Shirley Curtis is a long-time resident of Pickering, a newbie octagenarian who’s going on 40 or 50 at the most. Sharp as a tack, on top of her game, whatever it is, and right up there on what’s going on in the City.
I first met this woman at one of the political Town Halls presented by the City Councillors and was immediately caught in her web of sociability and engaging persona. At subsequent Town Halls, she was always there and engaged with me each time.
What is amazing is this retired nurse who specialized in care for the aged has just hit the big “eight O” herself but in talking to her you would never believe she is that age. She is aware of her City, her Councillors, the political scene. She is involved socially with Seniors in activities and associations sponsored by the City. She would be a cribbage champion if it weren’t for her constant laughing out loud and engaging verbally with everyone at the card table.
So why are we writing about this individual?
We’re writing about Curtis in hopes of motivating other Seniors. This woman is a retired professional who should be resting on her laurels but she doesn’t. She’s engaged not only in her City, with her family but with other Seniors. She is active in her community, and far beyond. Tolerant of winter until it becomes intolerably cold, she walks an hour a day, TWICE A DAY. She takes advantage of the fresh air, exploring City park areas and the waterfront. She says, ‘Never mind the fresh air. It’s Vitamin D from the sunshine that’s important.”
Her range of knowledge and discussion is boundless. She comments knowledgeably about politics: City budgeting, strong mayor powers, waterfront development, activities and events the City sponsors. She has praise for every City Councillor with explanations as to why. Shift topics a little: she laments how old age homes need improvement and better financing to improve care; how PSWs (Personal Support Workers) need better pay and better training if senior care is to improve; dehydration and how it leads to fatigue and dietary problems (drink 8 glasses of water to help regulate all kinds of physical aspects of your body from skin tone to regularity); on insomnia, a real problem that may be alleviated with magnesium bis-glycinate and the importance of Vitamin D for all seniors (recommended intake to consider is 5000mg daily…although she recommends lots of walking in the sunshine even more highly.)
So you seniors out there…get up, stretch, do some yoga, then get dressed on the tolerable winter days and get walking. Curtis would add, get up off your duff and get involved with others. Doing so will alleviate the problems that come with isolation and loneliness. Getting involved will only improve your own health and if Curtis is an example, I am getting up right now. Besides she says, you make friends and become more alive.
This is one heck of a Senior and it was a pleasure to engage with her. I have asked her to consider writing articles about AGING, HEALTH, DIET, SENIORS and SOCIALIZING as she seems to be a fount of knowledge about these things and likely could give people a lot of valuable information. Maybe if enough people comment and encourage her, she will take me up on the offer!
