Teachable Moment

I'm walking back from the recycle bin on the apartment complex property.

A young boy is staring at me.

I take a few more steps, glancing at him.

The next time I look at him, he says to me in a flat tone, "You're short."

I smile, in my head relieved that he didn't say "ugly" or "weird looking."

"Yup, I sure am," I reply.

"How old are you?" He asks.

"I'm old," I say, still smiling. Then I ask him, "How old are you?"

"Eight." he answers.

"Cool," I say, then add, "I like your blue scooter." 

That's it. He slides away on his scooter and I start up the hill.

No harm. No foul.

Kids may not always express their curiosity and confusion in the nicest way. But that doesn't they are intentionally being rude. Hopefully our brief encounter showed him that I'm just a person who looks a little different from "the norm." But I'm still a person and it's okay to talk to me.

librarianintx

Virtual Resources for Older Adults

 Social isolation was a problem for older adults before the pandemic and continues to be an issue as people return to in person events.

Poor health, financial constraints, lack of transportation, and scheduling personal care attendants are some reasons why older adults and people with disabilities cannot attend in-person events. 

Here is a list of online resources for older adults that offer companionship, enrichment, lifelong learning, and social opportunities.

Sorry the spacing is messed up. I'm trying to copy and paste, and the format is not cooperating. 

            Companionship

AARP Friendly Voice: Leave a message at 888-281-0145 and a volunteer will call back

Big & Mini: 817-755-0775, https://bigandmini.org/: Seniors who would like companionship are paired with young people. Chats can take place by phone or Internet.

Friendly Voices: https://friendlyvoices.org: Nationwide, free service that connects seniors with volunteers for weekly phone calls. Sign up online

Social Call (Covia): 877-797-7299, https://covia.org/services/social-call/, Seniors who would like companionship are paired with a volunteer. Chats can take place by phone or Internet.

Discussion Groups for Seniors

DOROT University Without Walls: 877-819-9147 (toll free), Cost: Small fee / donation: https://www.dorotusa.org/our-programs/at-home/university-without-walls

Lifetime Connections Without Walls: 888-500-6472 (toll free), Free: www.familyeldercare.org/healthy-connections-2/

Senior Planet (OATS): 210-504-4862 (San Antonio tech hotline): https://seniorplanet.org/, Phone and virtual group events

Senior Planet Community: https://community.seniorplanet.org, Offers interest groups to interact with like-minded individuals

Well Connected: 877-797-7299 (toll free), https://covia.org/services/well-connected/

Lectures / Classes

Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/, Free and for a fee courses

OSHER Lifelong Learning Institutes, National Resource Center

List of Institutes: https://sps.northwestern.edu/oshernrc/files_nrc/lli_directory_2021update2.pdf (links to Texas institutes on page 17)

Classes designed for older adults. Prices vary.

Road Scholar: www.roadscholar.org/collections/online-lectures

One-hour lectures, from free to $25, on topics such as art history, world cultures, archeology, and more. Most lectures are recorded and available later. A free account is needed to sign up for lectures. 

Enrichment

A Mighty Good Time: www.amightygoodtime.com, A web site that lists                 events and experiences, many online, for older adults. Some programs are         free and some charge a fee.

Aging is Cool: www.agingiscool.com/calendar, Offers free virtual programming for seniors including exercise, socializing, brain training and games 

Cyber-Seniors: 844-217-3057, https://cyberseniors.org/, Seniors can                 schedule phone chats for assistance with using technology or sign up for technology-related webinars or view previous webinars. Site also features virtual exercise classes, community chats, movie, and trivia nights

Hey Go!: www.heygo.com, Free, live, interactive streams from around the world. Registration is required. All tours are free, but tips are encouraged. Not just for older adults

librarianintx

Dehydration

 Dehydration is something that can sneak up on you and cause unpleasant symptoms. 

Luckly dehydration is easily overcome by ingesting fluids. 

Easy for most people anyway. 

Individuals who have swallowing difficulty, who work or play in a hot environment, or have digestive issues or are dealing with a virus can become dehydrated. 

Some people struggle with chronic dehydration. I am one of those people. 

If you have any of the following symptoms, dehydration could be either a cause, or a contributing factor:

thirst

fatigue

headaches

irritability

dry skin

nausea

muscle cramps

constipation

high potassium levels

difficulty urinating

poor kidney function

kidney stones

rapid heartbeat

low oxygen levels

low blood volume

seizures

confusion

Water is the best thing to drink. 

If you don't like the taste of plain water, you can add fresh fruit or a flavoring packet. Some flavoring packets are made with artificial sweeteners or a lot of sugar. 

Tea, coffee, milk, and milk substitutes are also good sources for fluids. 

Fruit juices, even 100% juice, are high in sugar and calories, but can be good for hydration. 

Sports drinks can be helpful if you are working or playing in the heat for long periods of time.

Sodas are not good for you but are better than nothing if you dehydrated. 

Sugar-free carbonated beverages are a good alternative to soda and will help to hydrate you. 

A cold alcoholic beverage might taste good on a hot day, but it will only dehydrate you further. 

A good rule of thumb is to drink at least half of your body weight. So, if you weigh 160 pounds, make sure you are drinking at least 80 ounces of fluids. But you may need more if you are out in the heat, exerting a lot of energy, or have a virus or infection.

librarianintx

Big Brother 8/4 Episode: My Thoughts (Spoilers!)

Wow.

That was an EPIC blindside!

Go big or go home - bye Nicole!

She was my pick to win - for about five minutes

For a police officer, she was too emotional. And cocky. And loose-lipped.

She and Daniel turned out to be a terrible alliance. Their single-minded goal to oust Taylor resulted in a truly dumb move. I understand they thought they had the numbers, but y'all...this is Big Brother! And when Monte got the three girls to flip - that added icing to the cake. An almost unanimous eviction - and now Daniel is a dead man walking - unless he wins HOH or makes a new alliance. But I don't see anyone wanting to work with him considering his bitchy comments after Nicole walked out the door.

Having said all this, though, I'm not exactly celebrating Taylor's win. I agree that she has been bullied, and the misunderstanding with Nicole was not her fault, but Taylor can be cocky too. The whole "Queen" thing - it's a lot. Belief in yourself - fantastic. Belief that you're better than everyone else - thumbs down.

librarianintx 

"Be On Time" Chronicles

This was the start to my day:

Text Mom

Pee

Brush hair

Shower

Dress

Pee

Wash hands

Do hair

Jewelry

Pee

Wash hands

Take medicine 

Put on jacket and badge

Put food in bag

Check for ride

Pee

Wash hands 

Check for ride

Moisturize face

Walk outside 

Solve Wordle

Do Spelling Bee

Look at Facebook 

Ride is late - start to call Metro

Van pulls up

librarianintx