Serving Our Seniors Magazine: January - March 2024

2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS 1 AND 2 BATH UNITS UPGRADED KITCHENS AVAILABLE 950-1200 SF RENT STARTING AT $975/MONTH WASHER/DRYER HOOKUPS PRIVATE BALCONY OR PATIO GARAGE PARKING PRIVATE LOCATION IN PERKINS TOWNSHIP OFF HULL ROAD NEAR PELTON PARK Timbers Edge Apartments For more information: call (419) 625-8829 or visit www.TimbersEdgeApartment.com In the fall of 2022, Vermilion resident Judy Williams, took it upon herself to interview four young adults to learn how they perceive older Americans. Patrick Anders, was the fourth and final interview for Judy’s “Perceptions of Aging” series. At the time of the interview, Patrick was a senior at Vermilion High School. He lived next door to his grandfather, who was widowed several years ago. “I go over to his house every night and visit. We watch tv and How older people allow themselves to be perceived dictates how well older people are treated by society. Ageism refers to the negative stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age. To combat ageism requires others to be inclusive and create opportunities for younger age and older age people to have positive interactions. If you are age 60+, consider joining the inter-generational choir at Ageless Harmony , at Sandusky High. Choir practice begins January 17, 2024, 2:45-3:20 pm each Wednesday through March 2024. The choir will perform at American Bandstand April 13, 2024 . Call Nancy at Serving Our Seniors to participate 419-624-1856. Thanks to Drama Teacher, Shana DeRose-Smith, Perkins High School will host its first inter-generational variety show. Young and old will be performing at PHS on Feb. 29, 2024 and March 1, 2024. Call Serving Our Seniors for more information 419-624-1856. Ask to speak with Nancy. What You Can Do About Ageism talk about our days. It’s a way I can center myself. It’s daily and consistent.” Unlike his grandfather, Patrick recognizes that he has grown up with technology all around him. “It’s always near me. My grandpa needs help with it. The library offers things to help. He has a Jitterbug cell phone, to make things easier.” Patrick said he grew up around lots of older people. His church, St. Mary’s in Vermilion, always had lots of adults working with the young people, in youth groups or in other ways. “I’ve seen older people who are passionate about our community, such as Shore Thing at Main Street Beach. They make the town what it is.” In using adjectives to describe older adults, Patrick said the words, “Wise, normally trusted, respected, experienced and they can be set in their ways.” (Author’s note: This seems to be synonymous with “stubborn”.) At the time of our interview, Patrick was a National Merit Scholar, an Eagle Scout, a golf and tennis athlete at Vermilion High School. He hoped to be accepted to Norte Dame, where he wants to study neuroscience. Perceptions of Aging by Judy Williams and Sue Daugherty Shana DeRose-Smith, PHS Drama Teacher Judy Williams and Patrick Anders 18