Elderly Blues and Blows

Dementia may not be treated anymore but it can be overcome by the power of care and concern.

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 03:51:00 +0000

Maryland Cop Photographed Helping An 81-Year-Old Find Her Way Home

It’s easy for someone with dementia to forget important details in their everyday life.
Whether it’s duties that were once second nature to them, or even members of their family, there are certain memories that start to fade away as the disease progresses.
Getting lost is another concern, even if it’s within the very neighborhood in which they live. That was the case for an 81-year-old woman, whose daughter called the Charles County Sheriff’s Office to report her missing. The elderly woman took her usual daily walk up and down the driveway, but never came back into the house.
Officers from the department in La Plata, MD, immediately sprang into action. Officers DeBoe, Caywood, and Morrison, Sgt. Black, and Cpl. Clevenger along with his K9 partner, began looking throughout the wooded area.
Thankfully, the officers found her 40 minutes later. But, it’s the heartwarming gesture of Officer Morrison that’s made this specific moment go viral.
“Officers encounter different situations every day. Some good, some not so good. In this case, a frightening situation for the family ended happily. For that, they were thankful. For us, it’s the rewarding part of policing,” the Charles County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook along with the touching photo.
See the lovely picture below…

Facebook/Charles County Sheriff's Office

“At first, she seemed confused at the sudden appearance of police officers on the tree-lined trail, and she asked if the officers were out taking a walk, too. They quietly replied ‘Yes,’ after all, it was a beautiful day. And then she seemed relieved and told them she had lost her way. ‘No problem,’ said Officer Morrison who then gently took her hand and along with the other officers walked her back to her house. Along the way, the officers made small talk with the woman, to make her feel at ease,” the department explained on Facebook.
“When asked what the key to a long, healthy life was, the woman replied, ‘Eat good and stay active.’”
Please SHARE to encourage everyone to be sensitive to people who may be suffering from dementia!

This elderly is a blogger and a traveler in order to live longer

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 01:33:00 +0000

"Life is what you make it" goes the ordinary saying when one expresses resentment and dissatisfaction about some reality. In a way, yes but in another way, no. After all, there are contributing factors why life is not what you make of it. Take your family who has not been exactly helpful while problems pile up. Then there is your work place which is not exactly your cup of tea but you must retain if food has to be served on the table for everyone. The litany goes on . . .

But life as a whole is what you make of it, come rain or shine. This elderly is trying to live up to this fact. So one decision to be made is to blog and travel and blog. This elderly is a blogger and a traveler in order to live longer!

"It is hassle when a senior citizen asks for discount!" says the cashier.

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 06:20:00 +0000

Some of the senior citizens I know are in denial. In denial in the sense that they still engage in fun runs and Samba sessions every other day.These senior citizens are already in their 70's and while we can not help but disagree with their decisions it seems the activities really suit them well.

In situations like this, what exactly is the right way to approach the situation at hand? I would say: to each his/her own. Gone are the days when only one approach is THE BEST.

The next scenario is something that will drive your sanity away. We went to a mall and on our way home, we stopped by a food chain (specialty is dessert and sweets of various kinds). While waiting for our orders to be served, the cashier was still trying to settle how much our order costs. There were already three sets of so-called receipts she prepared but she kept making another one. On the third try, she asked for additional amount since according to her I, the senior citizen citizen is asking for discount so she did had to re-do the computation. On the fourth try, my daughter was forced to ask what exactly was the matter. The cashier replied: "It is hassle when a senior citizen asks for discount" so she could not yet come up with the final amount. What followed next was like "war of words" which ended with the cashier asking apology profusely. When the words were said, the dilemma still lingers on . . . Is it a hassle to give to the senior citizens what are due them? Imagine we found - later on - the discount was a measly fourteen pesos 14Php!!!

This is definitely an elderly blow for if I had my way I would like to blow the cashier away and let her eat 14Php worth of nothingness :D

To end with a better mood - let us go back to the denial mode - and look at life's blues.Life is much better than all the discounts establishments can give to any senior citizen. Every senior citizen has already received the best discount only God can give: Life at its prime :D

The Elderly Blogger and her Blues and Blows

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 02:55:00 +0000

Retirement is a nasty word. When we show our Senior citizen Identification Card it is also like a verdict: You are old!

So goes this Elderly Blues and Blows which tries to capture what it is to retire and remain regal and whole and Elderly Blues which refer to the inevitable depression when not overcome because body aches and pains are now persistently on the attack.

1. Be determined to make every day a blessing to behold. Only your faith takes you to whatever you plan for the day. "Seize the day" even at sixty plus.

2. Finalize your plans or begin planning. Gardening is one option or walking ten thousand steps however you can.

3. Do not think too much about your age but think a lot about the legacy you will leave behind. Never did I take seriously my Memorial Plan but now it is good I have one.

4. If you have children who are travelers, join them. I am lucky and grateful my children like me around so I travel for free. At least I contribute my being "perky" and jolly all the time so they will not think too much of me as a burden.

5. Lastly, we have to come to terms with mortality and although it weakens me once in a while that I might go anytime, I pray to my God to help me prepare. After all, we know each of us will go that way . . . whether we like it or not.

Retirement after all is not that nasty. It is just what life is . . . tired again? Then retire . . . or no longer charging? Recharge. Life is more than retirement.

This Elderly Blogger has have her Blues and Blows because life is a continuous struggle to balance the blues and the blows. Be happy friend :D

Red envelopes for senior citizens and retirees during Chinese New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 01:08:00 +0000

Philippines is one country that always treasures respect for the elderly and the senior citizens. Being one of them, I do not find it a problem. However, you only look around you and see that there are many who are elderly and senior citizens who are neglected by their loved ones. It is inspiring to know that Chinee New Year gives attention to expressing their Tender Loving Care to the children and elderly during their celebration of the New Year by giving them Red Envelopes.

The money inside the red envelopes is not the main point of the story. It is the attention that they give to the children who are dependent on their parents and adult siblings to have a good life and the elderly and retirees who are no longer physically fit as before. Also the elderly and the senior citizens have become sentimental in their old days.

Chinese New Year 2016 is on Monday 8 February.
The date of Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar, but is always somewhere in the period from January 21 to February 20. Read more on Chinese New Year dates from 2016 to 2027.

Our resource material is China Highlights via Google for us to give data which are accurate. However, it is accurate to say even as a Filipino and an elderly that the elderly is not interested in the red envelope to mean just to receive money but to be loved and cared by children, relatives and if the spouse is alive, by him/her most particularly :)

Senior citizens help during elections in the United States

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 01:58:00 +0000

International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) is one venue for our young people to visit the United States of America. Some of them go around the country to observe campaigns and election time. A reliable source from the Program shared with me that the senior citizens and the elderly play active roles during the important events. This scenario is unlikely in other countries, including the Philippines.

What do you think is the rationale behind such a very significant role the senior citizens and elderly play during an equally essential activity like elections? The explanation sounds endearing :) The senior citizens and the elderly take their jobs seriously because they believe the succeeding generations must have the right leaders if their future has to be protected and facilitated. What an honor !

It looks like the Philippines will and cannot do this because ironically most of the senior citizens and the elderly are too caught up with their health conditions, election responsibilities may just aggravate their situations. Just the same it is enlightening to note that to become a senior citizen is not the end of public service.

Social Security System must be transparent in their investment portfolio

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 01:32:00 +0000

CHIZ WANTS SSS TO ITEMIZE

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero called on the Social Security System (SSS) to make public its investment portfolio and explain to its two million pensioners why President Aquino was correct in his assessment that the pension fund would go bankrupt in 2029 if he did not veto the Congress-ratified P2,000 increase in their pension.

“It is about time that the SSS, with its officials earning millions of pesos in salaries and bonuses, be put under the spotlight and be made to explain in full details why the agency will go belly up if we grant the much-needed P2,000-increase in the monthly pension of its retired members,” said Escudero, the leading vice-presidential candidate.

In his veto message, the President said that enacting the SSS pension hike bill could lead to “substantial negative income for the SSS” and depletion of its Investment Reserve Fund by 2029.

The Chief Executive explained that with the pension increase of P2,000 per retiree, multiplied by the present number of more than 2 million pensioners, would result in a total payout of P56 billion every year.

Compared against the annual investment income of P30 billion to P40 billion, such total payment for pensioners will yield a deficit of P16 billion to P26 billion annually, the President said.

As such, Aquino said the deficit would seriously compromise the current members of about 31 million just to favor the two million pensioners and their dependents.

Escudero said this was the reason why the Filipino people, particularly the pensioners and their dependents, “would want to know where the SSS bigwigs have invested their contributions.”

The veteran lawmaker also recalled a statement the President made during the 55th Founding Anniversary of the SSS on September 3, 2012, during which he emphasized the role of the pension fund in helping its members.

“SSS ensures that its funds are protected made to grow so that it can continue its mission of providing viable, universal and equitable social security protection for now and for more generations to come,” read the speech carried by the official website of the Office of the President.

Escudero said it was ironic that for that anniversary celebration, the SSS chose the theme: “Kabuhayang Pinagsikapan, Seguridad Maaasahan.”

“So where are all the fruits of these contributions by these retirees? The security they were promised?” Escudero asked.

“Surely, these contributions made by SSS members that were also used to pay the millions of pesos in salaries, benefits and bonuses of the agency’s officers should have also been considered investments, investments to make sure that they use SSS funds properly so that these would get the best yield in the investment market,” he added.

Yet now, Escudero said, the pension fund is “using this excuse of poor investment yield as the reason why SSS pensioners cannot get their just increase in pension.”

“If there is anybody that should be made to suffer for the shortfall in investment income, it shouldn’t be the pensioners but those under whose care the billions of pesos in SSS contributions were put so that they could invest them properly,” he said.

Reinmatters.com is pro- Elderly Blues and Blows

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 02:18:00 +0000

In the future I hope you will extend your interest to interact with me through www. reinmatters.com. As senior citizens, here is one that might interest you.

Yes, this 65 year old retiree successfully conquered Zipzone 840 M at the 4500 ft. Level of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park in Brgy. Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon Province Philippines. As promise temperature and wind speedd, I did experience extreme adrenaline under the following conditons: weather, temperature and wind speed.

Fellow senior citizens, are you ready for your own zipline adventure? Go!

62 is the magic number of Elderly Blues & Blows followers, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year friends

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 01:27:00 +0000

Sometimes one can become so weary, even to open one's account is too much to ask. But when it is Christmas and New Year has dawned, even the weary soul perks up to greet friends and acquaintances.

So how has life been treating you my 62 friends on this blogspot? How I wish we can communicate more actively by inspiring me to go on. You are the only reason why I can have the energy to put up with life's weirdness. How is that?

For now, my heartfelt greeting is the only one that matters - Merry Christmas 2015 and Happy New Year 2016.

Senior citizens and the elderly as active election watchers

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 17:19:00 +0000

There is truth to the fact that our physical bodies ache here and there after reaching a particular age. Still it cannot be denied that it is precisely these aches that will help them go beyond their frailties to do the task at hand: to make sure the election is clean and orderly.

This is easier said than done but if there is political will, why not? But is it political will or just the awakening of everybody's consciences - that we have only this country - only this place no matter what we have made of it.

We do not know when this perspective can ever begin but with young politicians come new life lessons and perhaps, miracles more concrete than just words . . .

Fellow senior citizens an elderly, what do you say?

Happy Easter fellow senior citizens

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 17:52:00 +0000

We, the elderly, may not have many Easter Sundays to celebrate but this Easter Sunday God has gifted us so Alleluia! Happy Easter Sunday then fellow senior citizens!!

In the course of life we encounter many ups and many downs but with an event when our Lord, Jesus, is risen is a facet of our faith that makes each of us more than the animals. We are destined to life eternal. For the elderly, this is heart touching for life takes a form other than earthly.

May we have more sharing about life beyond death because if there is one reality we the senior citizens have to contend with, it is death. Every one, regardless of one's status is bound to die but in this Easter event, every one is destined to a life that is eternal when seen in the eyes of faith.

To end with a happy note is to say with a bang: Happy Easter fellow senior citizens!!

Holy Saturday's food for the spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 04:22:00 +0000

Today, for the believers, is Holy Saturday. Every year, we celebrate Holy Week and Holy Saturday is one day before Easter Sunday. Most of us do not feel holy during the so-called holy week but most of us feel renewed in faith and challenged to consider the reasons why being holy is not easy to come by.

Being an elderly myself and soon a retiree, I still can not readily say I feel holy during the holy week or that I have lived a holy life. Perhaps thisis one reality of being a senior, an elderly and soon a retiree, that life has been good enough to us in this category that the feeling of being holy is encapsulated in the gift of long life. So today, Holy Saturday, here I am in the apartment of my son, cleaning and feeling happy and holy this way. All mt four grown children are out there rafting and enjoying each other's presence while not one of them has decided to get married. In a way they are celebrating Holy Saturday in the cocoon of family relationships.

Tomorrow, Easter Sunday, the whole family will go to the beach and celebrate Irene's birthday, the eldest of the siblings and my only girl. It is a time when family takes center stage allowing a taste of heaven when the family members nd praise God for love each other amid all the ups and downs of life's reality.

Thank you God for the gift of Holy week, for the gift of presence.

Fellow elderly I will retire on July 1, 2015 so expect more blogs from me

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:49:00 +0000

Few months more, to be exact July 1, 2015 and then blogging will soon become my niche. Soon, a countdown is in the offing for my garden is ready for display and we will get to exchange photos of flowers and plants that you may not have and I have or I do not have and you have. Whichever, we will have more time for each other.

Another agendum I am entertaining is to travel abroad. How is that? Any interested party to exchange notes or addresses or cellphone numbers? First takers?

If you are an alumna or alumnus of Bukidnon Normal School or Bukidnon State College or Bukidnon State University you are my type.

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 08:48:00 +0000

Malaybalayan is the chairperson of the Grand Alumni Homecoming 2015 so if you are an alumna or alumnus of Bukidnon Normal School or Bukidnon State College or Bukidnon State University then you are my type. Register here in this website and I hope to see you on April 30 up to May 2 of 2015. It is a grand date fellow alumni. The first respondents will not only meet me in person during the alumni but I will make sure there are tokens of appreciation for you from me.

Write your name, your home address, the year you graduated and your cell phone number.
Anyone?

Grand Alumni Homecoming for Bukidnon Normal School turn Bukidnon State College then Bukidnon State University

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 08:32:00 +0000

Read ye. Read ye. All alumni of Bukidnon Normal School turn Bukidnon State College then today, Bukidnon State University.

The dates to remember as our Grand Homecoming days are April 30, May 1 and May 2, 2015.
Theme Growing Strong even after 90 years Becoming Stronger Through the Years.

The Calendar of Activities for the Homecoming 2014 to 2015

     Day 1 April 30
                 Arrival and Registration
Opening of Bazaar, Plant Show
                                                      Batch Meetings

     Day 2 May 1
                 Religious Services
                  Motorcade
                 Business Meeting and Ratification of BSU Board Alumni Resolution
                      Election of Officers
                 Cultural Presentations
                  Fellowship
                  Dancing
                   Raffle Draw
     Day 3 May 2
                  Tour
   Extended Batch Meetings
HOME SWEET HOME HOME SWEET HOME HOME SWEET HOME

Long time no hear fellow senior citizens but here comes Malaybalayan, fellow elderly

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 04:18:00 +0000

There comes a time in our lives when being an elderly seems to be a very good excuse to lay low. However, there is also a time when being an elderly it becomes lifeline to reach out to fellow senior citizens. I was informed there is now a website for older people. How about seniorhood.com??? Let me think about it and if it is meant to be, we will make a go of it. Any comment?

I love today, August 17, Sunday, it awakened me to my other calling, that of being a senior blogger. After all this senior blogger was awarded Bukidnon Blogger of 2013. Perhaps it is part of growing old . . . to take time because life is like this.

So how has life treated you all these many months I was away? Long time no hear fellow senior citizens but here comes, Malaybalayan, your fellow elderly and she is still alive!

Many events are cropping up these next few weeks and definitely this senior blogger will retire from teaching on July 1, 2015. Before long, I have to plan where to go and what to do. My most cherished dream is to go to New York City because my sister, Em-Em lives there. Money is usually the reason why things have to wait and for a senior citizen, retirement from service gives you a certain leeway to think and dream big. Certainly we can slice a portion of our retirement money for a trip of a lifetime.

So here is your fellow blogger making a countdown, August 17 of 2014 to July 1 of 2015. This will be my test of courage and commitment . . .

Second Sunday of May is Mother's Day and so today I greet all mothers all over the world: HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Sun, 11 May 2014 02:52:00 +0000

When I was younger, I did entertain the possibility of getting married if the right man comes along. The thought however of becoming a mother was something I fear mainly because of the pain that comes with giving birth. Now that I am a senior citizen after four children and one husband deceased, I am beginning to give meaning to the many events that have come and gone. This is the beauty of getting old, becoming an elderly and staying alive with God's help, life takes on a very different angle and deeper perspective.

One great event is the idea of celebrating Mother's Day every Second Sunday of May of every year here in the Philippines and all over the world. From now on, motherhood for me is a rare privilege and not just a right. At this point in my life, gratitude and emotional sentimentality are very near my heart. Mother's Day is a breather, a fresh air of looking at life. To all the mothers in the world, I greet you, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

Elderly inspiration has ignited once again so this update, hi and hello after a long while . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Thu, 08 May 2014 09:38:00 +0000

Many months have passed by and to my dismay, energy has not been forthcoming. I realized that with an elderly status comes also an elderly inspiration that is ignited not very often so now it has come, so this update.

Some points need to be expressed by this elderly if only to account for some of the reasons why life has not exactly been rosy. This blog will focus on at least three: 1) climate change 2) retirement blues and 3) children up close and personal as they go about being professional.

First point: Climate Change - Who is not affected by this reality which we had refused to accept as happening until the rapid change of weather and the glaring effects that just hit us in the face make us agree it is in fact here to stay. Climate change makes us realize that the environment seems to have been fed up with all our negligence and irresponsibility that we have only ourselves to blame. Now, we have to finally come to grips with its impact and gradually learn again how to plant, transplant or begin again in other ways. In the Philippines, it is summer or dry season and once again it is hot and dry all over most of the places. At least in Bukidnon, the heat is bearable since it is cooler compared to cities like Cagayan de Oro. However, it is still safe to say that most of the areas reflects the results of Climate Change: unexpected high temperature and the like. We just end the discussion by saying that climate change in the positive sense is a time to change how we view our surroundings and Mother Earth. In a way we deserve what we are experiencing now so in the same vein of perspective we must take upon ourselves to do something proactive right in our homes and own backyards and gardens.

Second point: Retirement Blues - In the Philippines, the retirement year is 65 for public employees and at least 15 years of service to avail of GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) pension program ; for private employees, at least 60 years of age and 10 years of payment to avail of SSS (Social Security System) pension program. The blues come when you may reach 65 but is not 15 years in service. In my case, I will be 65 next year but only 13 years of service so accordingly I cannot avail of the pension program. At least I avail of SSS but the monthly pension barely helps in that after paying for 20 years as a private employee way back 1975 to 1995, the premiums were very low so by the time I reached 60 and availed of the pension, it only amounted to four thousand pesos. Now that I am given the chance to work in government and now that the time has come for me to avail of the mandatory retirement by the time I reach 65, my number of years of service is only 13 so short of 2 years to reach the minimum! These are the blues and truly these are blues to bear because once you reach 65, only your retirement pension becomes your main source of income. No wonder, other retirees have begun their gardening interests which I have followed suit myself. I have not only begun flower gardening but planting fruit trees as we. At the moment my banana plants are fruit bearing at least 3 of them are proud of its fruits. To the young employees therefore, learn from my sad plight. Make sure you know your status and protect your future. Know GSIS and SSS this early.

Third point: Children up close and personal as they go about their professional undertaking - This last point is very close to my heart. I have four children who are really in this status. I am looking at my own children from this vantage point and I can only shed a tear or two for the very good thing they are doing. If there is anything that parents are proud of it is to see their children grow up and become professionals. It is such a privilege to see them in their niche that all you can do is look up to God and be grateful for having them as my children and I hope the feeling is mutual that they are happy I am their mom and their Dad looking down on us from where God has placed him be, is equally smiling for being their father. Fellow parents, this is a wake up call if your children go astray. Hold onto their goodness. do your best and let God do the rest.

Elderly inspiration indeed may dwindle but I hope whatever is shared also serves as my inspiration to all of you out there. To future elderly inspiration - may you come more often . Thank you God for this inspiration.

Birthday wish to the youngest of this senior citizen

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:03:00 +0000

Birthdays come and go but every birthday makes us realize the many days and years we take for granted the gift of life. Like this senior citizen who is about to become 64 this coming July 1 and her youngest turns 30 today, March 5, 2014. It is so touching to greet a son who seems to be living his dream to become a wedding photographer and a very good one at that. Just open the net and open OneHappyStory to see how this once upon a time, the child of this senior citizen is now a young adult conquering the world with his genius as a photographer.

For a senior citizen and a mom, the sight of a child-turn-adult and still very much the loving child of many years ago tugs the heart. The birthday wish then of this senior citizen and mother is mainly for the son to just go on with what he is doing because he is doing it extremely well.

May God bless all the celebrants today but if given the exception, please God bless this handsome man called Lorenzo Paul Boni who has turned out to be the child turn man every mother can hopes to have as a son. May God shower him with all the luck today, tomorrow and every day of his life. May this birthday another day of blessings and a continuation of the many opportunities of giving the world its due.

Google brings us to Facebook, FB brings me to you and you to me, agree fellow Senior Cit?

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 12:55:00 +0000

In all the years I have come to accept the reality that 2013 now 2014 and before long 2015 - July 1, Google will be my best outlet to reach out to fellow senior bloggers like you. Time, as it is, will soon catch up with me for by July 1, 2015, I will be 65 and by then only God is my real anchor as to whether or not it will come to reality or not.

While time is something that happens anyway, this senior citizen is very grateful that Google is here to stay and via Facebook I come to reach out to you fellow senior bloggers. There will come a time when I will be more of a blogger than a teacher without denying that the interlocking of both is not difficult to come by. Come what may, FB has brought me to so many areas of living that Senior Citizens or not, communication is sometimes the only way there is.

Thanks are in order like to Google for bringing me to Facebook and Facebook to you fellow senior bloggers out there. Do be patient and soon enough we will have more of shared thoughts and plans. As for now, Shalom!

New Year Blues and Blows - in and out of your life - Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 21:12:00 +0000

Out 2013 and in 2014! Am so glad we "see" each other again fellow bloggers after a forced leave off this spot. This is the sad thing with life's blues and blows especially when it attacks a senior citizen like me.

So let us catch up and consider 2013 in the realm of the past and welcome with all its possibilities, 2014.

January is already beginning to have its impact felt in our country, the Philippines. Thus far, we have the weather topping its list of unwanted presence. So many incidents of flood, road mishaps and killings!!! So many threats to one's life you are left panting and asking, what else is next? The important defense amidst all these is to remain positive. This positive attitude has to be embraced and entwined with a strong Faith in God. Even if we do try to believe in governments and societal undertaking to protect our rights, there are evil intentions lurking just about anywhere and any thing it can stain or reach out. the environment seems to be infected of the many abuses people all over the world have gradually and incessantly amassed and all we can do is inhale all its acid.

Let this aforementioned scenario not hinder us from what the New Year has to offer. We are more than all these cruel crises like us to fear. We are created to do more and be more. We have to welcome 2014 with all its possibilities. Count me in!!!

Body pains especially back pains are the elderly's constant visitor so how seniors cope is pain itself

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Reaching 60 is a blessing but sad to say also a curse. It is a blessing because life has allowed you to reach 60 and this alone is the blessing. Since it is a new level in the complicated state of affairs in this reality called life somehow the elderly is left wading through the intricacy of it all. So comes body pains which are the elderly's constant visitor. Many suggestions have been shared by fellow senior citizens how to cope and it is worth delving more into it.

From my end, I still find myself adjusting to the signals of what senior citizenship is all about. That's why it is labelled another kind of citizenship. One tip is really to smile and lazily take in all the surrounding blues and blows as it comes. Another tip is to come up with some form of exercise to release pent- up emotions even as the body is treated its much needed stretch and movements.

Then there is this exciting phase of having gadgets to keep up with what games seem to trigger one's curiosity. Senior citizens should give these gadgets like android phones its corresponding place to tickle your fingers and play the games the young are playing. Then there is the tablet for other phases of communicating with the world - a camera for instant memories; wi-fi for your facebook entries and blogging needs and many more.

Body pains are here to stay so let it stay but with life's exciting perks, the pain might just go away.

Shooting rampage the latest being in Los Angeles Airport, what happens to the elderly and senior citizens caught in this dilemma?

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 01:05:00 +0000

In earlier blogs, this Elderly has brought up her frustrations of what the world seems to be undergoing - with all the violence and environmental disasters. Then today, at a time when the world is celebrating All Souls Day - November 2, CNN Center gives its breaking news about a gunman who went on a shooting spree in a Los Angeles airport (LAX). This makes us frown with surprise how the gunman evaded all security officers.

One photo showed the passengers inside the airport running to and fro or about anywhere for as long as they are far from where the chaos is. This elderly could not help but feel for the senior citizens and the differently-abled. Do watch CNN Network to see the chaos.
All the aforementioned sends waves of fear in my spine thinking of the elderly and senior citizens who have to be left behind or plunged into panic. Definitely something more proactive can be done about this scenario. With all the trials that confront each of us, more preventive measures are expected and recommended.

In the meantime fellow senior citizens, let us do our tasks ourselves. Let us wear sturdy flat shoes and travel light for our preliminary protection. Make it a point to be more vigilant. While the young may go about the day as happy-go-lucky as can be, it is incumbent upon the senior citizens to stay alert. Look around to size up the surroundings. Sometimes it is because of our age that we have this intuition to feel and sense danger before it happens.
Take care guys and gals!

An Elderly reflection on All Saints Day and all Souls Day

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 03:07:00 +0000

Any day that is celebrated daily, monthly or annually becomes stale and routine if the reason for doing the activity is not from the heart.

So with November 1 (All Saints Day) and November 2 (All Souls Day), it can become mere memorial. Yet, for us elderly and senior citizens of this world, these are two days of the year that must play vital roles in our lives. For one, the chronological age of an elderly and senior citizen is reason enough to take these two days major turning points of life's crossroads.

Saints become saints because as persons they lived life to the fullest, committed the good and the bad but fortunately chose more the good than evil. It is not that the saints were so good they did not commit sins. Rather they were ordinary in everything but through constant reflection and retreats, decided to make God their center and focal point of their decision-making. They are saints for us to emulate and consider as role models when there is not enough to expect.

Souls refer to persons who died and are now awaiting Last Judgment - like us. We pray for our beloved dead because we believe through prayers their suffering may be lessened and their way to God's Kingdom may be paved. Seen in the light of faith, this is acceptable so only believers can see in these two days opportunities to pray to the saints for wisdom and enlightenment as they asked from God the same. Furthermore we pray for the souls of all persons who need it because prayer is the only means to communicate with God who forgives all our sins.

From an Elderly's point of view therefore, All Saints Day and All Souls Day put front and center the reality of death as a beginning not an end. When this point of no return happens to each of us, it is time to let go. Faith is a gift we can choose here and now. Choose Life, not death.

What's what with life nowadays so asks this elderly

noreply@blogger.com (Malaybalay Blogger) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 14:59:00 +0000

Yes, it can not be helped. We have ask what's what with life nowadays? Are you asking the same? If you have not, it will soon come.

So what's with life nowadays?
     1. A student happens to be pregnant. During the semestral break, we heard that time time to give birth came. What seems to be a natural thing became a problem when complications happened and she died. Questions arise: Why did this happen? Details need not be known by us but we are aware of similar cases which could have been prevented if more attention was given to pre-natal care.

     2. The earthquake ( intensity 7.5) that happened in Bohol Philippines is a painful reality that if the Boholanos have their way they like to move on even if it is too difficult to do so. Then The residents of various barangays are told recently that some of them are staying on top of sink holes. Why are these data just became known? Are they entirely new or are the experts aware all along? There are pains that go away with time but this is one pain that will stay forever.

     3. Marriages nowadays are constantly visited by crisis upon crisis. The causes are as varied as the couples are unique. Already the situation is stressful but if one of the causes of the rift is tainted by drug use either by the husband or the wife, the degree of healing becomes more complex. Sometimes, only God's miracle can heal the wounds.

     4. The elderly is at a loss too for the children do not act as they used to be. One senior citizen for example told a group of children to play somewhere else since the front of her gate is not a playground and her plants have been affected and in fact two pots already fell. One of the children immediately responded by answering back that they did not cause any damage as claimed. In the course of the day, the tennis ball (sometimes, shuttle cocks) finally went inside the fence so they could not get it. The elderly gave in and gave back their object(s). Later on the elderly gave an ultimatum and when the time came that once again the ball/shuttle cocks went over the fence, the senior citizen allowed it to just be there. Then the mother of one of the children came and suddenly asked why he senior citizen destroyed the shuttle cock? Imagine the guts! So the mother and the daughter received a not so well worded response from the elderly. the mother shouted by telling the senior citizen that she came to ask and left. The daughter shouted at the elderly and called her names in the presence of her mother. The senior citizen shouted back by telling the girl she did not have good manners and was disrespectful. You would think the children hesitated to play again in front of the elderly's house, wouldn't you? Sorry all the more they played. So again, the senior citizen had a field day glaring at them! What do you do if you have neighbors like them? In connection with respect for the elderly and senior citizens, are we prepared to let it go fellow seniors for the times have changed?

     5. We go beyond our borders and what do we see and hear? Similar cases of economic downfall, hatred and violence and all other nuances of evil that seems to e the ordinary thing of the day. Where do we go for strength and wisdom? In a way, Pope Francis is a breath of fresh air what with his constant reminders of living simply if we want life to be in accordance with God's teachings. The latest photo we saw of Pope Francis where a little boy had the guts to go up the stage and took his time to stay there and when he felt he was ready embraced the Pope. The Pope was kind enough to understand what was not in the script and like Jesus lovingly touched the head of the child and went on with his talk. There is still hope for better days.

     So what's what with life nowadays? This elderly knows deep in her heart that for as long as people are still living in this world, it is inevitable to meet all kinds of challenges for after all this Earth is not yet Heaven. So let us still try to laugh off everything that seems to happen nowadays. With Faith and laughter, everything is meaningful and bearable. Do you agree? :)