When I wrote my last column for The Herald-Palladium in 2021, I said it wasn’t goodbye, but see you later.
Little did I know the journey I’d set off on for the next two years would land me in another position to be writing a column for this newspaper that I hold so dear to me.
I’m the new communications and outreach coordinator at the Area Agency on Aging, and I am excited to bring my journalism background to a nonprofit organization that has a wealth of incredible stories to tell.
When you see my name appear as the author of this column, you’ll know you’re in for an inspiring tale of living life on your own terms.
This week, I’d like to introduce you to Lynne of St. Joseph.
In her late 60s, it became a challenge for her to get out and do the things she needed to, like going grocery shopping, getting to her doctor’s appointments, and staying socially active.
“I want to live gracefully, do as much as I can physically, continue to meet new people and have fun,” Lynne said. “I do not want to live in a facility as my home is very important to me with all my belongings.”
Lynne was born in Coldwater, Mich., with her family moving to Elkhart, Ind., then to St. Joseph. She graduated from St. Joseph High School, attended Lake Michigan College, then went to Grand Valley State University where she obtained a degree in art and anthropology.
She said throughout her life, she’s had multiple personal obstacles that stopped or slowed her down from being able to do what she wanted or, more importantly, needed to do.
With the help from WELL of Grace Ministries and her Senior Companion, she is now thriving and living life on her own terms, the way she wants to age.
The Senior Companion program is offered through the Area Agency on Aging as a way to connect folks in need and folks who want to give back.
Senior Companions are volunteers ages 55-plus who spend 15 to 20 hours each week giving one-on-one attention to adults having difficulty with daily living tasks.
Since being paired with her Senior Companion Lavern in August 2022, Lynne says her life has changed so much.
“I have made a new friend. We laugh together, go out in the community together to antique shops, and have fun,” she said. “One of my biggest challenges was getting out into the community and now I can do that with the help of my Senior Companion.”
Last year, 24 Senior Companions around Southwest Michigan served 100 older adults and their caregivers with 11,437 hours of respite and socialization.
Lynne said that socialization has been key to making her feel like she can take on the world.
“I haven’t had this much fun in a very long time, as she makes me laugh and encourages me to stay active, walk more, eat right, and drink more water rather than sugary drinks. I have cut down my sugar intake,” she said. “I have overcome all obstacles and can enjoy life my way now.”
To learn more about how to become a Senior Companion, or how to get a Senior Companion, visit www.areaagencyonaging.org/senior-companions/, email sc@areaagencyonaging.org, or call us toll-free at 877-660-2725.
End note:
Alexandra Newman is the communications and outreach coordinator for the Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Interested in having an AAA representative speak to your group or organization? Email alexandranewman@areaagencyonaging.org. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-654-2810. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.