Life can hand us some amazing things, good and bad. Often, we feel that we're not in control of our own destiny, that others are making all the decisions for us. But one way we can decide something for ourselves is to improve our level of happiness.
 
What are some ways to make yourself happier?

• Be grateful. You may have lost many things throughout life: friends, family members, pets, home, possessions. But sit down and write a list of things that you can be grateful for today. Maybe it was a favorite dessert served at mealtime. Did someone smile at you when you were picking up your mail? Though you might have physical problems, focus on the parts of your body and mind that are still working. Try to find something new to be thankful for each day and go back and read the list now and then.

 

• Give yourself a pep talk. Your parents, teachers, spiritual leaders and coaches were once responsible for encouraging you and urging you on, but now you can do it yourself. Find positive phrases, like "You can do it," or "Look how well you've done!" and repeat them as many times a day as you can.

 

• Have a laugh. Find a friend or group who likes to have a good time, and join in. Watch a comedy program or movie that really gives you belly laughs. Read a joke book! Do something absolutely silly, like blowing bubbles. "Laughter is the best medicine" isn't just an old saying. Doctors say that laughter is part of healing treatments.

 

• Get some puppy love. Sharing love with a pet can improve health and happiness. If you can't keep one of your own, visit someone who does have a friendly pup or kitten. Even watching nature shows on television about cute animals or zoo care can cheer you up.

 
If you are feeling seriously sad, for no obvious reason, do consult a medical professional. "Just cheer up" is no help for clinical depression. But for the little ups and downs of daily life, we can do a lot to improve our happiness.
 
Charlene Frazier 
Community Coordinator, Residence 600
600 E. Elm, Salina KS 67401
785-822-1300
residentservices.600@gmail.com

 
Whether you live in a senior living facility, a studio apartment, or your own home, there are ways you can turn the space into something that reflects your personality and makes you happy. Small spaces can be a challenge, especially if you are used to a larger home, but a little creativity goes a long way.

• Change what you can. You might not be in control of the texture of the walls or ceilings, or the color of your cabinets, but you can choose some things yourself. A floral bedspread or a painting in bold, bright colors will make your room cheerful and show your tastes. Even a pretty shower curtain can do a lot to perk up a clinical-looking bathroom.

 

• Less can be more. After collecting tea cups, angels or baseball hats all of your life, you may feel attached to each item. The memories that come with collections and purchases are precious. In a small place, though, you probably won't have room to display everything. A special shelf can display three or four exceptional items at a time. Remember, you can rotate the displays or pictures. Put the rose plates out in June and decorate with the Santa plates in December!

 

• Comfort trumps quantity. Are you used to decorating your bed with a dozen throw pillows? Overnight storage for such items can be limited, so it might be time to pare down items used purely for decoration. Throw rugs can trip you up; couch cushions take up space; grandmother's China is too delicate for the dishwasher. Pass these items along to others.

 

• Be yourself. When all is said and done, your living space should make you comfortable and happy. If you want pictures hanging floor to ceiling, and your lease or abilities allow it, "do you!" If you'd rather use your kitchen shelves for your model airplanes instead of for extra plates, it's up to you. The photographed faces of your family and friends may be your décor of choice.  But it's up to you.

 
Charlene Frazier 
Community Coordinator, Residence 600
600 E. Elm, Salina KS 67401
785-822-1300
residentservices.600@gmail.com

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