I am probably in the minority. I like change, even look forward to it.
Most people I meet like to keep things the way they were. Their routine the same, the objects around them the same, the companies they deal with the same, and even the foods they eat the same.
I used to think a lot like them until I realized that the world is constantly changing, both in the way we live and how we are impacted by outside entities. If we close our minds and abilities to old patterns, we can lose out on some very meaningful experiences.
Our office has undergone many changes in last few years. Most have been positive. Others have been challenging. We have grown from these experiences, but more importantly, have learned many new things as well.
Our programs have also changed and continue to change.
Our insurance counseling program will be one of continual change as President Obama's health care reform is enacted. Guidelines for other programs change as the funding availability shifts and the economy or poverty level adjusts.
This summer we are embarking on a process to help guide us in how we provide our services in the next four years.
We will distribute a Community Needs Assessment to provide us with key information.
This data will be compiled and evaluated so that as our county seniors grow in age and numbers, we can meet their ever-changing needs. This input, as well as our new state definitions and guidance, can bring about some exciting new challenges for change.
The surveys will be available in July and August in various key locations in the county.
Please take the time to complete this tool so that your voice can be heard.
Change is all around us.
Some things may not affect us, but a lot of them will.
To help, I would encourage anyone to take the time to try something different. Eat a new food, try a new route to your favorite store, or rearrange a living space.
I hope that you find it to be a wonderful experience.
Nancy Dingee is director of the Schoharie County Office for the Aging. 'Senior Scene' columns can be found at www.thedailystar.com/seniorscene.
Senior scene
From the Office: Change is good because we can learn, grow
- Senior scene
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Looking Back: A sad ending for adorable, sweet Taffy-toes
Another unwanted drop-off? Yes and so I must write this.
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As Time Goes By: Dealing with side effect of pills can really be a pain
At age 76, I find myself incontinent. Actually the problem started well before that date but now it has gone beyond "a problem," to "holy smoke the dam broke."
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From the Office: Try spring cleaning, organizing for stress release
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Looking Back: Take your time, think ahead before making decisions
A lifetime may seem forever for some, especially when we were young and couldn't wait to grow up and get to do all things we saw the adults do. Come to think of it, perhaps that wasn't too good.
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As Time Goes By: Getting sick in the southern sun
I went and did it - I have heard about southern hospitality so much that I thought I would see if it extended to the hospitals as well.
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From the Office: Despite professional advice, we still eat too much sodium
High blood pressure affects many seniors, putting them at risk of heart disease and stroke. The risks are much higher if they have diabetes, too.
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Looking Back: Shopping just isn't the same when you get older
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Social Security: Learn more about Social Security's own 'Final Four'
A fellow Social Security employee wrote this entertaining and informative article and shared it with me. I think it's worth sharing with all of you. Hope you enjoy it…
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As Time Goes By: Coming of age in the grocery store
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From the Office: Ensure you are safe when you take to the roads
The ability to drive is something that most of us count on, whether it be to get to work, shopping, medical or other appointments, visiting friends and family and any number of other activities. When the vehicle or the driver is out of commission, life can certainly be more difficult.
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Looking Back: What's in name? Sometimes a lot when talking about pets
When remembering years gone by, I always think fondly of the many delightful pets we had. I still miss them as each one had their own distinct personality that was so enchanting, entertaining and even sometimes exasperating.
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As Time Goes By: Tell my leg to stop pulling my leg
After 76 years of living with it, I have decided that my right leg has a mind of its own.
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From the Office: Don't miss a deduction when filing taxes this year
Happy New Year, everyone! It is that time of year when we are busy getting our tax paperwork in order. Before filing your taxes, don't miss out on deductions related to medical expenses and other costs that come out of your wallet, especially if you care for a family member throughout the year.
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Looking Back: Belief of life after death offers tranquility
As I write this column tears of sadness have been shed. I didn't think I could express myself for fear of sounding so remorseful to the point of despair.
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Social Security: Website now offers more through my Social Security portal
Happy New Year! As we enter 2013, I want to share some exciting news regarding recent enhancements made to our website. Take a look at the following news release that came out Jan. 7 from Social Security's press office, telling us all about a new service available to the public.
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As Time Goes By: It's a New Year and why am I still hung over?
Here we are, New Year's revelry has passed and now for those who imbibed too much the "price" must be paid.
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From the Office: Stay warm during cold winter months to avoid hypothermia
The winter months can be a difficult and dangerous time for anyone living in this area of the country where temperatures regularly fall below freezing.
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It helps to face old age with a happy heart
How do old folks feel when it comes to living through that time in their lives? Well, I’m at the 80-year mark now, and believe me, this is not what is said to be “Golden Years� in any form whatsoever!
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Social Security: An oldie but goodie on Frosty the Snowman and direct deposit
Yes, it's that time of year again -- time to go through my dad's old holiday articles and choose one to share with everyone.
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As Time Goes By: It's that time of year -- time for Christmas memories
"Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat -- please put a penny in the old man's hat." With those words my mother would herald the season of gift-giving which usually started a few weeks before the 25th of December.
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Looking Back: A sad ending for adorable, sweet Taffy-toes
