These Are the Good Ol’ Days | Community

Much to my disappointment, I thought it would take much longer—much, much longer—to get this old. But here I am, a vulnerable geezer nearing 80, proudly a descendant of parents from the Greatest Generation, living the dream in SaddleBrooke. Okay, so I’m a Boomer in “God’s waiting room” at SaddleBrooke, or what landscapers and contractors cheerfully call “The Bank.” It’s a community where my doctor tells me to get up and walk away when folks start talking about their health. I lightheartedly call it “Ol’ SaddleBurns.” All joking aside, I thank goodness that my wife and I decided to live here 16 years ago, and that Senior Village at SaddleBrooke is available to help in so many personal ways. With Senior Village, you are never alone.

For many of us, aging brings anxiety and sometimes fear of the unknown. How will I be able to take care of myself later in life? Time has a way of confronting us with reality. With the erosion of everyday civility worldwide, we must see time as a valuable resource, even a commodity. As the years pass, I have realized how much Senior Village at SaddleBrooke can become part of my lifestyle in many essential ways.

Senior Village is the only nonprofit dedicated to serving SaddleBrooke residents. Every program, volunteer effort and act of support directly benefits our neighbors here at home, truly a neighbor helping neighbors’ organization. Services are non-medical, with 12 teams and 400 volunteers providing basic services to over 2,300 members, with numbers growing by the day.

Here is a brief list of some services offered by Senior Village at SaddleBrooke.

• Transportation by vetted and trained volunteers who drive members to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and errands.
• Help around the house with fixing loose hinges, changing lightbulbs, providing computer support, and replacing refrigerator filters.
• Personal phone calls and home visits help members stay connected and socialize, making new friends while participating in interactive events.
• Installing a residential lockbox at your front door provides a safe and secure way for 911 personnel to access your home in an emergency. Call (520) 314-1042 to learn how you can purchase a lockbox from Senior Village and have it installed.
• Assistance with organizing and handling important legal documents. Volunteers will help members organize paperwork and complete forms.
• Assist with setting up voice command devices like Alexa and installing smart lights, plugs, doorbells, and thermostats.
• More assistance is available online for Senior Village members at seniorvillage.org.

I often find myself gazing at the clear blue skies in SaddleBrooke and feeling grateful that I live here. With a touch of emotion, my wife, Judi, and I appreciate that Senior Village is part of our lives. You should be, too. So, if your TV is always on and your pet is your closest companion, you might want to connect with Senior Village at SaddleBrooke.

If you’re interested in becoming a member or volunteer with Senior Village, call (520) 314-1042, or visit their website at Seniorvillage.org to create lasting memories.

Mark Twain famously wrote, “Do not complain about growing old. It is a privilege denied to many.”

Award-winning writer Jerry Wilkerson lives in SaddleBrooke. He was a former press secretary for two U.S. Congressmen, a correspondent for CBS NewsRadio 780 Chicago, and the Chicago Daily News. He has served as a police commissioner and is a Navy veteran. Email: [email protected].