Sweating through the oldies

When I took a job as an activities director at the largest retirement community in town I figured it would be fun.

I could organize day trips, bingo games, and even exercise classes for the residents.

I even had plans for golf tournaments and craft classes because I knew that these type of things appealed to older people. I didn’t realize that I would be spending my days stuck in a rec hall waiting for someone to show up looking for something to do. I drastically underestimated the social activity of what I considered to be senior citizens. They are very active and unlike those of the past. Years ago, those living in retirement homes were willing to while away their days playing cards, watching TV and waiting for visitors to come see them. Now, they are involved in clubs, travel, and volunteering with non profit organizations all on their own. My boss told me to organize events and it would attract those who were unable to be involved in other areas. I did form a book club that has a whopping ten members and they meet twice a week in the new library section of the rec hall. We also prepare a weekly meal for anyone who wants to socialize. Those days are the worst in my opinion. Not that I mind having to prepare the meal, that part of the building is climate controlled, it is the main part of the hall that is miserable. With its high ceilings and lack of outer doors they decided that having the windows open and installing ceiling fans was sufficient. They don’t even have real ventilation in there. During the summer months the heat builds up and and has nowhere to go. Even the ceiling fans are not powerful enough to push the hot air down and out the open windows. We do have many people who attend the dinner but serving them and cleaning the dining area afterwards is just touture because I sweat profusely the entire time.

 

 

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