Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Helping the Elderly to Feel They Are Not Alone


--by territerri, posted Aug 7, 2010

I teach exercise classes to seniors  and I try to find ways to encourage them, not to just exercise, but to have fun in class and to make friends. Loneliness is one of the greatest complaints of the elderly.  I love encouraging our group to go out for breakfasts or lunches together.  On occasion I want to  pay for the meals of individuals that cannot pay for themselves.   I want to bring homemade coffee to our morning classes.

Standing around after a class and talking and smiling and CONNECTING with each other is so important.. I don't want anyone to be lonely!  This is my passion in life: to make others feel as if they are NOT ALONE.

2023 Reads

Readers Comments

Spoonerism wrote: So glad you are able to contribute and make these people feel connected with your classes and your coffee! :-) My grandmother recently went into some gently sheltered accommodation aged 89! She's still driving and very spry, but has been finding it tough as some of the others in the home are older and less active... But it turns out there is something called the University of the Third Age which offers all kinds of classes for retired people. I have also got in touch with Age Concern a great charity here in the UK that supports our II innings children and they have been sweet and very helpful! My wife and I recently signed up to a course to learn how to give hand massage which will happen in November and hope to be able to go to go around some of the old people's homes in our area and offer free hand massages to anyone who would like them... Like you, my wife and I are big fans of our elders and feel they deserve much more of our attention than they currently receive! Keep up the great work! Love from the UK.
territerri wrote: How wonderful...hand massages! So many of our elders lack human touch so what a lovely way to make them feel cared about. i love this idea!! I need to find out how to give hand massages too!
Thank you for sharing your idea!!
1golddragonfly wrote: Fantastic! What you are doing for a largely forgotten part of the population is so kind. Thank you for being a bright spot in their day!
Double 6 wrote: I have played badminton for over 10 years , but i am just 18 years old haha. I love exercises very much but i donnot have some experience of teaching others , so you are great not only for these students but also me terri.
unknown wrote: hey Terri, do you work in US or anywhere, it might be nice to know more about what you are doing to our II innings children :)
territerri wrote: I teach in California.
I like how you worded "our II innings children".
Having said that, there is so much wisdom and life learnings (i think i just made up that word, ha) that we can gather from our older generations. I instruct their exercise classes but it has become much more than just an exercise class. They have become my family and I want to do all I can to make them happy. In fact I am getting ready to go to my first class now. =]
territerri wrote: i meant to say, my FIRST class TODAY!
Have a wonderful day, encouraging and being kind to others!!
JuneBug wrote: We need more people like you in the world, territerri !!! :D
FairyBubbles wrote: That is wonderful - your passion will bring so much joy.
territerri wrote: You are so right! I never knew what joy thinking of others happiness could bring to me. I am the one who gets the greatest benefits from, something so simple, BEING KIND to others!!

Add A Comment