25 elders gathered at Friendship Heights on Wednesday, July 20th to talk about WELLNESS FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ELDERS.
One of the elders said ..."I agree so much with what you are saying today, but why retirement centers do not talk and practice some of the things we are talking about today? These are the ways to better the quality of life for elders!"
I asked the elders in the audience: "Tell me in your own words some indicators for a better quality of life?" Among the answers...No. 1: sense of humor. Any web site focused on research and social development in the internet mentioned 'such indicator' to measure quality of life.
One of our elders said "this talk is wonderful" I asked him why, did you find it motivational or inspiring? He said "It is more than that... Listening to you I realize that I am the solution. That there are many things I can do tp better my quality of life."
How many of you have dreams yet to work on? About 8 elders showed their hands. Then one of the elders said '...no one have ever asked me if I have dreams and I have never thought about it. But I promise you, I will think about something."
I asked the elders for adventures and dreams of their own that they would like to share with the audience... a lady said.."my sister had cancer, I invited her to come and visit me from England, for the fourth of July. She came to visit and said, I have never seen live fire works in my life and I would like to go to Annapolis and take a cruise. Her sister with tears in her eyes told the audience that her sister was very happy for 7 days here in Washington DC. She also told us that her sister died two days after she returned to England. I am telling you this because I think it is a good example of how important is to live today, and how precious life is. To make our dreams, adventures and heart's desires part of our present. Otherwise, it could be too late.
The audience, mostly elders, well focused on the subject, taking notes and making the most interesting remarks.
Our elders and their dreams and how to stimulate their senses, minds, not only the brain, but also the mind, the spirits and the bodies. Because we live until the day we die!
...and I quoted Robert Muller "The word is not RETIREMENT. The word is REFIREMENT as Robert Muller has said many times, because for Robert, as for many of our elders at the age of 67, it is just simply impossible to think about retirement.
The audience working on the definition of WELLNESS.
A beautiful summer day to be happy and be WEL, World Elder Land.
The audience stopped at the registration table to share their contact information..."Kathy please keep us posted of future events."
Outside the Friendship Heights Center, a new generation freely dancing and playing in the water fountain. This beautiful gril is already fully aware of how to enjoy a better quality of life. PEACE, SENSE OF HUMOR AND SIMPLE WAYS.