I would like to introduce myself to all the seniors out there and to acquaint you with this
new column that is dedicated to seniors helping seniors. This column will be the first of
many (I hope) that will appear on this web site.
Why call it "MY SOAPBOX"? I guess it's because I have opinions on a wide variety of
subjects and once I get started, I have been accused of "going on a bit". This is your soapbox too and I want to hear what you have to say.
As a senior myself, I am familiar with some of the problems that face many of you on a day to day basis and I intend to deal with a variety of topics. The following subjects seem a good place to start.
LONLINLESS & FAMILY
TRAVELLING
CHURCHES
INDEPENDENCE
INCOME TAX
BANKS
TRANSPORTATION
VOLUNTEERING
ADOPT A PET
ENTERTAINMENT
GROOMING
POLITICS
LIVING ON A PENSION
If there is something I have missed, then let me know. I realize that a great deal of advice from professionals will be needed, and I'm sure there are people I can call on to help me out. I will do my best to bring you information that is correct and reliable. If it isn't, I'm sure you will let me know.
This column will also contain tips of where to shop for discounts, stores that are "Senior Friendly", some of life's humorous moments, a section on pet peeves and anything else that seems to fit into this column.
As seniors, we have lived through depression, recession, a world war, high government taxes, low wages and last but not least, Elvis. As a result we have accumulated a wealth
of experience that we can share. What is history to the present generation is reality to us.
We have raised our families without disposable diapers, automatic washer and dryers, cell phones and TV dinners. We had one income and larger families, just don't let anyone say to met they were the 'GOOD OLD DAYS'.
It is important for this column to help seniors who are handicapped in one way or another. I need to know about businesses that cater to seniors who can't get out and about, such as "Meals on Wheels" who do such an excellent job of providing seniors with
healthy, prepared food for very little cost.
My very first PET PEEVE is for the Managers of Grocery stores who keep their shopping carts outside winter and summer and want me to pay 25 cents to retrieve a cart to shop in their store. (It is refundable). Sorry - I won't shop in your establishment. This store is certainly NOT senior friendly and let me add that it takes three men and a healthy mule to
get those carts apart, even if you can manage to get a quarter out of your handbag and get it into the slot. I'm talking about seniors who are over 65 and over. Put on your thinking cap and change this way of doing business.
To close this first column, I would like to give you my philosophy on ageing which is simply this - 'WE'RE ALL GOING DOWN THE SAME ROAD, SO LET'S MAKE THE JOURNEY EASIER AND HAPPIER BY HELPING ONE ANOTHER'
BYE FOR NOW
Dorothy is over 65 years old and lives in London, Ontario.
No reproduction of this column is permitted without the consent of the writer.
Please email ideas@senioryears.com with any comments, questions or suggestions for Dorothy.
For previous editions of Soapbox, visit article index.
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