These days, the talk is all about Facebook and other social media options. Looking at these sites can give news about the world, show pictures of a nephew's new baby, share a chuckle, or update information on someone's latest surgery. How did we learn things before Facebook?
 
The Newspaper. Even in the 1860s, American newspapers had social columns, reporting on visits, trips and parties. Correspondents from small communities might send a weekly letter into the city newspaper, with descriptions of someone's new baby or wedding party. Sometimes there were juicy details, too!
 
The Round Robin. In past times, when people still wrote letters, put a stamp on them and dropped them into a mailbox, a family or group of friends might start a round-robin letter. The first writer would tell her news and send it to the next person, who would add what was happening in his life, and send it on to another one. In this way, a larger group could be informed of all the news. At the end of the line, the last person sent it back to the first, and the communicating started all over again.
 
The Coffee Klatch or the Water Cooler. People in the past who worked at home (primarily women) had their coffee groups, and workers might gather around the water cooler during a break, all sharing news of their lives or work gossip. 
 
The Party Line. Starting in 1878, subscribers to telephone service could save money by sharing the line with other households. (During the world wars, all lines were "party lines.") By quietly listening on their home phone, people could eavesdrop on other conversations and learn things they might not otherwise be privy to.
 
Times and technology change. People communicate in new and amazing ways in each generation, but, however it happens, the news gets around.
 
​Charlene Frazier
Community Coordinator
residentservices.600@gmail.com
www.residence600.com
600 E. Elm
Salina KS 67401
(785) 822-1300

Throughout life, people have goals and desires. Though times change and circumstances vary, senior adults want just what everyone else wants: to feel useful, appreciated and cared for.

• Respect. After a lifetime of being accomplished and in control, senior adults not only want to be respected, but have earned this. Simple politeness and patience can be signs of respect.

• Community. Older adults still want relationships, even if they have moved to a new residence or have lost family and friends. Community involves not just other residents or neighbors, but staff and medical personnel. Conversations and shared experiences are great therapy.

• Customization. No two people are alike. Though senior adults sometimes must pare down their possessions and space, they still want to be able to make their homes right for them and to set their own schedules, as much as possible. Some people need alone time; some need extra companionship.

• Independence. Seniors want to do as much for themselves as possible, for as long as possible. 

 
These are just a few of the things that make the lives of senior adults more comfortable and productive. Other desires include comfort, activity, and good health care, which are very much what everyone, at every stage in life, wants.

Charlene Frazier
Community Coordinator
residentservices.600@gmail.com
www.residence600.com
600 E. Elm
Salina KS 67401
(785) 822-1300

Every year, Merriam-Webster and other major dictionaries add words to their pages. Language has been changing since it was first written down. Though keeping up with every word in the dictionary is impossible, knowing some of the new terms will clear up confusion in our reading and conversations.
 
Have you heard any or all of these newer words?

• Super-spreader is a word that came from the COVID-19 pandemic. It describes an event where many people gather, which could result in the spread of a contagious condition.

 

• Long hauler is also a pandemic term. These are people who have long-lasting symptoms or complications, even after getting over the virus.

 

• Body-shaming refers to mocking someone based on their weight or other physical characteristics. 

 

• Air-fryer is one of the newest kitchen gadgets. A fan circulates convection currents to speed the cooking of food in a healthy way.

 

• A sofa surfer used to be called a "couch potato," but is the new way to describe anyone who sits around a lot and watches television.

 

• Photo bomb is when someone unexpected jumps into a posed group just as the photograph being snapped. Sometimes this produces a surprisingly funny picture. 

 
See if you can stretch your vocabulary this month by using one of these new words. Or keep your ears and eyes open for others. Invent your own; it might show up in the dictionary next year!
 
​Charlene Frazier
Community Coordinator
residentservices.600@gmail.com
www.residence600.com
600 E. Elm
Salina KS 67401
(785) 822-1300

 Although December and birthday are traditional times for gift-giving, people love to get presents all year around. What better time is there to surprise your loved one with a gift than in the cold months of winter?
 
But what should you consider when you're choosing a gift for someone in a healthcare facility or small apartment? 

• Space is limited. If your loved one has spots for knick-knacks, they probably already have them filled with mementoes from the past. Don't add clutter.

 

• The facility might have limitations. Check with the manager, director or assisted living facility before selecting things like candles, throw rugs, or gifts of food. The recipient's medical condition could make a difference, too.

 

• If many people enter your loved one's room, they may feel anxious about having expensive or breakable items around.

 

• Some things wear out or run out. Lotions can dry up, t-shirts can get overstretched, puzzle pieces go missing. Keep an eye on things that your relative already has to see if those should be replaced or refreshed.

 
If asked, your loved one will probably say, "I don't need a thing," but who doesn't like getting a new book or puzzle, seasonal-flavor lip balm, or fresh colored pens to write a quick note of thanks? A warm throw-blanket or fuzzy socks provide comfort and color. Best of all, your presence and attention will be well-received.
 
Charlene Frazier
Community Coordinator
residentservices.600@gmail.com
www.residence600.com
600 E. Elm
Salina KS 67401
(785) 822-1300
 

Happy New Year! Many people, in many languages, exchange this greeting. In some countries or religions, the "new year" doesn't start on January first, but whenever it starts, a fresh year can be a new beginning.
 
To celebrate 2022, many people in the United States will watch a certain holiday movie or parade. Sporting events are important in the celebrations of some. In New York City's Times Square, the shiny ball has dropped at midnight since 1907. A kiss at midnight, a traditional toast, and singing "Auld Lang Syne" are other customs frequently observed in our country. 
 
In some cultures, households feast on round or circle-shaped foods, like oranges and small cakes, to symbolize long life and good health. Before the clock strikes twelve in Spain, people will try to eat twelve grapes. Eating rice indicates prosperity in India and Pakistan. Apples dipped in honey are part of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. In the American South, the custom is to eat black-eyed peas for good luck.
 
Latin Americans who want to travel in the next year, will walk around the block with a suitcase on New Year's Eve, while others will clean the house for a bright start. The Greeks sing special carols, and Danish people jump over the threshold right into the new year. Chinese New Year includes fireworks, lanterns and dragon parades. In Brazil, wearing white for the new year is thought to bring good fortune. The Dutch plunge into the freezing North Sea. 
 
No matter what the tradition, everyone tries to look ahead with optimism, hoping that the troubles of the old year will be washed or rung or swept away, while something clean and good will bring future happiness.
 
Here's to a great new year!
 
Charlene Frazier
Community Coordinator
residentservices.600@gmail.com
www.residence600.com
600 E. Elm
Salina KS 67401
(785) 822-1300

​Bringing in a New Year
 
Happy New Year! Many people, in many languages, exchange this greeting. In some countries or religions, the "new year" doesn't start on January first, but whenever it starts, a fresh year can be a new beginning.
 
To celebrate 2022, many people in the United States will watch a certain holiday movie or parade. Sporting events are important in the celebrations of some. In New York City's Times Square, the shiny ball has dropped at midnight since 1907. A kiss at midnight, a traditional toast, and singing "Auld Lang Syne" are other customs frequently observed in our country. 
 
In some cultures, households feast on round or circle-shaped foods, like oranges and small cakes, to symbolize long life and good health. Before the clock strikes twelve in Spain, people will try to eat twelve grapes. Eating rice indicates prosperity in India and Pakistan. Apples dipped in honey are part of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. In the American South, the custom is to eat black-eyed peas for good luck.
 
Latin Americans who want to travel in the next year, will walk around the block with a suitcase on New Year's Eve, while others will clean the house for a bright start. The Greeks sing special carols, and Danish people jump over the threshold right into the new year. Chinese New Year includes fireworks, lanterns and dragon parades. In Brazil, wearing white for the new year is thought to bring good fortune. The Dutch plunge into the freezing North Sea. 
 
No matter what the tradition, everyone tries to look ahead with optimism, hoping that the troubles of the old year will be washed or rung or swept away, while something clean and good will bring future happiness.
 
Here's to a great new year!
 
Kim Rayas
Residence 600
kim@residence600.com
www.residence600.com
600 E. Elm
Salina KS 67401
(785) 822-1300