays, 12-1 p.m. *when volunteers are available. Suggested Fee: $3 Wisdom Counts Member; $4 Assoc.Members
Rides To Appointments ~ Need a ride? Dean Brittingham, 707-829-2440 or emaildean@sebastopolseniorcenter.org
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