Older Adult Topics

  • Older Adult Topics

    Setting Direction for the Year Ahead

    A New Year, A Natural Time to Reflect

    The end of one year and the beginning of a new one are great opportunities for people to reflect on the past year and their lives, and to make plans and set goals for the year ahead. People often start the new year with fresh, exciting ideas and potential changes they want to make, both personally and professionally, along with strategies to reach their goals in the coming years.

    Looking Back Before Moving Forward

    At the end of each year, I write down my thoughts on the year’s achievements, reflections, books I’ve read, and special events, among other things. I take time to plan for the upcoming year and outline what I want to accomplish by putting it on paper. I plan out the year as best I can. It’s not fixed, but it helps focus my mind on the direction I want to follow. I read, review, and see my plans clearly. As a visual person, I love seeing ideas written down. Sometimes one idea sparks another, and I keep adding to my list of things to do, finish, or change.

    Why Writing It Down Matters

    Over the years, I’ve learned that writing things down, reviewing them, and putting my thoughts on paper help me make and implement changes more easily and intentionally. Additionally, I can look back on the past year visually, which often energizes me to add to my list of goals.

    Planning With Purpose (Not Perfection)

    If you haven’t yet reflected on your past year or thought about your goals and dreams for 2026, that’s completely fine—there’s always time. Whenever you choose to take a moment for this, it can be genuinely helpful. Often, the most inspiring ideas and plans come when you’re just open and receptive to them.

    When One Idea Leads to Another

    I’m genuinely excited about the year ahead. I want to keep setting goals for what I want to accomplish this year and in the coming years. February feels even more special because it’s my birth month, which naturally leads to the next topic—reflecting on reaching a milestone age and contemplating my life, myself, and the path I want to follow.  

    It’s Never Too Late to Begin Reflecting

    We’ve just finished the first month of the year, and it’s amazing how fast time flies! I hope everyone reading this feels motivated to set their goals for the year ahead, a year full of excitement, purpose, and happiness. Wishing you all the best in 2026!

    Marian Heemskerk

  • Older Adult Topics

    The Young and Old Learn from Each Other

    Over the past few months, I have observed and experienced interactions and connections between older adults and children of various ages, from pre-school to high school students. Witnessing and feeling this joy creates an incredible bond among older adults and children of all ages, highlighting the value of life for both. 

    In November, a children’s reading session between older adults and children from a local school took place. Witnessing this interaction multiple times, the one-on-one connection between the young and the old is truly remarkable. The room fills with excitement, chatter, and a genuine sense of sharing and connection that feels very special. 

    At the end of November and December, I attended several children’s choirs and concerts that lifted the spirits of both young and older people—their angelic voices and innocent hearts filled with joy and love for those around them. It was a true pleasure to watch and listen to them sing. 

    At an Artisan Christmas market, I watched children decorating cookies, making gifts, creating beautiful art pieces, or purchasing something to give to their mom, dad, aunt, uncle, or grandparent. These activities encourage a sense of generosity in others. This tradition helps young children develop an important trait and fosters meaningful connections across generations. 

    The joy of hearing a children’s choir, attending Christmas concerts, and watching and listening to children read the Christmas story creates a warmth of love, peace, joy, and hope, as it passes along important history, faith, and traditions.   

    Young people must form relationships with older adults. Conversely, older adults should also spend time with young children. Both groups are at vulnerable stages in life, and both represent beautiful ages. Young children are innocent of worldly matters, while older adults appreciate the beauty of youth and its purity. Seeing and being with children—their kindness, smiles, and laughter—brings joy and deep love. 

    How fortunate it is for all older adults to have the opportunity to spend time with children and young people, and vice versa. Lloyd Den Boer wrote a great article, “Mind the Kids,” in the September 2025 issue of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association’s News & Views. He is quoted with the comments from grade 10 students stating, “The best thing about spending time with seniors, they insisted, was how much they learned.”