2020 was a year of much strife, uncertainty and loss. Some people have experienced a greater sense of security, while others a greater sense of danger. For many older adults, living through the COVID-19 pandemic has meant greater caution given the added risk that age brings to this group of the population.
However, many older adults also enjoy the benefit of a longer life experience, which brings with it’s own brand of resiliency. This is what Yvonne Whisenhunt has noticed through her work at the Longmont Senior Center.
At 84, she has been working as a peer counselor for more than five years and, contrary to expectations, she said she has not seen much of an increase in people seeking and accessing the counseling services that are offered.
“We have not seen an increase of people (getting counseling), or not what we expected to,” she said. “(In my circle) I haven't heard a single person being upset about the situation. Everyone wants to meet and they are tired of not seeing people personally, but we have Zoom, we have the telephone, there are things worse than (being isolated).”
There is a silver lining that comes with growing older, and that is the benefit of experience, Whisenhunt said.
“My husband and I have gone through things that are much more serious than being isolated,” she said. “As you go through life and experience various traumatic things, it builds the ability to handle the next serious thing ... each one has made us stronger.”
While there are people who have had “horrendous experiences” throughout this pandemic, she said there is wisdom to be tapped into and things to be learned from those who have lived longer lives.
Such are the stories of these Longmont and Boulder County seniors who shared pearls of wisdom as we embark upon this new year.
Martha Rosales with husband Jesus and great-granddaughter Gabriela. Courtesy photoFind your reasons to fight
For Martha Rosales, the past few weeks have been tough as she, her husband and her 85-year-old mother battle COVID-19.
“It’s hard to believe it can happen to you, but now that we have been going through these very challenging days, we realize that we have to be careful and really take notice of what is being asked of us,” she said.
At 62, Rosales also struggles with diabetes and pulmonary disease, and has seen her health weaken as she fights the disease. But her faith has remained strong, she said.
“I am a little weak but thank God we have been able to pull through this,” she said. “I have to keep going and move forward, be OK for my mom, whom I take care of, and for my husband who is also sick … all of this makes me stand up and say ‘I have to get through this.’”
Having lived through other times of crisis, such as her husband’s kidney disease, reminds her they have been able to stay strong before and can remain strong today, she said.
“We have been through a lot, a lot of things have happened in our lives … we really are blessed because even in the midst of a pandemic, God has helped us through this,” she said. “I believe in staying positive and putting our faith with God always.”
For her and her family here and in Mexico, God is the anchor upon which they have placed their hopes for the year ahead, Rosales said.
Beth Bowles. Courtesy photoStay connected
Beth Bowles retired in September from a career in real estate. At 70, she considers herself a very spiritual person, however this was not always the case, she said.
Nearly 10 years ago, Bowles entered a 12-step program for adult children of alcoholics, which helped her heal old wounds and propelled her into the journey of self-care and connection she said she is still on today.
“I focus on self-care, I eat a very nutritious balanced diet, which was not always the case because I was overweight at one time,” she said, adding it is not the physical body that needs care but also the mind and soul.
“During COVID I’ve really tried to connect with someone every day, whether that means donning a mask and going for a hike or walk, or getting on the phone or sending an email or (a message via) Facebook,” she said. “That makes me not get into myself, it takes me out of myself and helps me connect with the fact everyone is going through the same thing.”
Bowles advises all to stay grateful and develop a practice of meditation and journaling, something that can help bring mindfulness into everyday life through this crisis and beyond, she said.
Annie Colvin. By Silvia Romero SolisCount your blessings
At 73, Annie Colvin recognizes 2020 has been a year of much chaos between COVID and the election.
“I had real concerns about what's going to happen next … there are all these possible worst-case scenarios, with COVID, with the election, no matter what side of the political divide you are on. It gets you thinking about what's going to happen next, you got two causes for concern,” she said
As she has aged, the prospect of her mortality has become a more frequent thought and it is something she said has become a part of life.
“Those who are 30 years old don't really think about death very much, as you get older you know that it's coming, it’s just factual,” she said. “It makes you more aware of the reality … It’s not that scary, it's just that you know.”
Through these times, Colvin has taken up cooking and crocheting again, and enjoys taking her dog for walks, a task she shares with a good friend. Living in Colorado also gives her the opportunity to take hikes through scenic landscapes, which brings her much comfort, she said.
“Life is good and if I have to self-isolate for another six months, I can do that.” she said. “I say to myself ‘you are in a much better position than a lot of people, count your blessings and try to stop whining.’ I am fortunate … At 73, (I’ve) been through enough that (I) can get through this, too.”
Colvin said keeping a routine that involves fitness classes through Zoom and talking with friends often has helped her stay grounded. “Having a schedule has helped a lot, too … those regular classes have been an anchor.”
Donna Hoff. Courtesy photoFocus on today
Donna Hoff has been in Longmont for over 30 years and has been retired for seven. At 73 and as an introvert, she considers herself to be better suited to deal with the pandemic than many other people.
“I am single so I am very used to being on my own and entertaining myself,” she said, adding she recognizes this year has been much more challenging for younger people who may be worried about paying a mortgage, taking care of a job and getting food on the table. “Those are real fears … It's a real struggle. Even with a vaccination on the horizon, I think 2021 will continue to be a difficult year.”
Through difficult times, Hoff said she has found hope and reassurance in her faith as well as in finding things for which to be grateful.
“As bad as things get, there are people who are struggling just as much or more. It’s really important to look around and see others,” she said. “It is going to get better. I have lived 73 years and I know there are times in life when it seems like it's the very worst and nothing can be worse, but hang in there. Don't look that far ahead, try to figure out today.”
Slowing down to take notice of the simple things in life and choosing to be optimistic can go a long way, she said.
“Think about the little things you can do today that would make you happy, that you would enjoy, and do the same thing tomorrow. The days build on themselves and before you know it, this pandemic will be over,” she said. “Don't give up.”
Jesus Mosqueda. Courtesy photoLook forward to what's to come
At 69, Jesus Mosqueda, a native from Guanajuato, Mexico, has lived in Longmont for more than 40 years.
Having worked in a turkey plant for more than 32 years, he recently retired and lives with his wife and stepdaughter. Through the pandemic he said he has remained alert and cautious to ensure his health and the health of his family.
“I was very used to going to the gym seven days of the week, one hour every day,” he said. “Since the pandemic started, we have been going outside very sparsely. I only go out to go to the supermarket to get the things we need at home, but I wear a mask and gloves.”
Mosqueda has had limited contact with the rest of his family, many members of which are living across the border and some others elsewhere in the U.S., he said, adding seeing them is what keeps him hopeful for the new year.
“What I wish is to be able to get vaccinated and be able to visit my family in Mexico. It’s been over a year since I last saw my mother (who is 96 years old),” he said. “We have to keep going, right now we are going through this crisis but we will make it through it, God willing … We have to take care of ourselves and also take care of each other.”
Whisenhunt said there are virtual resources available to those struggling with isolation or other issues brought on by the pandemic, and service providers undergo training to try to meet people where they are.
“People come to us to talk to somebody … we have a certain amount of training, monthly training classes, and we have something to give those who come to us,” she said.
She reminds people to seek support if they need it and to remember that this too shall pass.
“This is one more crisis, this is what life is, crisis after crisis … but when you are flexible and work out a way to deal with crisis, you learn something and are better equipped for the next.”
To find local mental health resources and services, click here.
