The only constant is change...

It's been about a month since I started at my new community. I still feel like a new kid on the block in many ways, but then on the other hand I feel very comfortable there. This is the town I grew up in, and it really does feel like home. The residents are an interesting mix in terms of physical and cognitive fitness, so it's a challenge... but for the most part, they seem happy with the programming that I'm offering, and they've been very welcoming to me.

One hurdle that I'm working hard to overcome is their attachment to a particular videotape called "Sittercise." Company policy dictates that I must have two instructor-led fitness programs daily, and putting a tape in the VCR does not qualify as an instructor-led program. I've brought in a chair-yoga teacher, and I'm leading Conductorcise and Walk-Aerobics... but THEY WANT THAT TAPE! I'm winning them over slowly but surely, though... just have to keep smiling and ignoring the complainers.

I know change is hard... especially for older folks. But really, it's the only thing we can count on. And hopefully, I'm bringing them a change for the better... actually, I know I am. One of the two centenarians in the community told me the other day, "Since you came here, the activities have improved dramatically." They are all just so hungry for intellectual stimulation and cultural enrichment... yes, there is life for seniors beyond beadmaking, Bingo, and bridge!!

Today I did a new program with them - "Community Sing." I made up songsheets of some of my oldest and most favorite folksongs, and a couple of new ones, and took out my guitar and sang with them. No, it's not a new concept - it's centuries old, maybe millenia - but it's new for them, and it was a huge success. One woman who hadn't cracked a smile in all the weeks I've been there (and probably long before) sang along with everything, and when it was over, she came up to me and said "That was FUN!" Another woman said, "That really made me feel good. Singing like that is cathartic!" Well, that is what it's all about, isn't it? Made my day.