Page 20 - Senior Times South Central Michigan August 2020 - 27-08
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 Page 20
Senior Times - August 2020 Faith
MATTERS
Rev. Dr. James Gysel, Special to Senior Times
FIGHT LONELINESS
50 Sanderson Lane Coldwater, MI 49036
517.279.9587 Maple-Lawn.org
Stacey Lott
Attorney at Law
the Americans over the age of 65 live alone.” Living alone doesn’t necessar- ily mean that someone is lonely, but
as I talk with other seniors, I know that some who live alone definitely are lonely. Usually they are a widow or widower and things are never the same even if you’ve “recovered” from your grief. There’s just a lonely place that seems to never go away.
Carefully (with a mask) enter the community around you. Find ways to volunteer at a food pantry or even
a school this fall (or homeschool). It’s possible to tutor a child. You could tutor in the literacy program at Willard Library, or take a class at Kellogg Community College or the ILR pro- gram for seniors when it re-starts this year or next. If you love animals, visit the Human society and adopt a pet! Considering taking up a new hobby. Become computer savvy!
DR. WEST
Friendship Center Locations:
Award-Winning | 5-Star Rated
And if you’re not a Christian, you need to know that there is a God who does love you and cares for you and is on your side. You’ve just not taken the leap of faith yet. But God is waiting for you to say “Yes!” – whenever you’re ready.
Estate Planning & Elder Law
Whew! What a list! And now we’re all experiencing the pandemic, which seems to exacerbate all of the above. What to do? How do we handle loneli- ness? This will not be easy, but some- thing not on this list is something you CAN DO if you’re lonely:
Sometimes that’s through a faith com- munity, but can also happen on the spot when you go out of your way to encourage and support the workers at the drive-thru at the restaurant or even if you are seated and served.
269.963.8222
Do a random act of kindness for
the people you encounter in your day. You’ll feel better, and I know your care will be greatly appreciated.
130 East Columbia Avenue Battle Creek, MI 49015
www.staceylottlaw.com
Remember who you are. If you’re a Christian, remember you’re a child of God and that, “Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate you from the love of God in Jesus Christ.”
You may not always “feel” God’s pres- ence, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t real and eternal. God has promised that he will never leave us... “And remember –
With the COVID-19 distancing and masks, it’s hard to physically connect with friends or others who may be in
a care facility or nursing home, but it doesn’t mean you can’t use your phone, text, or email to make the connection with them.
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475 E. Columbia Ave., Suite #5, Battle Creek, MI 49014 (Lower level) (269) 968-9923
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Reaching Social Security
I just saw a statistic this week that was from a Claire Samuels online article, “Facts about Senior Isolation and the Effects of Loneliness That will Stun You.” Well it more than stunned me, it really shocked me. Here’s the fact: “The Census Bureau reports that 13.8 million, or nearly one-third of
I am with ALWAYS – to the end of the age.” ~ Jesus in Matthew 28:20
However, loneliness is a danger,
as Samuels points out in her article, “That can include: depression and anx- iety, but also physical consequences. Researchers have linked obesity, high blood pressure, weakened immune system, cognitive disorders, and early death.”
Find a way to serve others.
During COVID-19
By Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Our offices are not providing service to walk-in visitors due to COVID-19, but we remain ready and able to help you by phone with most Social Security business.
we know that service channel isn’t right for everyone. You can still count on us by phone. If you have a critical situation and we cannot help you with by phone or online, we may be able to schedule an appointment for you.
You can speak with a representative by calling your local Social Security office or our National 800 Number. You can find local office phone numbers online by using our Social Security Office Locator at www.ssa.gov/locator.
If you need help, please don’t wait until we can see you in person. Call us now and get the help you need. We also understand that getting medical and other documentation can be difficult due to the pandemic, so we are continuing to extend certain deadlines wherever possible.
We offer many secure and conve- nient online services at www.ssa.gov/ onlineservices. Although you can do most of your business with us online,
BARRY COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING
Delton Faith United Methodist Church
(269) 579-3918 11:00am-1pm
Hastings COA Building:
(269) 948-4856 Mon-Fri 10 am-2pm
Main St. Banquets:
Woodland Eagles Club:
(517) 213-9212 Mon-Fri 10:30am-1pm
(269) 367-4041
Mon, Wed & Fri 10:30am-1pm
• Home Delivered Meals. For homebound seniors that are unable to pre- pare meals, can receive delicious meals at home. Special diets available. • Senior Center Activities including line dancing, card making, beading,
cards, bingo, and many others.
• Senior Meal Choice Dining. Restaurant-based senior dining program.
• Chore Service provides minor home repair for seniors.
There are many more activities and opportunities to volunteer your time and talents! Just Call Barry County Commission on Aging for more information.
320 West Woodlawn Avenue, Hastings, MI 49058 Phone: (269) 948-4856 | Fax: (269) 948-3336 E-Mail: bccoa@barrycounty.org | www.barrycounty.org
Just remember: “No act of kindness however small is ever wasted.”
Blessings on the journey and faith- fully yours, ~ Jim Gysel



























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