...always a lesson to learn...

An 90 year old woman said, "I have not complaint, I am very well taken care in this place." She further explained she has delicious food and friendly and loving environment.

This woman has given me the opportunity to look into myself of how appreciative and thankful am I to God's bountiful blessing upon me.

...looking for sponsorship to purchase the instruments...

I am looking for sponsors to help me to purchase the instruments to be used for my Rhythmic Tranguility Group. Thank you very much. Description:

The HealthRhythms Collection features Remo world percussion instruments used by doctors, nurses, music therapists, counselors, and other healthcare professionals offering Group Empowerment Drumming programs around the globe. The HealthRhythms Collection complements drumming programs designed by Barry Bittman, MD; Christine Stevens, MSW, MT-BC; and Karl Bruhn. Medical science has recently documented the health benefits of Group Empowerment Drumming, demonstrating immune system improvements on a cellular level in normal subjects. This unique approach has been successfully utilized as a well-accepted, cost-effective strategy in clinical outcome-based programs for individuals facing the challenges of heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, and asthma. For new research on the benefits of group drumming for long-term care workers, visit http://www.mind-body.org/.

This collection is designed to accommodate 10 or more people and includes a colorful variety of hand drums and accessories from many different cultures. Due to Remo's special manufacturing processes, the instruments are durable, weather resistant, and easy to clean and disinfect.

Includes the following items:
2 10" Tubanos1 12" Tubano2 10" Pretuned Djembes2 12" Buffalo Drums1 Sound Shapes Circle Pack of 61 Thunder Tube1 16" Ocean Drum1 pair Drumsticks2 Apple Shaker Sets of 122 pairs Claves2 10" Pretuned Tambourines1 3-Toned Agogo Bell1 22" Gathering Drum1 Guided Imagery CD1 bottle Sterisol Disinfectant

A cure of loneliness

A cure for loneliness
Dolgor’s face lights up as a group of visitors enter her ger. At 80, with no family nearby, she suffers from acute loneliness. Or at least she used to, before Munkhtuya, a Red Cross volunteer from Ulaan Baatar, began visiting her regularly.
Dolgor calls Munkhtuya her ‘daughter’ and is very close to her. “She is so good to me,” Dolgor enthuses. “I used to have no company at all, but now I am so happy. Munkhtuya visits me every week and brings me so many things.”
Mongolian Red Cross
When migration to the city takes place, traditional family networks that would act as a safety net are disrupted and the Mongolian Red Cross steps in to fill the gap, particularly with assistance to vulnerable elderly people.
Dolgor is a good example of this. She had two children; one passed away and the other lives far away in the countryside. The local Red Cross branch wanted to support Dolgor, but it took a long time to track her down because she was constantly being forced to move.
This is common in Mongolia, where the law can make it difficult to establish land ownership and the most vulnerable often don’t possess the necessary knowledge to secure the land they are entitled to.
Prize delicacy
Dolgor is over the moon to be visited and she thrives on the company. She whispers excitedly to her ‘daughter’: “What should I talk about? Maybe they would like something to eat?”
Suddenly she remembers a prize delicacy, a boiled lamb’s head prepared earlier, which she enthusiastically offers to her guests. Nothing goes to waste in Mongolia, where food prices have more than doubled in the past year.

Story taken from http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=84627

...I have a story to tell...

Aging gracefully group met today at 3.00 pm. There were 12 elderly individuals (ages 75- 100) who attended this one hour session.

The topic of discussion was Picture This.

Purpose:

1. To develop a climate for group interaction through self-disclosure.

2. To recognize the impact of positive life experiences.

Materials:

One photocpy of the illustration for each member, pencils, pens, markers, or crayons.

The outcomes with this session was very encouraging.

Members were taking turn to tell their own stories. They even describes their feelings about the depicted scenes and how these and other memorable moment have had significant impact on their lives.

Some words form the participants:

"It gives me the sense of feeling acceptance because nobody judges me of my weakness."

"Now, I understand the power of sharing and listening to others' experiences."

"Thank you for having this "down to earth" session, it makes me "alive as I recalled my own life."

"Each person is unique and the each person's story is powerful."

"When will be the next session, I enjoy this it, it empowers me to appreciate my daily life."

"I always enjoy and love to share and listen to others' experiences.

Sacred hands.......of the elderly individuals...

WHAT ARE THE FINGERS SAYING?

AGING GRACEFULLY

POTENTIALITIES WITH THE HANDS

GENTLE HAND BEATING THE DRUM!

counting your blessings

The following persons were randomly asked to share one of the many blessings of life.

"It is wonderful to have time to pray."

"Everything here is a blessing I thank God every night for landing me here."

"Living at the Motherhouse."

"When my sister dies, I was immersely blessed by the overflowing sympathy, love and support from my Sisters."

"Fortunate to be here at Mercy and for my wonderful family."

"The fact that I'spoiled rotten and I love to be spoiled."

"The wonderful care I get."

""Grateful to be restored to health and be back to my ministry here at Mercy."

"I have a job in a safe and nice place to work."

"God's love, good health."

"Our newly renovated space, with gratitude to all responsible."

"Having a job in place with a homey atmosphere and people."

"The freedom to procalim and share my faith in Jesus Christ in an atmosphere of understanding and support."

It is never too late for the elderly individuals to enjoy!

Just gathering for chit-chat can alos help the elderly to elevate their loneliness.

A blessing this elderly woman is still capable to lift her hands.

Dancing can be a joyful way for the elderly indidviduals to interact and still feel strong and healthy.

Another way how an elderly can continue to use his/her cognitive ability is by learning the computer and learning how to utilize the internet.

Whatever forms of slow and gentle exercises are really good for elderly too.

Tai-Chi is one of the many activities.